Be Generous with Brief and Pleasant Greetings
When working alongside a co-worker or passing one in the hallway, it’s always a good idea to make eye contact, smile politely, and say “hello” -- even if you don't know the person well. This makes him or her feel comfortable and valued.
Know When Someone is Too Busy for Conversation
This can be tricky, especially if the person doesn't come right out and say that it's a bad time to chat. Luckily, you can learn to recognize the signs. This is such an important topic that an entire post, Get the Hint! The Importance of Social Skills in Conversation, is devoted to it!
Start and Keep Conversations Going
In most cases, a friendly greeting is sufficient when you and/or the other person are busy working. If you’re on a break and would like to have a personal conversation with someone, follow these simple steps:
- Decide if the other person is also interested in conversation, or if he or she would prefer not to talk. Here are some common visual cues. IS NOT interested in conversationIS interested in conversation
HINT: If the other person smiles and keeps eye contact, he or she is probably in the mood to talk.
- Make eye contact with the other person and smile.
- If you and the other person don’t already know each other, introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is __________, and I work in the __________ department as a __________.
- Make a statement or ask a question related to a “safe” topic of conversation. (A list of inappropriate subjects to avoid is provided later.)
- Did you see the new comedy movie that just opened?
- On the drive in, I heard that it's going to rain all day on Saturday.
- Which team do you hope wins the championship game tonight?
- Keep the conversation going by building on the other person’s responses.
- I didn’t see the movie yet either, but I’m planning to go this weekend.
- I wonder if the company picnic will be moved to Sunday because of the rain predicted for Saturday.
- That’s the team I'm rooting for, too!
- Do more listening than talking. Asking questions is a good way to do this, but be sure they’re not too personal!
- Have you seen any other good movies recently?
- Are you going to the picnic?
- Do you play any sports, or do you prefer to watch them on TV?
- Express interest in what the other person is saying by maintaining eye contact, smiling, and occasionally nodding your head. Also, use your words to let the person know you’re listening and to encourage him or her to continue talking.
- That’s really interesting.
- I know what you mean.
- Let’s talk more about this during our next break.
- Keep the conversation under a minute or two unless both you and the other person are on a break.
- Observe the other person’s facial expressions and body language to determine whether he or she is enjoying the conversation. Read Get the Hint! The Importance of Social Skills in Conversation for helpful tips.
Avoid Inappropriate Workplace Conversations
These include:
- Talking about religion, politics, dating and sex, family conflicts, detailed health information, and personal finances.
- Telling jokes, as other people might misunderstand or be offended by them – even if that’s not your intention.
- Using swear words.
- Saying negative things or sharing sensitive information about other people (also known as “gossiping” or “spreading rumors”).
- Asking highly personal questions.
- Sharing private details about your own life.
Take Steps to Understand and Master Other Areas of Workplace Communication
We hope you found this post helpful in knowing when and how to have personal conversations at work. This is only one of many reasons for communicating at work, and some situations are more challenging than others. We encourage you to visit the Communication section of our Soft Skills Builder blog to continue to hone your skills.
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