Upworthy asked communication specialists for the phrases that actually win people over during small talk, and I was glad to contribute, because small talk gets a worse reputation than it deserves.
My core point: small talk feels like filler only when it lacks intention. Approached with “get in, get out” energy, it is a missed opportunity. Approached with curiosity, it is the front door to real connection, and for executives and founders it is often where relationships that matter actually begin.
Two of the ideas I shared made the piece. First, elevate “what do you do?” to “what do you love?”, which gives the other person permission to share something energizing instead of reciting a job title. Second, ask what inspired someone to get into their work. That puts the emphasis on the why behind the what and makes people feel like the hero of their story rather than a cog in it.
The full list of five phrases is at Upworthy. Communication that connects is the whole job, whether the room holds two people or two million: that is the thread running through my storytelling and strategy work.
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Cheryl Overton speaks on brand storytelling, culture and leadership at conferences and corporate events worldwide.
