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How do you deal with having to make casual conversation with someone you have nothing in common? (hilariouschaos.com)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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At work, for example.

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[–] Rolando 2 points 5 months ago

I had a BFF who was great at this. They'd just say: What are you up to, where you from, how do you know [mutual friend], etc. Then once the other person started talking, look for things you have in common: oh yeah I went to [location] I really liked [whatever], I know [person] from there too, hey I heard [a relevant news item], etc. You have to judge how much to talk vs listen.

CAUTION: if you're interviewing someone for a job there are often rules/laws about what you can ask. And if you're coworkers it's best to start out focusing on the job: What project are you working on, are you familiar with [task], are you looking forward to [deadline/event], etc.