406 replies to this topic

[Larry]

I'm not very comfortable with small talk

I'm very good at it though when I have to do it for work, like in meetings or official functions and what not, but if it's unofficial or if it's just a party or at some club I find it hard and awkward to do.

It's not that I'm shy, it's just hard to find something common to talk about with a complete stranger. And the hypocrisy of having to smile and laugh about things you find totally mundane is unbearable, which is something I unfortunately have to put up with whenever small talk is necessary.

I've always been amazed at people who can do this comfortably and convincingly.

Can you do it?

[angel_by_day]

nah....am never good at this....kinda snobbish in that sense. But it really depends on who i'm making the small talk with...

If it's with a, say, cab driver, or the person standing next to me in a queue, then i'd rather be left alone, with my thoughts and all. If it's with a total stranger amidst a crowd (in parties, etc...), I think I can still tolerate that...to a certain extent, though. I can easily level down or up naman, regardless of what crowd she/he came from - from A to D. I sometimes enjoy it when I get to put a non-friend at ease...and eventually get that person to do more than just small talk

[Larry]

If it's with a, say, cab driver, or the person standing next to me in a queue, then i'd rather be left alone, with my thoughts and all. If it's with a total stranger amidst a crowd (in parties, etc...), I think I can still tolerate that...

I can talk BS with any cabdriver anywhere.

these guys are just built to talk, and I just do it because I want them to open their mouths a little, it's probably pretty lonely driving all over with no one to talk to.

[Victor Davion]

Have to be good. Its part of my job description.

[Larry]

Have to be good. Its part of my job description.

but what about outside the job?

like I said I'm good at it too, but I only do it if I have to because of my job. If I really don't I try to avoid it.

[Victor Davion]

but what about outside the job?

like I said I'm good at it too, but I only do it if I have to because of my job. If I really don't I try to avoid it.

There is no "outside the job" for me. I'm in a 24/7 profession. But I see your point, during the times when I'm not actually doing a job, talking to make something out of nothing drives me nuts.

[angel_by_day]

hehe...basta ako, i can never pretend. If i dont like the person i'm making small talk with...then i'd drop it. <_< You can start it, but i'd cut it short, and make you "aware" that i'd rather be left alone. If, however, the person is ok naman (from the way i see it), then i'd be the one to initiate the conversation na.

[mason_rod]

small talk is uncomfortable, specially with strangers...

[zamora2310]

I don't always do it but I know I'm very capable of doing it. It's like a switch that I can just turn on and off depending on my mood that moment/day.

[juancarlos_enriquez]

I can do small talk, with all sorts of people... kailangan ibagay mo lang paraan mo ng pagsasalita.

[jaguar_18]

i'm very transparent...it's hard to pretend coz it shows...

they say in the world of work there are cases when you have to...but i don't think you should. it's all being speaking your mind, and knowing when to shut up

[muffy69]

I believe in gut feel and vibes.

If my gut feel tells me that the person in front of me is shy and vibes seem to be good, I can be an excellent "small talk" conversationalist. But if someone in front of me or beside me seems aloof and arrogant based on body language and facial expressions, I'm the worst "small talk" talker ever.

[Phrozhen.Khold]

Nope... can't do it outside work... I'm not the type of person who starts a conversation... but being polite... I respond whenever somebody talks to me... that is... if I feel like talking...

People always have this snob first impression of me... masyado daw akong supladong tignan

[ink]

surprisingly, for someone who was a media practitioner and ad agency person for years... i suck at small talks. despite the fierce persona in the board room is still a shy (read: SNOB) person underneath. but i start small talks when i have to. and i mean, when i have to.

[orionpax]

im good at it, but i gauge the recipient of such conversation first, so ill know how to "attack"

i picked it up from my procurement/consulting/contracts management exposure

[DonImus]

Yes I am but i'm not too keen on making small talk.

[juancarlos_enriquez]

Have to add pala, di rin lahat kailangan mo ismall talk, hehe

[frenchkissme]

petty talk can sometimes aid to a day of humdrum, but you dont have to try hard or aim to please the other party.

[chinitoguy]

pag super ganda ng kausap mo ang hirap kausapin.