1. A.
The functions of small talks in business
= the function of small talk in business, it can help break the ice, create a more
relaxed atmosphere, and create a sense of trust and familiarity. Small talk also give
the opportunity to learn more about the other person, their interests, and their
business, which can be valuable information for future interactions.
B. The strategies to start a small talks in a business setting
Start with a Compliment
Example:
"I really appreciate the effort you put into preparing for this meeting."
"Your presentation last week was really impressive. I learned a lot from it."
"Your team did a great job on that project. I was really impressed with the
results."
Discuss Casual Business Topics
Example:
"I read your latest article/report and found it really insightful. Can you tell me
more about your research process?"
"I noticed your company recently launched a new product/service, how has it
been received in the market?"
"What do you think are the biggest challenges facing our industry right now?"
Show Interest in the Other Person
Example:
"I remember you mentioned your family during our last meeting, how are they
doing?"
"I noticed you have been with your company for [number of years], what has
been your favorite project to work on?"
"Can you tell me more about your background and how you got started in the
industry?"
Discuss Shared Interests
Example:
"I noticed you are a fan of [sports team/band/hobby], me too! Did you catch
their latest game/concert/event?"
"I heard you recently traveled to [location], how was your trip? Any
recommendations?"
"I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you volunteer with [charity/organization],
can you tell me more about your involvement?"
Small talk is an important aspect of building The function of small talk in business, it can
relationships in the business world. Whether you are help break the ice, create a more relaxed
meeting with a potential client, networking with atmosphere, and create a sense of trust and
industry professionals, or discussing business with familiarity. Small talk also give the opportunity
colleagues, small talk can help establish a rapport and to learn more about the other person, their
create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In interests, and their business, which can be
this article, we will explore the importance of small valuable information for future interactions.
talk in business meetings and provide examples of
what to say to keep the conversation flowing. The strategies to start a small talks in a
business setting
Start with a Compliment
Why is Small Talk Important in Business Example:
Meetings? "I really appreciate the effort you put into
Small talk is an essential part of building relationships preparing for this meeting."
in business. It can help break the ice, create a more "Your presentation last week was really
relaxed atmosphere, and establish a sense of trust and impressive. I learned a lot from it."
familiarity. Small talk also provides an opportunity to "Your team did a great job on that project. I was
learn more about the other person, their interests, and really impressed with the results."
their business, which can be valuable information for
future interactions. Discuss Casual Business Topics
In addition, small talk can help individuals establish Example:
credibility and professionalism. By demonstrating an "I read your latest article/report and found it
ability to engage in small talk and connect with others really insightful. Can you tell me more about
on a personal level, individuals can showcase their your research process?"
social skills and demonstrate that they are well- "I noticed your company recently launched a
rounded and approachable. The following are new product/service, how has it been received in
suggestions as to what you can say during small talk the market?"
in a business meeting. "What do you think are the biggest challenges
facing our industry right now?"
Start with a Compliment
Starting with a compliment is a great way to break the
ice and establish a positive tone for the meeting. Here Show Interest in the Other Person
are some example phrases to help you start with a Example:
compliment: "I remember you mentioned your family during
our last meeting, how are they doing?"
"I really appreciate the effort you put into preparing "I noticed you have been with your company for
for this meeting." [number of years], what has been your favorite
"Your presentation last week was really impressive. I project to work on?"
learned a lot from it." "Can you tell me more about your background
"Your team did a great job on that project. I was and how you got started in the industry?"
really impressed with the results."
Discuss Shared Interests
Discuss Shared Interests Example:
Discussing shared interests is a great way to connect "I noticed you are a fan of [sports
with others on a personal level. This can help create a team/band/hobby], me too! Did you catch their
more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, and also latest game/concert/event?"
provide insight into the other person's personality and "I heard you recently traveled to [location], how
preferences. Here are some examples of what to say:
was your trip? Any recommendations?"
"I noticed you are a fan of [sports team/band/hobby],
"I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you
me too! Did you catch their latest
game/concert/event?" volunteer with [charity/organization], can you
"I heard you recently traveled to [location], how was tell me more about your involvement?"
your trip? Any recommendations?"
"I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you volunteer Small talk can be an important part of business
with [charity/organization], can you tell me more meetings, as it can help to build rapport and
about your involvement?" establish relationships between colleagues and
clients. When having small talk, it's important to
Comment on the Setting start with a compliment, ask about their
Commenting on the setting is a great way to establish interests, comment on the setting, talk about
a connection and create a more relaxed atmosphere. casual business topics, show interested in the
This can help break the ice and provide an other person. By engaging in casual
