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Small talk is characterised as conversations with people who you do not know very well and/or with no particular focus. Small talk can also take place with people you do not know at all. It is often dismissed as unnecessary "drivel", but this is entirely wrong - in fact, it is useful for "gauging the mood", getting to know someone or paving the way for a deeper conversation.

What can you talk about?

The weather is only really an option if it is truly remarkable – a heat wave or bitter cold can be used as a conversational opener, but anyone who remarks on the weather on a normal autumn day will show themselves up as a poor "small talker".

Better openers include asking visitors how their journey went, if they have come a long way. Formulate your questions in an open way, i.e.: "How was your journey?" instead of "Did you have a good journey?". You are thus encouraging your conversation partner to talk in more detail and not just give a monosyllabic "Yes" or "No" answer.

Listen attentively to your conversation partner, in order to show him or her that your are interested in him/her. Pick up on what they say, ask more in-depth questions. Bring up your own experiences and opinions, so that you don't create the impression that you're interviewing them.

Make a mental note of the information that you have just received! You could mention it again next time you meet. The most important thing is to remember the name of the person you are talking to and drop it into conversation every now and then. This shows your interest in the person, creates a personal atmosphere and also makes it easier for you to remember their name long-term and be able to picture their face if you speak to them on the phone later on.

If you already know your conversation partner, this naturally means you can refer to earlier meetings and ask him/her about his/her family, last holiday etc.

Open posture and a friendly attitude also promote the flow of conversation. If conversation ceases to flow every now and then, don't be afraid of these short pauses. They show that you have really been listening and are simply thinking over what you've just heard.

What topics are taboo?

Controversial or intimate conversational subjects such as politics, illness, your own problems or those of third parties have no place in small talk. Remain discreet. If you dish the dirt on office gossip to someone you don't know, you'll come across as rather untrustworthy and give a poor impression of yourself and the company you represent. Think about what you'd want to know about others and what they'd want to know about you. And what they wouldn't.