Stage 5 · Lesson 1 of 6
Why small talk matters
Small talk can feel fake or pointless, especially if you prefer deep conversations. But it is how strangers check that you are friendly and safe before talking about anything bigger. In tech, many internships, referrals and collaborations start with a five-minute chat at an event or after a talk.
You do not need to be funny or charming. You need to be interested, ask a few questions and remember something about the person. Small talk is also a skill, so it improves with practice.
Common trapskipping events because small talk is uncomfortable, and missing the people who could help you most.
A question to check yourself come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- BookPaidHow to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
Dale Carnegie (Simon & Schuster) · Paid book
The old classic on listening, names and genuine interest in other people
Practise
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).