logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
15m 11s

How to Never Struggle with Small Talk

Civility Media
About this episode

Small talk can be so awkward.

You’re trying to fill the silence, but the conversation just isn’t clicking. What do you do?

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to make small talk feel natural, engaging, and even enjoyable. You’ll learn how to ask better questions, keep the conversation flowing, and avoid the awkward silence trap.

These tips will help you turn any small talk moment—whether at a party, in line at the grocery store, or before a meeting—into a real connection.

Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today! 

Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! 

Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. 

Watch my podcast on YouTube 

Follow me on Instagram 

Follow me on LinkedIn

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Oct 7
Being Nice Won’t Save You in Difficult Conversations
Being nice won’t save you — especially in conflict. Too often, we think if we’re agreeable enough, people will treat us better or listen more. But that’s not how it works. In this episode, I talk about why “nice” people often get steamrolled in difficult conversations, the differ ... Show More
21m 18s
Sep 30
STOP Trying to Be Calm. This Is How You Actually Handle Emotional People
Being told to “calm down” never actually makes you calmer. In this episode, I unpack what “calm” really means in conversation—and why it often backfires. Instead of aiming for a blank-slate calm, I’ll show you how to create a grounded connection—a way to stay present, regulate yo ... Show More
14m 50s
Sep 23
What They Really Mean When They Belittle You
A belittling comment is never about you—it’s about them. In this episode, I break down why people use belittling remarks as a grab for dominance, how to decode the real intent behind their words, and why it’s usually just a projection of their own insecurity. You’ll learn the exa ... Show More
15m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
How to Talk to Anyone (Even If You Think You’re Awkward)
Boost your Communication Skills and get the life and job you want🤩 ⁠https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413⁠ Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ Do you feel awkward or unsure in conversations? You’re not alone! In this Explearning Academy ... Show More
41m 26s
Feb 2025
#460 How to Master Small Talk (Even if You're an Introvert)
Small talk is part of lots of the meetings and moments that we experience at work and most of us don't enjoy it! This week, Sarah and Helen discuss why small talk matters for connection and how to approach it. They share 'small talk starters', the importance of listening to what ... Show More
38 m
Jan 2025
Unlock the Secret to Effortless Business Small Talk: Build Better Connections at Work!
Click here to upgrade your English speaking skills and accelerate your career! 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 Struggling to master small talk in business settings? You’re not alone! Small talk can feel awkward, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for building ... Show More
40m 36s
Sep 15
#457 - What to Say After "HOW ARE YOU" in English — How to Talk to Anyone and Keep the Conversation Flowing
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Do you ever get stuck after saying “Hi! How are you?” In this episode, Izzy shares a simple, step-by-step guide to keep any conversation flowing naturally. You’ll learn how to go beyond small talk, avoid awkward si ... Show More
22m 27s
Aug 18
861 - How to Make Small Talk in English
Today, I want to talk about something that might seem small, but it actually plays a big role in everyday English — and that’s small talk. Small talk is one of those things that isn’t really taught in textbooks… but it’s something people do all the time in English-speaking countr ... Show More
10m 28s
Jun 2016
02 - Free Time
In this week’s episode listen to small talk and learn how to create and maintain a casual conversation in English! Dan and Jennifer chit-chat (have an informal conversation) about free time activities, hobbies, and friends. These topics are very common for small talk, so find out ... Show More
20m 1s
Feb 2025
How to Master Small Talk & Why We Do Things Without Knowing Why- SYSK Choice
Is there a reason we have eyebrows? Pretty much every part of the human body has a reason for being there and eyebrows actually have three reasons. I begin this episode by explaining what they are. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/58424/why-do-we-have-eyebrows Every relationsh ... Show More
49m 35s
Feb 2025
Weekly Wingman: 7 Hacks To Easily Continue Conversation
No matter how shy or awkward you are, you can learn how to be a smooth talker with girls and be able to sit down with a girl, talk for as long as you want and have her engaged and smiling the whole time without any awkward moments. You'll learn 7 ways to talk more and think l ... Show More
17m 7s
Sep 12
#65- 20 Words for Smalltalk & Networking
Welcome to Episode #65 of The Real Life English with Gabby Podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn 20 important English slang words, idioms, and phrasal verbs for small talk and networking. Small talk is typically one of the first things you learn in English because of how importa ... Show More
26m 42s
Feb 2025
💬 How to survive small talk in French
Today, let's talk about small talk in French. Catch the article here: Small talk in French. — SPECIAL OFFERS 💬 PRACTICE FRENCH WITH AI Get 20% OFF your first month with LANGUA Pro Use code: EDEN20 ► ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LANGUATALK 👩‍🏫 Learn with a Native French Tutor - Book a ... Show More
12m 49s