Am I bad at small talk, or is small talk awful in general?

The first part is rhetorical. My small talk game is weak. But I’m not sure that it’s a me problem.

Small talk, to me at least, seems like an utter waste of time. Something we do to kill the awkward silence with a stranger while standing in an elevator or some other place where walking away isn’t an immediate option.

And more often than not it’s about the weather. As if one of the most obvious things in our daily existence needs commentary.

I’m as guilty as the next person, but I feel like such a fraud when I catch myself in the act. Human existence is arguably the most fascinating thing in this reality, why do we fall back to nonsense talk?

There are near endless things we could have a meaningful discussion about, even in fleeting moments with strangers. Imagine the new friendships and acquaintances we could all form if instead of pointless small talk we ask people meaningful questions. If we had a real discussion, however brief, instead of commenting on the obvious.

The next time you find yourself in awkward silence with a stranger or even someone you know well, ask them something about themselves. Nothing too personal, but something you don’t know. Something that could strike up a positive conversation in which you can learn something.

You’ll both be better for it.