Topic: Small Talk (Read 4422 times)

Classic · « **on:** February 19, 2008, 09:36:36 PM »

So yeah guys. How do you do this thing? All I've got for small talk is, "How 'bout them Brooklyn Dodgers?" Unfortunately, the ideal time to use that line never comes, because I am never a cartoon Taxi.

...
...
Someday though.

Thad · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2008, 09:47:34 PM »

Weather's an easy topic.

So are popular films and television shows.

Beat Bandit · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2008, 09:49:05 PM »

I usually walk up to a group or individual proclaiming "God damn, I'm awesome!"

If they don't request more proof of the statement they're not worth talking to, or will already trust anything you say.

Classic · « **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2008, 09:55:14 PM »

Coincidentally, I have tried this and have met with equally interesting responses, but I don't think that this can really be called small talk. It seems that the functional definition of small talk is communication that smooths things over until something interesting happens and lets you segue into something you or the other person give a damn about.

Like alcohol, only you talk about things other than how much she can "bounce" without her bra on.

Quote from: Thad on February 19, 2008, 09:47:34 PM

Weather's an easy topic.

Okay! I can do that! I see what the weather is!

Quote from: Thad on February 19, 2008, 09:47:34 PM

So are popular films and television shows.

Brentai · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2008, 10:37:30 PM »

So, how was your day?

SCD · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:32:41 PM »

People like talking about their jobs. Throw some inside knowledge or something that you know they're excited about such as busy times for cab drivers and they all will talk a mile a minute regardless or race or creed.

Up here, everyone loves the game. Whether it is Canadian rules football, or hockey, it is essential in the rural areas to at least have knowledge or 5 players in a team and preference of the same team. People love talking about that, despite how much I really despise it.

Music is a good one now that we are looking more and more into real good sat radio as it is allowing people to have some more education in those bounds.

One last thing: There is a Simpsons quote for everything

Bongo Bill · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:44:41 PM »

Books! Show off that you are literate!

Zaratustra · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:59:04 PM »

If talking to a girl you know, asking how her day or weekend went always works. If talking to men, ask if they've seen the last episode of Lost/Heroes/whateva.

Remember that non-nerdy people do not automatically roll eyes upon a reference to mainstream culture.

Catloaf · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2008, 08:17:51 AM »

Yes, but a very nerdy person will soon get sidetracked by their own reference and start thinking about even nerdier things. Leading to them likely saying something that might bring an eye roll.

I always like saying "Anything new with you?" Slurred into "En'thn nuwityu?"

Kazz · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2008, 10:44:23 AM »

I have a tough time with this, too. Usually I end up with requesting clearance to dock, or demanding an immediate surrender.

Both of which, it turns out, are sub-par pickup lines.

Thad · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2008, 01:55:33 PM »

Quote from: SCD on February 19, 2008, 11:32:41 PM

One last thing: There is a Simpsons quote for everything

Don't I know it.

Mongrel · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2008, 04:19:12 PM »

Well, remember one of the most important (if not the most important) rules of being a good conversationalist: This is not all about you.

Practice good listening skills and ask a few genuine questions (how-was-your-day? type of stuff etc.). Then the burden of conversation shifts to the other person in a way that doesn't make you look bad. After they talk for a bit, you'll have more information regarding the other person such as: acceptable boundaries for conversation, the other person's interests, common ground, etc.

If you're lucky, that sets off a great conversation where you just bounce points back and forth and have fun. But at worst you'll at least have a starting point for talking and you'll avoid seeming like a self-centred jerk.

And again: practice good listening skills.

Cannon · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2008, 06:21:38 PM »

What?

Bastard From A Basket · « **Reply #13 on:** February 26, 2008, 12:04:32 PM »

Small talk? Who gives a shit? Don't listen to these guys. Make up your own rules. Why do it the same way everyone else has always done it? You don't want to be a boring old man like Iron Mongrel. It's all bullshit and fakery and smoke and mirrors anyway. Just start talking about metamorphic rock, or even progressive rock if you want. Whatever you want pal, it doesn't matter.

Talk, its only talk
Arguments, agreements, advice, answers,
Articulate announcements
Its only talk

Talk, its only talk
Babble, burble, banter, bicker bicker bicker
Brouhaha, boulderdash, ballyhoo
Its only talk
Back talk

Talk talk talk, its only talk
Comments, cliches, commentary, controversy
Chatter, chit-chat, chit-chat, chit-chat,
Conversation, contradiction, criticism
Its only talk
Cheap talk

Talk, talk, its only talk
Debates, discussions
These are words with a d this time
Dialogue, dualogue, diatribe,
Dissention, declamation
Double talk, double talk

Talk, talk, its all talk
Too much talk
Small talk
Talk that trash
Expressions, editorials, expugnations, exclamations, enfadulations
Its all talk
Elephant talk, elephant talk, elephant talk

Brentai · « **Reply #14 on:** February 26, 2008, 08:05:15 PM »

Quote from: Bastard From A Basket on February 26, 2008, 12:04:32 PM

You don't want to be a boring old man like Iron Mongrel.

What, the married guy? Yeah, fuck that.

...oh wait, yeah. Actually, fuck that.

Mongrel · « **Reply #15 on:** February 26, 2008, 08:07:36 PM »

But, of course.

Why on earth would anyone want to be able to successfully engage the opposite sex in conversation?

Brentai · « **Reply #16 on:** February 26, 2008, 10:09:28 PM »

No, that's actually a good point.

jsnlxndrlv · « **Reply #17 on:** February 26, 2008, 10:13:22 PM »

1. Read a copy of Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".
2. There is no step 2.

Bongo Bill · « **Reply #18 on:** February 26, 2008, 10:18:54 PM »

I won a friend in a sweepstakes.

Cannon · « **Reply #19 on:** February 26, 2008, 11:24:49 PM »

Here are two words that obviously solve any social problem. Ever.

BE YOURSELF.

...OKAY, BE YOUR SMALL SELF.

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Author Topic: Small Talk (Read 4422 times)