Starting small talk can be a pain, but its value is undeniable.

Starting small talk can be a pain, but its value is undeniable. Like remembering someone's name, remembering a tidbit from small talk can deepen connections.

Check out these tips for starting (and maintaining) small talk:

• Start with Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, ask open-ended ones to encourage conversation and learn more about the other person. You would be surprised at what you learn!
• Be Genuine and Curious: Show genuine interest in the other person by asking follow-up questions and actively listening to their responses. It sounds hard but once you are in the groove, it's actually pretty fun!
• Share Personal Stories: Share brief anecdotes or stories about yourself to make the conversation more relatable and create common ground. And add some humor and a smile!
• Focus on the Present: Stay present in the conversation and avoid distractions to show respect and attentiveness. And yes, as hard as it is, stay off the phone!
• Use Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions to gauge the other person's level of interest and comfort. This can say more than words.
• Practice Empathy: Show empathy and understanding towards the other person's experiences and perspectives to foster a deeper connection. And, it shows you're human!