Art Of Intelligent Chitchat: Harvard, Wharton Scholars Uncover Best Ways To Make Smarter Small Talk
Having to make small talk is inevitable in case you have had the luck of making it into polite society. However, instinctively, we tend to believe that impressing the other person requires showcasing our job title, educational background, and achievements. But as it appears, it might completely be the wrong approach!
Harvard, Wharton Researchers On Best Ways To Make Smarter Small Talk
During a series of experiments conducted by researchers from Harvard and Wharton, students were paired up to solve brain teasers together. The participants were divided into two groups. One group was informed that their performance would be evaluated solely based on the accuracy of their answers, while the other group was told that their evaluation would depend on the impression they made on their partner.
In this scenario, the students had three options for communicating with their partner: They could either request some advice by saying, "Hey, can you give me any advice?", express well wishes by saying, "Hey, I hope you did well,¡± or choose not to say anything at all.
Not surprisingly, the students who were evaluated based on the accuracy of their answers displayed a strong inclination to seek advice. On the other hand, those who were evaluated on the impression they made were considerably less likely to ask for assistance. This reluctance likely stemmed from their fear of appearing incompetent, according to the study
'Those who asked for advice must possess intelligence and cleverness'
However, when the students were paired with partners who maintained a neutral stance or actively sought their advice, the students held a higher opinion of the people who sought guidance. They reasoned that those who asked for advice must possess intelligence and cleverness, partly due to the flattering nature of being approached for assistance.
In short, the study says we have a tendency to believe that individuals who seek our advice are wise in their decision, as it reflects positively on our own intelligence.
In another Harvard study, it was proved that people liked those individuals on were intent on asking more questions than blabbering about their own proficiencies. The questioner in this situation always comes out to seem more caring and understanding.?
The key to having a lasting impact is to ask impactful questions than just make small talk for the sake of making conversation to fill the awkward silences.?
Tell us what you think about these study findings made by Harvard and Wharton scholars in the comments below.
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