Small talk is one of those things we either love or hate. Some of us hate the idea of exchanging plesentries and find small talk pointless, for some of us it comes so naturally we don’t understand what the fuss is about it anyway?
Sometimes, it’s not because we are shy but we don’t know what to say. What topics can I discuss without offending my colleagues? I want to build closer relationships but I don’t know how to open up more or when I can ask a more personal question to get to know them on a deeper level?
Today I am interviewing Julie Crenshaw, your conversation expert, coach, and author, who shares incredible insights into the do’s and don’ts when it comes to conversation. Julie empowers others who desire to speak with confidence and connection by knowing what to say, and how to say it. We discuss how chitchat builds better relationships and goes a long way when making friends with American colleagues. She also asks some of my most commonly asked questions around what is considered polite or rude in the US, which topics you would completely avoid and why it’s so important to speak up.
We discuss questions like:
If speaking doesn’t come naturally, what should you talk about with strangers or colleagues?
Should be stick to short and sweet answers?
If you were working with an American company or moving to the US, what would be expected in terms of manners and showing politeness?
Times to check out:
- (2:26) Is small talk important?
- (8:30) Making friends and working in the US
- (11:34) Safe questions and topics
- (14:55) The big 3…
- (17:59) The American Dream
- (23:30) Speaking with strangers
- (30:00) Do I need to say ‘Thank you Ma’am’?
- (34:35) Am I being rude?
- (39:12) Clarity, Speed and Confidence
? GET IN TOUCH with Julie
Website: yourconversationexpert.com
Instagram: instagram.com/yourconversationexpert
FREE guide: education.yourconversationexpert.com
? GET IN TOUCH with Gemma
FREE guide for designers: https://landing.fluentspeakers.co.uk
FREE guide for confident English: https://guide.fluentspeakers.co.uk
WHO AM I: I’m Gemma Keeling, Founder and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English.
