of time. They may even call it inactive chit-chat or inactive chatter, meaning it doesn't do anything. They consider small talk unimportant.

　　However, small talk is important.

　　These exchanges can open doors that may lead to larger, more meaningful conversations. When you first meet someone or talk to someone you don't know well, it would be awkward to begin a conversation. However, small talk does help. Small talk also gives you the chance to decide if you want to get to know that person better or not. Chit-chat can also increase your feeling of understanding of people you know but not well. Chatting with a colleague about their child may help you to understand more of their life outside the office. This could help build healthy work relationships. Small talk could even help our larger communities-our relationships with neighbors and colleagues.

　　However, some people are not good at small talk. Making small talk doesn't have to be either awkward or boring. Here are some tips to improve your small-talking ability.

　　Have some conversation starters ready.

　　If you have seen a really good movie or have read a really good book, you can talk about that. You can talk about something that you recently learned. When you are sharing the same experience with someone, it's easy to start a conversation. You simply notice and comment on what's going on around you. For example, if you are at a party and a song comes on that you like or that reminds you of something, you can talk about that.

　　Ask open-ended questions.

　　These types of questions require more thought and more than a simple one-word answer. If you ask questions that need more details to answer, the conversation will go on longer. For example, if you are at a summer pool party, don't ask a person if they like summer. Instead, ask them what they like or dislike about summer. So, instead of getting a one-word answer, you might have the chance to share in a memory.

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