Speroteck Speroteck

Small talk is an art, not a triviality.In the fast-paced and dynamic world of IT, where most workflows revolve around technical tasks, online meetings, and quick syncs, small talk often seems secondary or unimportant. However, it is the casual conversation before a call or between work topics that can become a bridge for building trust, improving team interaction, and creating a healthy work environment.

Small talk is a short, light, and informal conversation on neutral topics that helps ease tension, establish rapport, and see the people on the other side of the screen not only as professionals but also as individuals. In the IT sphere, small talk plays an essential role: it simplifies communication between colleagues from different countries, maintains a positive tone of collaboration, and helps teams find common ground more quickly during projects. Just a few phrases about the weather, recent cybersecurity news, a new tool, hobbies, or even coffee can significantly influence how comfortable people feel during the rest of the meeting. It creates a friendly atmosphere, reduces stress, and supports better team outcomes. Casual conversations also help newcomers adapt more easily, make communication smoother, and foster natural interactions. Ultimately, mastering small talk enhances communication skills, which is valuable for both personal and professional growth.

It’s best to start small talk with simple, universal topics that don’t require controversial opinions and work well across cultures. The weather, a nice weekend, a new technology, a conference, a movie, or something pleasant from everyday life are all great options. The key is to be genuine, listen attentively, and not be afraid to make the first move. Sometimes small conversations lead to big opportunities.

Small Talk Tips

Now when we know what small talk means and its importance, let’s dive into some tips for making engaging and productive small talk.

• Be nice – It can be tricky to remember sometimes, but when initiating a conversation or you find someone approaching you to talk, don’t forget to smile and greet the other person warmly. Starting off on the right foot can set the tone for the rest of the conversation.
• Mind your body language – Your body language plays an important role. Eye contact, nodding, and maintaining a relaxed posture can help put the other person at ease and assure them that they’re not wasting your time.
• Listen – Stretch your active listening muscles and give the other person your full attention.
• Talk – One-sided conversations are awkward for everyone. Respond to questions with interest; if someone asks “how are you?” don’t just reply with “good”.

Best and worst topics for Small Talk

It’s always challenging to pick a topic to start a conversation on the online meeting with different people living in different places, living different lives and being busy with different tasks. The only thing that may connect you is work but small talk isn’t about that.

If you really can’t think of anything, here are some topics that are usually a safe bet:

• Entertainment (movies, books, games, music, etc.)
• Hobbies
• Sports
• Travel
• Weather (cliché, but it works!)
• Recent events

And here are some topics you should generally stay away from at all costs (unless you know they are relevant to the situation):

• Politics
• Religion
• Physical appearance (though things like cool hair colours, interesting accessories, or even tattoos can be OK)
• Money

Best time to make Small Talk

And here are some topics you should generally stay away from at all costs (unless you know they are relevant to the situation):

• Before an online meeting begins — when everyone is joining, waiting for others, or checking their equipment — it’s the perfect time for a few light remarks.
• After greeting others but before moving to the agenda — a short question about someone’s mood, the weather, the weekend, or a side project (that isn’t the main topic of the meeting) helps establish connection.
• During breaks between tasks — in informal chats or during a short pause, you can easily keep the conversation flowing with a relaxed comment.
• When meeting new colleagues or clients — small talk helps break the ice and sets a friendly tone for future collaboration.
• In tense situations — a simple, neutral phrase can help ease the atmosphere and bring the team back to a productive dialogue.

In conclusion, small talk is not a trivial detail — it’s a key element of effective communication in IT and any team. It helps build trust, reduce tension, and strengthen the connection between people who interact daily in a digital environment.

Don’t be afraid to talk about things beyond the main topic. A few words about something personal, pleasant, or everyday can reveal a new side of your colleagues, help you discover shared interests, and make work more enjoyable. Small talk is a bridge between professionalism and genuine human connection.