Small talk is too often overlooked as a professional skill.
But the ability to chat comfortably before a meeting or strike up a conversation at a networking event? That’s more than just being personable – it’s a business asset.
The sum of our seemingly small interactions do a lot of heavy lifting at work. They build rapport. Open doors. And create the kind of connections that make collaboration smooth when it matters most.
Still, for many professionals, small talk can feel… tricky. Or simply not worth the effort when there’s ‘real’ work to be done. But when you – and your team – know how to handle those informal moments with confidence? The payoff is real.
Here are seven situations where stellar small talk skills earn their place.
1. Before meetings kick off
Those first few minutes can do more than fill the silence – they often set the tone (and commitment to outcomes) for everything that follows.
A quick ‘Any wins so far this week?’ or ‘Calm or chaos today?’ can help your team shift out of task mode. They’ll feel more present and ease into the conversation.
But small talk here is all about balance. Skip it, and the room will feel flat and disconnected. Let it drag, and momentum stalls before the meeting even starts. Neither sets you up for sharp thinking or solid decisions.
Handled well, small talk warms up the room, boosts engagement – and sets the stage for more collaborative conversations.
2. At conferences and networking events
Picture this: It’s day one of conference week. You’re juggling a name tag, a lukewarm coffee and the pressure to make small talk with strangers. These moments might look casual, but they’re anything but.
Small talk is your way in. Casual chit-chat helps break the ice, find common ground and turn a quick hello into a solid LinkedIn connection.
A good opener can spark a fruitful conversation – and, just maybe, your next big idea.
Miss the moment – and you risk blending into the background. Or worse, fumbling your way through a conversation that goes nowhere.
3. On client calls
Straight to business on the weekly client WIP? Tempting.
But skipping the small talk can make things feel a bit… mechanical, cold even. (Eek!) You’ll risk missing subtle cues that a client is unsure, unhappy or pulling back. Perhaps a vague comment about timelines, a change in tone or a reluctance to commit.
Miss those, and you could be staring down scope creep, a frustrated client or worse: the quiet drift toward a competitor.
A quick (but not too quick) check-in builds warmth and shows you’re not just there to tick boxes.
It opens the door to real human conversation. From there, both sides will gain insight into what’s really happening behind the scenes – and turn client contracts into long-term connections.
4. In virtual meetings
No hallway chats. No kitchen catch-ups. Just a screen, a wave and a lot of muted microphones.
Remote work = reduced connection.
Small talk brings some of those human elements back. Without it, people stay silent, multitask in the background or tune out entirely. You’ll miss early signs of confusion or disengagement – the kind you’d normally spot in the room.
A quick moment of small talk – even a simple ‘What’s been keeping you busy today?’ – helps people feel present, not just logged in. It makes it easier for all attendees to speak up, share honestly and stay switched on.
5. At team social events
It’s meant to be casual… but for a lot of people, team catch-ups can be quietly stressful. Who do you talk to? What do you say? Are you talking too much – or too little?
Small talk takes the pressure off. Embrace it. It gives you a way in – especially with colleagues you don’t work with day-to-day.
A quick ‘I’ve seen your name on so many emails. It’s nice to finally say hi!’, can be all it takes to spark a genuine connection.
And when people connect outside their usual circles, those relationships often carry back into how they collaborate – with deeper trust and commitment.
6. During difficult conversations or moments of tension
When things get tense, every word carries more weight – and short silences can feel deafening.
Small talk might not solve the issue at hand. But it can shift the energy. A calm, grounded moment at the right time can lower defences, ease the tension and remind people we’re all humans after all.
It’s not about avoiding the hard conversations that need to happen. It’s about creating space between those conversations to actually work through them.
7. Speaking with senior leaders
This goes beyond making mere conversation – it’s about showing up with presence.
Small talk signals to leaders that you’re confident and comfortable in the room. It helps turn a one-directional update into a two-way exchange.
And in environments where every impression counts? Genuine connections with leaders (internally and externally) will carry you further than you think.
By projecting your interest and competence, your name will be at the forefront of leaders’ minds when they make strategic decisions and allocate new projects.
The small skill with the big ripple effect
Like any skill, small talk can be taught. With the right tools and training, it becomes less awkward and more instinctive.
The rewards? Your team will build stronger relationships, improve collaboration and create a more connected workplace.
And the risks of ignoring it? Disconnection, missed opportunities and a culture that feels a little colder.
We help professionals master everyday communication with impact. From small talk to stakeholder conversations, our training gives people the confidence to communicate clearly – and show up with presence.
Download our FREE small talk cheat-sheet to become a chit-chat champion. Or explore our team courses to help your people work (and talk) better together.