It might seem insignificant, but a little ‘inconsequential’ chit-chat will pave the way for deeper communication and interaction.
Small talk is all too easy to overlook as insignificant when, in reality, it is an important part of day-to-day contact that can bring real value to our relationships. Small talk can also be useful as a way to express our experiences and communicate digitally when we are unable to do so in person.
Small talk allows us to gauge the mood of the social situation we're in. This has recently been done over the internet, through text or email, Skype or FaceTime, and the communication has often been dominated by worry and the limited details of our days. Small talk is a way to evaluate the mood, gauge how people are, and, most importantly, how they will respond to us, from first dates to business activities to catching up with a friend after a hard day's work. We're picking up on non-verbal cues at this stage of first interaction because non-verbal communication makes up such a big part of communication.
So, what's the big deal about small talk? We may think it's just polite conversation, but small talk is really a way for us to unconsciously assess the situation we're in. Small talk can also boost our self-esteem when we really need it. Most of us find it difficult to navigate unfamiliar social waters with ease, and making small talk can be extremely beneficial. We can begin by assuming that small talk is focused on insignificant topics – such as the weather! – and working from there. Even stating our name initiates a conversation that will eventually result in an answer.