notbecauseofvictories:

maenades replied to your post:
my best interview advice is to warm up by…

how does one…….even start small talk

WEATHER

I cannot tell you how often I discuss weather with strangers. It is inoffensive, and everyone has an opinion about it! Is it too hot? What about that rain the other day? Oh man, this sunshine is so gorgeous. Ugh, look at this slush. I hear it’s supposed to snow tomorrow. 

(Traffic and construction are also a good place to start. Mutual complaining about the construction project that has been going on since February is a great way to bond.)

Has there been a recent holiday, weekend or cultural event near you? WHAT DID THEY DO. Did they go? Did they stay home? How do they feel about it?

What about the stuff on their person? Obviously you have to be careful with this, but no one has ever been offended by you asking where they got their coffee/lunch/snack because that looks so good. Complimenting shoes, jewelry, and phones is also good, because you can have a playful bantering conversation about the Galaxy versus the iPhone or what style of necklace you like.

And if nothing else, lame observational comments work like a charm. It is is the least offensive, least funny thing ever, but if you make a lame, joking comment they are socially obligated to give a polite laugh and respond in kind. This is Dilbert cartoon nonsense: “I can’t believe the weekend went by so quickly!” “It’s too early for this, I need coffee.” “Wednesday, hump day!” etc.

Then you just….keep talking.