How to Get Better at Small Talk in English

Small talk. Love it or hate it, it’s something we can’t avoid.

For many people, small talk feels pointless or even anxiety-inducing. But here’s the thing—small talk isn’t just about filling awkward silences. It’s how connections begin. Whether it’s at work, at an event, or just making casual chit-chat with strangers, mastering small talk can help you feel more confident and build better relationships.

So today, I’m going to share practical small talk tips that actually work—including phrases, conversation starters, and ways to make it feel more natural. And if you’re an introvert like me, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

The Biggest Myth About Small Talk

One of the biggest misconceptions about small talk is that it has to be deep or profound. It really doesn’t.

Think of it as a warm-up. Just like stretching before a workout, it’s not the main event—but it makes everything else easier. Small talk is about opening the door to a real conversation.

So, let’s jump straight into some practical ways to start a conversation—whether you’re at work, at a social event, or just out and about.

Easy Small Talk Starters

Here are some simple, non-awkward ways to start small talk, depending on the situation:

At Work

• "Busy day today?" (Simple and lets the other person decide how much to share.)

• "How long have you been working here?" (Perfect if you’re new or meeting someone for the first time.)

• "Any plans for the weekend?" (A great Friday conversation starter.)

At a Social Event or Party

• "How do you know [the host]?" (Classic, easy, and opens up a conversation.)

• "Have you been to this kind of event before?"

• "That’s a great [outfit/accessory]—where did you get it?" (A genuine compliment is a fantastic icebreaker.)

In Public Places (Cafés, Queues, Shops)

• "This queue is taking ages, isn’t it?"

• "Oh, that looks good—have you tried it before?" (Great for restaurants or coffee shops.)

• "It’s freezing today! Proper British weather, right?" (Weather—predictable, but it still works!)

The golden rule? Look for shared experiences. If you’re both waiting for the same thing, standing in the same queue, or at the same event, that’s your opening.

How to Keep the Conversation Going

So, you’ve started the conversation—but how do you keep it going?

The trick is to ask open-ended questions—questions that don’t just get a 'yes' or 'no' response.

• "Do you like your job?" → (Too closed, might end the chat quickly.)

• "What do you enjoy most about your job?" → (Encourages a real answer!)

Another tip? Listen actively. When someone answers, pick up on something they’ve said and respond to that.

For example:

• If they say, "I’m heading to Spain next week," don’t just say, "Oh, nice." Instead, ask, "Oh, that sounds amazing! Have you been before, or is this your first time?"

This keeps the conversation flowing naturally.

What to Do When the Conversation Dies

Let’s be real—sometimes, small talk just doesn’t go anywhere.

Maybe the other person is giving one-word answers, or they just don’t seem interested. If that happens, don’t force it.

Here’s a graceful exit strategy:

• "Anyway, I won’t keep you—I just wanted to say hello!"

• "Great chatting with you—enjoy your day!"

• "Well, I’m off to grab a coffee—have a good one!"

That way, you’re ending on a polite note, rather than letting things get awkward.

Common Small Talk Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few things to avoid in small talk:

• Overly personal questions – Asking about someone’s salary, relationship status, or health issues? Nope.

• Controversial topics – Politics and religion are not great small talk topics unless you know the person well.

• Forgetting to reciprocate – If someone asks you a question, don’t just answer—ask something back.

Small Talk Tips for Introverts

If you’re an introvert, small talk can feel exhausting—but here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all the time.

Instead of trying to talk to everyone, focus on one or two quality conversations.

And if you really struggle with it, prep a few go-to topics in advance. That way, you’re not scrambling for something to say in the moment.

At the end of the day, small talk is just about making connections. It doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room.