3 ways to avoid boring chat
Small talk should add value to you or those you’re chatting with, or it can feel like a meaningless, forgettable conversation. Here are our top tips to avoid boring chat
Be curious
Other people are interesting! You may be chatting to someone who knows a lot about something you’re interested in. Find out what makes them tick, ask lots of (open-ended) questions, and stay truly engaged – even if the start feels slow or awkward.
Ask unique questions
Start non-obvious discussions. For example, if someone comments on how warm the weather is, ask whether they liked the long, hot summers as a child? This immediately shifts the conversation up a gear, providing them an opportunity to share more about who they are.
Steer clear of sensitive topics
Some topics can kill a conversation or make for discomfort, especially when you don’t know the other person well. It is best to avoid the following in (early) conversation: religion, politics, money, appearances, age, gender and sexuality.
Need more inspiration to strike up a conversation? Read our top 10 conversation topics
