Coffee Machine Chatter: A How-To Guide
13 February 2014
Read by 2324 persons
It's not easy for everyone to chat easily at the coffee machine. Sometimes you feel uncomfortable talking to a colleague who has different interests and is from a different generation. Don't stress, you can become a master of small talk with the following tips.
At the coffee machine, at the photocopier or at the company party, all these situations where you feel forced to chat about nothing with colleagues you like less. Denying it and walking away is simply not an option, if you want to avoid being labeled as antisocial.
To juggle small talk, here are a few tips.
Things to do
Ask questions
A good conversationalist is able to listen. People like to hear themselves talk. Ask your colleagues about their family, hobbies and pets and show genuine interest (or at least pretend to). Remember what you are told so that you can follow up with detailed questions.
Gather relevant information about your colleagues
If you pass by a colleague's office, you may find new topics of conversation. The secretary has a picture of her dog on her desk? Ask her how it is. A colleague is a film buff? Ask them what new movies they would recommend…
Give compliments
If one has had her hair cut or the other is visibly wearing new jewelry, compliment them. Ask which hairdresser your colleague goes to or where the second one found her necklace. Slowly but surely, the conversation takes shape.
Talk about current events
Apart from religion and politics, talking about current events is not a bad idea. Browse a news website and pick up a few topics to discuss with your colleagues during the coffee break.
To avoid
Never talk about religion or politics.
This is a forbidden zone in the office. Either you're lucky enough to find a colleague who's on the same wavelength, or you miss the mark and get into endless discussions. Absolutely to be avoided.
Complaining excessively
Complaining occasionally in specific circumstances is not harmful and can help you strengthen bonds with your colleagues. But avoid making it a habit, otherwise they may get tired of your pessimism. Don't give too many details about your health
No one needs to know that last night's pita is still on your stomach or that you spent the night in the toilet. Colleagues' questions are mostly polite when they ask how you are, they are not really interested in knowing all the medical details.
Avoid money talk
Whether it's salaries, bonuses, or the price of your colleague's new shoes, discussions about money quickly lead to slippery ground. It's almost impossible to talk about it without a colleague feeling at least jealous or guilty.
Sources: Blog.brazencareerist.com
Jobat.be
Posted on February 13, 2014.
At the coffee machine, at the photocopier or at the company party, all these situations where you feel forced to chat about nothing with colleagues you like less. Denying it and walking away is simply not an option, if you want to avoid being labeled as antisocial.
To juggle small talk, here are a few tips.
Things to do
Ask questions
A good conversationalist is able to listen. People like to hear themselves talk. Ask your colleagues about their family, hobbies and pets and show genuine interest (or at least pretend to). Remember what you are told so that you can follow up with detailed questions.
Gather relevant information about your colleagues
If you pass by a colleague's office, you may find new topics of conversation. The secretary has a picture of her dog on her desk? Ask her how it is. A colleague is a film buff? Ask them what new movies they would recommend…
Give compliments
If one has had her hair cut or the other is visibly wearing new jewelry, compliment them. Ask which hairdresser your colleague goes to or where the second one found her necklace. Slowly but surely, the conversation takes shape.
Talk about current events
Apart from religion and politics, talking about current events is not a bad idea. Browse a news website and pick up a few topics to discuss with your colleagues during the coffee break.
To avoid
Never talk about religion or politics.
This is a forbidden zone in the office. Either you're lucky enough to find a colleague who's on the same wavelength, or you miss the mark and get into endless discussions. Absolutely to be avoided.
Complaining excessively
Complaining occasionally in specific circumstances is not harmful and can help you strengthen bonds with your colleagues. But avoid making it a habit, otherwise they may get tired of your pessimism. Don't give too many details about your health
No one needs to know that last night's pita is still on your stomach or that you spent the night in the toilet. Colleagues' questions are mostly polite when they ask how you are, they are not really interested in knowing all the medical details.
Avoid money talk
Whether it's salaries, bonuses, or the price of your colleague's new shoes, discussions about money quickly lead to slippery ground. It's almost impossible to talk about it without a colleague feeling at least jealous or guilty.
Sources: Blog.brazencareerist.com
Jobat.be
Posted on February 13, 2014.
