RURAL REFLECTIONS: Small talk

In the kitchen:

“I see that Carl got a new tractor,” Dad said.

“That field of Hollie’s is looking really good,” added Gene.

“I haven’t seen crops this good since 1946,” chimed in Uncle Bob.

In the living room:

“My, didn’t Margaret have a nice dress on?” said Mom.

“You think she made it?” asked Betty.

“I thought Carol had one made out of the same stuff,” piped up June.

This is how I learned our family history, neighborhood gossip and an update on the crops. Most of all, I learned about “small talk.”

What is “small talk”? Are they short conversations? Dialogue using small words? Speaking in a wee, little voice?

According to the dictionary: chitchat; casual conversation.

I love casual conversation.

I learned it on the porch swing snapping beans and visiting with neighbors. Perhaps one day I might grow into “big talk”?

How do you begin small talk with someone you don’t know at all or do not know well? A smile and a compliment are the catalyst. Comment on a cute kid. Even better, smile at the kid and you are immediately a hit.

How do you sabotage conversation? Do not talk about yourself. If you are asked, then keep your answers simple. You will have small talk if each person volleys the conversation back and forth rather than driving the other person in search of another drink.

Conversation is not intimidating. It is a chance to learn about someone else but even more to learn about you. Life without small talk would indeed be a stale one.

Now I shall put my new knee up and hope for some small talk.