Written by Katie Bancheri-Mittelman, Temple Family Council Member
So, what exactly is "small talk?" The definition of "small talk," as found in Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary, is "light or casual conversation: chit chat." While small talk can be viewed as a social skill, it also comes into play in many work situations. Employers view small talk as a "soft skill," which is an attribute that enables someone to interact effectively with others and is vital to furthering your career. In a job interview, having the ability to make small talk can quickly and significantly impact an interviewer's perception.
While some people are comfortable with making small talk, the increased usage of digital communication, coupled with social distancing during COVID-19, may have impacted your Owl's confidence level and affected their small talk skills. If they need a little boost to help them prepare for an interview, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Start simple. Don't feel pressured to show in-depth knowledge of a specialized area or prove your hard skills right away. Less pressure leads to more organic small talk and natural connections.
2. Practice in low-stress situations. There is a benefit to practicing small talk when nothing is on the line. One great place for students to practice is when using a ride-share service (e.g., Uber, Lyft, etc.) Often, the ride-share drivers are pleased to chat. Many have interesting stories and might enjoy knowing more about their rider. In this situation, it is important to listen to their response and ask follow-up questions. This behavior also provides an excellent opportunity to practice good listening skills.
3. Show interest in the other person. Try to start with a topic that will ultimately lead to a conversation you are comfortable with, such as a hobby or interest related to something you have done or aspire to do.
4. Do some mock interviews. Temple students can use the Handshake app to contact Temple University’s Career Center and schedule a virtual or in-person mock interview to further practice the art of small talk. Temple University Career Center
