What defines small talk?

heist_of_saint_graft · 2014-02-20T22:14:59+00:00

Factually-based conversation that is unlikely to create tension or provoke any emotional response.

The type of thing you talk to your coworker in the elevator about. "They say it's gonna warm up this weekend! You're taking your kid to the park, how nice! How old is he again?"

Gfresh405 · 2014-02-20T21:56:54+00:00

Anything you could talk about with a stranger that wouldn't make them uncomfortable. Basically boring stuff.

insickness · 2014-02-20T22:08:32+00:00

It's easier to say what small talk isn't:

Anything personal, about you or the other person.
Anything that someone may have a strong opinion about, such as religion or politics

Small talk is typically mundane stuff like the weather, what you had for lunch, local sports teams, etc.

Reddit_SLC · 2014-02-21T04:07:58+00:00

Nothing in-depth or important. The weather, what you're doing this weekend, etc.

Meglomaniac · 2014-02-20T21:40:21+00:00

Oh you know, this and that...

So how was your day? Mine was pretty good.

Brr, it is pretty cold out today isnt it? Been snowing pretty good recently.

Hyooge · 2014-02-21T22:06:41+00:00

You benefit from small talk in preventing dead silence but never use it on potential new friends or girls because no one enjoys it. It is often just wasted calories.

Title	What defines small talk?
Author	srolive017
Upvotes	7
Comments	10
Date	February 20, 2014 9:13 PM UTC (12 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/1yh3k6/what_defines_small_talk/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/what-defines-small-talk.139024 https://theredarchive.com/post/139024

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