What makes something “small talk” versus having a conversation?

<p>Lisa McDonald started us off with the metaphor that small talk is an appetizer while a conversation in the main meal.</p> <p> </p> <p>Bonnie Sussman-Versace agreed and suggested that small talk is a way to keep people at a distance. “I don’t know you so I’m not going to share anything important with you.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Atif Agha had a bit of a different take saying he feels like small talk is a warmup. It lets you get to know someone a little bit and decide if you want to share more with them. He shared a story about chatting with a stranger in a Panera recently.</p> <p> </p> <p>Deeper into the conversation Bonnie talked about how she used to think that small talk was a waste of time but in recent years she has come to recognize the important role it plays in relationships.</p> <p> </p> <p>We did notice that if you had a parent who was likely to overshare when someone asked “how are you?” you might be more likely to not be bothered by small talk.</p> <p> </p> <p>What do you think is the difference between small talk and conversation? Do you find it useful or do you think it’s a waste of time?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Lisa McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-k-mcdonald-executive-career-coach/</p> <p>Founder of Career Polish where she is an Executive Career Coach & Master Mindset Coach who helps people get career happy and life healthy</p> <p> </p> <p>Bonnie Sussman-Versace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bversace/</p> <p>Re-imaginer at FOCUSED. Where she specializes in developing leaders, building positive and productive workplace cultures, and improving individual, team and enterprise-wide performance</p> <p> </p> <p>Atif Agha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atifagha/</p> <p>Technology specialist doing data analytics and avid runner, based in Chicago</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a></p> <p>Concierge High Performance Psychologist providing luxury level support to executives, entrepreneurs,