Chitchatting with strangers may not come naturally. But small talk is an important skill for business owners, as it builds rapport with customers and aids in networking. A recently published study suggests that people typically underestimate how interesting and enjoyable small talk can be.
The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in April 2026, found that people often avoid small talk because they think the conversations will be dull. But after engaging in conversations, the study’s participants said they enjoyed them.
Casual discussions can build social connections and enhance well-being, which is vital for small business owners. If small talk is not something you typically enjoy, there are some ways to get better at it.
People enjoy small talk more than they expect
In the study, nine experiments involving 1,800 people were conducted to examine how people’s expectations of conversations about “boring topics” compared to their actual experiences.
The participants were asked to predict how much they would enjoy conversations on topics they identified as “boring,” such as World War I and II, nonfiction books, the stock market, cats, and vegan diets. Then, they had real conversations with strangers or friends, either in person or online, about these subjects and reported their enjoyment of the discussions.
The results showed that across the experiments, people expected the conversations to be boring, but afterward, they reported enjoying them more than expected. This pattern was the same, even when both individuals agreed that the topic was dull.
The researchers said the findings suggest that people may miss chances to connect with others if they avoid conversations that they expect to be boring.
How to improve your small talk skills
A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 37% of U.S. adults feel neutral about small talk, while 24% like it and 15% dislike it. However you feel about it, small talk is important for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Here are some tips for improving your conversational skills.
When unsure of what to talk about, the FORD acronym — family, occupation, recreation, and dreams — can guide you as to what questions to ask.
Be open to talking
As the study suggests, avoiding conversations that you think will be boring may mean you miss out on building meaningful connections. So start conversations with customers, vendors, and anyone else you encounter, and be engaging with those who talk to you.
Try the FORD method
When unsure of what to talk about, the FORD acronym — family, occupation, recreation, and dreams — can guide you as to what questions to ask, according to Harvard University. Consider the context, though, and avoid asking questions that are too personal in a professional setting.
Ask open-ended questions
Start conversations with open-ended questions, or those that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no, according to Cornell University. This keeps the exchange flowing.
Discuss your surroundings
Commenting on the weather, how a room is decorated, or something else in your immediate surroundings can help you find common ground with people, according to Cornell.
Share things about yourself
Asking questions builds rapport and shows that you’re interested in others. But share things about yourself, too, such as your upcoming weekend plans or hobbies that you enjoy.
Be an active listener
It may sound obvious, but listen to what your conversation partner says. Also, show that you’re interested by nodding, making eye contact, and responding, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Pose follow-up questions
Ask additional questions about what someone says, such as what they liked most about an experience they told you about, Cornell suggests. Follow-up questions signal that you’re listening and interested in the person you’re talking to.
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