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Why The Successful Bother With Small Talk

It’s more than a matter of why but what the small talk comprises of too.

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For years, I can understand why so many people groan at the idea of small. The mere question of “how are you?” is by far one of the most worthless three-word combination questions to ask in the known world.

It establishes no connection, typically prompts the person to lie or make a half-baked answer, and doesn’t really provide many conversations that’ll go anywhere.

The sheer thought of small talk having to start with that question is probably why so many people detest small talk.

But over the past few days, I’ve started to realize just how important small talk really is. But also why successful people bother with this tactic. It may seem pointless at first, but it’s a matter of what the small talk actually is as well.

Why Bother With It

The biggest thing about small talk is that there is a fair bit of research behind the benefits of small talk.

In Karen Wickre’s book Taking the Work out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections that Count, Wickre explains that small talk forms a momentary bond with those around you. For introverts specifically, this is essential since even…

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Eric S Burdon
Eric S Burdon

Written by Eric S Burdon

I write (and sometimes do videos) about self-help for those who don't like self-help. Complete with the occasional memes and riffs on the industry that I love.

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