Small talks are polite conversations with strangers that happen every day, and they usually turn into awkward silence. If you want to keep the conversation alive and practice small talk online, here is the perfect guide for you.
1. Improspeak: practice with exciting people
Improspeak is a new original social platform where you can talk and share your passions in a community of like-minded and unique individuals.
All you need is a webcam and a microphone, and Improspeak will match you with someone based on your shared interests, then the conversation can start.
The best way to improve your small talk skills is to practice with different people.
If you don’t know what to say or struggle to find topics to talk about, Improspeak gives you fun question cards that you can use to keep the conversation going.
A unique aspect of Improspeak is its way to keep moderation: after each chat, you will be able to rate your conversation buddy. This system keeps away pervs and bullies from the community.
So if you want to improve your communication skills while having meaningful conversations with interesting people, Improspeak is the perfect solution for you. Oh and, by the way, it’s free.
2. Thechlecticism: Small Talk Cheat Sheet
The author of the blog Thechlecticism published a Small Talk Cheat Sheet on Reddit that had massive success.
The Cheat Sheet has been furtherly improved and has become a famous Small Talk guide for introverts. It includes step-by-step principles to follow, with examples, tips, and topics you can use.
Thechlecticism is a Blog where you can find many other tips and advice to become your most confident version!
3. Paltalk: Talk anonymously with strangers
Paltalk allows you to enter live chatting rooms about a broad range of subjects, from animals to politics.
You can go with the flow and pick a random room, or you can create a group and host your room about anything you want to discuss.
If you’re camera-shy, Paltalk provides a wide range of filters and video effects to help you
Improving your conversation skills anonymously!
4.SmallTalk2me : train for different occasions
Smalltalk2me is an AI-powered speaking assistant that helps you improve your conversation by analysing your voice and giving you instant feedback.
You can choose different settings:
- Regular Speaking: you can learn to speak about different topics and level up your vocabulary with SmallTalk’s daily exercises.
- Speaking assistant on zoom call: analyzes your voice during a call and gives honest feedback on your communication skills.
- Memorable Presentation: it gives you the advice to train your presentation and tips on avoiding repetition, using native phrases, and fixing grammar mistakes.
- Online IELTS e TOEFL Simulator: gives you authentic exam questions and tracks your time, performance, and level.
5. Random Topics: learn to improvise
Random Topics generates a random topic for conversation every time you want to practice, whether you’re by yourself or with other people.
Once you get the topic, the app gives you a timer and text-to-speech features, so you can use it while you’re driving, cooking, jogging, etc., and you can check your speech later.
You can skip topics you don’t like and even set a timer to change issues automatically. This way, you will develop perfect time management and small talk skills!
6. Small Talk: stay inspired
Small talk is an app that keeps you inspired and enjoyable with quotes, jokes, fun facts, historical events, and tips every day.
The app sends you daily insights on different subjects that you can save as your favourites. It also reminds you to practice in your free time to become a charming conversationalist!
7. Twitch: discover new skills
Twitch is a live streaming platform where you can follow themed channels by content creators or have your channel sharing what you like. This video-sharing community is exciting to gamers and creative people who want to show how they enjoy certain activities.
Twitch is a great social platform for finding people with similar interests and gaining knowledge about skills you want to master.
8. Social media: start with the right foot
We all know Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Every social media is structured to connect people, starting with a friend request or a simple follow. How can you start a conversation? There is a social media etiquette that helps you with that.
- Start with following people and pages you like. You will be able to see followers or interests you have in common with someone, which could be an excellent common ground.
- Share your interests and opinions. Let people see who you are and what you like, show them what you’re passionate about and be open to receiving feedback of any kind.
- If you like someone’s content, let them know! Don’t be shy with the reaction buttons. There are different designed options you can engage with to express yourself better; sometimes, a like is not enough, so try other expressions.
- Comment what you think. Remember to be polite and appropriate, whether you’re commenting on a picture or a personal thought. Be aware of social cues, even online! Go on with moderation; start with small comments on a shared interest, and If the person doesn’t respond to your comments, don’t be insistent.
- Start a conversation with a direct message. Once you see positive interactions between you and someone, like reciprocal likes and comments, you could start a conversation with them in a private chat. Keep it simple, start with something in common, or hook up to a public page you both follow.
9. Online Forums: find your community
For every interest, there’s a forum online. You cal search for a specific topic and you’ll be surprised by the number of people willing to help you out or simply talk about your common passions.
The most known platform that works as a forum is Reddit, but if you’re looking for something specific, there are several places to share your content and talk with people online.
Find the community that fits you best and start conversations!
Where to find conversation topics
The conversation topics you’re looking for are all around you!
Keep in touch with people on social media, find out trending conversations, and know what’s new.
Maybe there’s a new series that everybody is talking about or quirky news that makes everybody smile. Here is where you can find a topic to start a conversation:
1. Flipboard
Flipboard combines news, popular stories, and conversations about any of your interests in one app.
You can read, save and share articles, pictures, and different media in a community of inspiring people, and you can also become the creator of your magazine.
With Flipboard, you have all the information about a given topic in one click, and you will always know what to say!
2. Great Big Story
Great Big Story is a channel made by the CNN Company to create a new model of broadcasting content.
The app provides high-quality short inspirational videos with positive, quirky themes.
The video documentaries are 3 to 10 minutes long and professionally produced, and they can be about a strange-looking fish to a dance group that combines hip hop with classical ballet.
With Great Big Story, you can constantly be inspired by great people and collect unique conversation starters!
3. IceBreaker
IceBreaker gives you hundreds of inspiring questions to keep the conversation flowing when you don’t know what to say.
You can personalise the question cards and add them to your list to have them set when you need them. There’s a card for every occasion!
IceBreaker also allows you to share your cards on social media, so you can use this tool both online and in real life to overcome shyness and start great conversations!
In conclusion
These are the best online platforms you can use to improve your small talk skills. Now it’s your turn! Choose the one you prefer to exercise with and remember to practice every day and become a great communicator!
