5 Tips for Making Small Talk

If you dread making small talk in social situations, here are a few tips that Raele Altano, certified coach and founder of Well with Raele, shared in her video!

These are a very helpful reminders when making small talk so you feel less nervous and instead much more comfortable.

1. People love to talk about themselves. Ask questions!

First thing to remember is that people love (really LOVE) to talk about themselves. So when in doubt or in a situation where you have no idea what to say next, just ask a question.

Obviously, you will try not to be nosy or intrusive but chances are people will love to answer and take the opportunity to talk about themselves.

2. There are so many topics you can bring to the table

Remember that there are so many topics that are great for starting a conversation.

Cooking, kids, arts, travel, real estate, sports, culture..

There's so many fun things to talk about that you can bring to the table.

3. Compliments break the ice

Giving someone a genuine compliment is a great way to to break the ice.

Plus, it puts good juju out in the world!

4. Humour goes a long way

Don't be afraid to tell a joke that works well or an anecdote that's funny and relatable to others.

A little humour goes a long way!

5. Don't take it too seriously

Everyone is so wrapped up in themselves and what they're going to say and do next.. No one is as focused on you as you think.

So if you say something stupid or there's an awkward pause or a joke that you say doesn't land, don't sweat it!

It probably wasn't a big deal at all and no one is as hyper focused on you as you are on yourself :)

Raele Altano is a Certified Communication Coach of Armenian origin living in New York City. She's the founder of Well with Raele. She shares approachable confident tips in her socials like Instagram and TikTok and she helps women with confidence and personal development through dedicated 1:1 coaching sessions and objective yet authentic support.