Dating & social
How to make small talk at a party
You’re talking to Taylor, a stranger by the snacks. A house party where you know no one. Taylor is alone by the snacks. The goal: start a conversation and keep it going for a few minutes.
Your first line
“I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten half this bowl already. How do you know the host?”
A light comment about something you’re both looking at is easy to answer, and it beats “So what do you do?” Then the second question is where it gets going.
What Taylor might say, and what to say back
Taylor: “Ha, yeah, they’re good.”
You: “Right? I barely know anyone here. Just the host, from my old job. How about you?”
Taylor: “I just know the host.”
You: “Same here, pretty much. Are you from around here?”
Taylor: “Oh, work stuff. It’s fine.”
You: “Ha, “fine” is honest. So what’s the best thing you’ve done outside of work lately?”
Two things that trip people up
- Firing off question after question.Ask a follow-up about what they just said, then share a bit about you.
- Opening with “So, what do you do?”Start with something you’re both seeing, like the food, the music or the host’s dog.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Taylor pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Sol, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Second question.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.