11 Things That Will Help You Make Small Talk With Anyone

Are you in a profession where you have to talk to too many people? Are you having trouble initiating a conversation with your crush?

Don¡¯t you worry because it is perfectly normal. Not everyone is comfortable making small talk. So here's a guide to talk to everyone from your crush at work, to your super boss, to the person sitting next to you on the metro.

1. Smile.

It doesn't matter if you like the person or not, because smiling is harmless. It is the best thing to do when you want to 'build-up' a conversation.

Just go -One-two-three....eeeeee :)

PS: This works with everyone and anyone.

2. Selective hearing.

This comes in handy with a person you completely detest. In your head, you're convinced that he's a loser and doesn't know his stuff and you hate having a conversation with him. So here's the trick - say what you have to and pick up only useful stuff from their response. I know that half of it doesn't make sense to you, but whatever does should be registered by you.

PS: Ignore the rest.

3. Eye contact.

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This is something you should do with anyone you want to speak to. Make eye contact as it establishes an understanding.

P.s. This is universal. Nobody likes shifty people.

4. Go out for coffee.

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It is not that tough to ask someone for coffee. And by coffee, I don't mean a date. You can have coffee in your office lounge or the cafeteria. Do this with the person you think has potential to have a conversation. This can work well with anyone - your boss, super boss, new girl on the team, arrogant team mate and everyone else.

PS: If you are asking someone from the opposite gender, make sure it doesn't come across like you're asking them on a date.

5. Ask them for a light.

This is the easiest way to make small talk. Tried and tested.

PS: This can backfire if you are trying it with someone who doesn't smoke.

6. Raise eyebrows and nod.

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Nodding is the best way to show that you're interested in whatever the other person is saying (even though you're not).

Here's how this goes-

Person: Hey, what's going on? You: Raise eyebrows + nod up and down.

PS: It would be great if you could add a smile here.

5. Ask for something.

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This can be quite a savior. If they have it, great! If they don't, you can start a conversation on why you need it.

PS: The only safe option on this list.

6. Compliment people.

"Hey, nice shoes!"

That's it!

PS: Make sure you don't sound creepy.

7. Ask about something random.

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For instance, if they are carrying a book, ask about that book. If they've got a new haircut, ask them where they got it done from.

PS: Don't get carried away and become too intrusive.

8. Talk about traffic.

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Another topic that can help you break the ice. If you find someone important in the elevator and you have to start conversation, just talk about where you got stuck and how someone ended up banging their car right in front of you. You'll be surprised how long this conversation could become.

PS: This is a win-win situation because it is one of those barely controversial topics to talk about.

9. Say good morning.

This comes across as polite and gentle. And it's one of the most evergreen ways of making small talk. This works best!

PS: The disadvantage of this is the obvious. It is only applicable in the morning.

10. Do peri-pauna.

This works best with relatives you haven't seen in a while - the ones who suddenly walk into your present and ask questions about marriage and your salary. Of course, mom and dad want you to greet them so before anything goes wrong, just do peri-pauna.

PS: This will set you up for a long round of rapid fire questions.

11. Offer help.

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You can try this one with a person who intimidates you. You don't know what this person thinks of you, but you are curious to pave the way for a conversation. So embrace the happy-to-help attitude. You could offer them your phone, help clear their browser¡¯s cache, guide them on taking leave, cooking tips, online deals or even direct them towards the closest fuel station.

PS: There is a possibility that this person will get on your nerves. Thus, try this at your own risk.