The IAA One Minute Blog

‘Tis the season for holiday parties, which can mean a ton of small talk headed your way. Many people find small talk difficult or overwhelming. If you engage in small talk with confidence, holiday parties might not be as difficult as you may think.

Introverts and Small Talk

Introverts can feel anxious and overwhelmed in a party setting, but that does not mean they have to sit out of parties’ altogether! Introverts have trouble sometimes mastering the art of small talk. Here are some tips for introverts on how they can manage the holiday party scene without feeling overwhelmed:

1. Address your stress: Anxiety can increase for introverts as the party gets closer. Exercise and meditation can help reduce your stress levels.
2. Prepare: Coming up with topics you would like to discuss beforehand can help grease the social wheels. 
3. Be first: It may seem counterintuitive, but arriving before everyone else has its benefits. You can help the host and by doing so you meet numerous people in a non-awkward way. Assisting at the party can help relieve anxiety.
4. Eat, drink and be merry: When you get to the party head toward the food and beverages. Having something in your hand can make you feel more comfortable.
5. Seek out the extroverts: Ask the life of the party for a piece of advice and watch them go. Hopefully those who are standing around you will join in the conversation and then you will be in the swing of the party.
6. Listen to your body cues: It is time to leave the party for an introvert when they feel their energy level has depleted.
7. Realize you are not alone: Introverts make up 20 to 30 percent of the population.

The major difference between chit-chat and small talk is that small talk is typically carried out between strangers whereas chit-chat is not necessarily between strangers. This may be a clue as to why people might find small talk uncomfortable. It involves people we don’t know well, so there is more cause for embarrassment if small talk doesn’t work out.

Holiday Party Conversation Mistakes

Engaging in small talk with confidence is key and using appropriate language can make a huge difference in the outcome. Here are some small talk mistakes you want to avoid during your upcoming holiday parties:

• Abruptly ending the conversation
• Asking closed questions (those with a yes or no answer) instead of open ones (those which require a longer explanation).
• Discussing taboo topics
• Displaying closed body language that says, “I’m not interested in talking to you.”
• Not adding any information when asked a yes or no question
• Not introducing yourself
• Not preparing topics that you’re willing to bring up and talk about at the party
• Remaining in one place (like a potted plant) and waiting for others to come to you

While it may not feel this way, small talk is important as it helps us to connect with people.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to have a good time this holiday season. Don’t dread the small talk at your upcoming holiday parties, embrace it! IAA knows that small talk is not always fun, but it can be good for the life of your business. Who knows, you may strike up a conversation with your next big client. IAA wishes you a happy holiday season.

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