Take up the chance of doing small talk on the international stage

I remember a good friend of mine. He is an engineer and working for a leading company producing high efficiency pumps. We visited a reception of a big wholesaler. At first he didn’t want to join me. I insisted on his participation because I felt more secure with his brilliant technical knowledge. Right in the beginning he told me that we do not know any persons. For him a reason to drive home, for me a reason to stay and to get to know at least some of the people.

Two types of doing small talk

We started by approaching two persons. I introduced the two of us and we started to talk about the reception, the appealing location and how we are linked to the wholesaler. One of the two persons was an engineer, too. My friend was so happy to have found another engineer. They talked about their job and continued to discuss details of a high efficiency pump. Me and the other guy talked about the women football world championship and some of our hobbies. After a few minutes I went on to meet more people. Two hours later I got to know twelve new and interesting people. We exchanged our business cards and we told ourselves to get connected on social media platforms. My friend still discussed with the other engineer. When we left I asked him about his discussion partner. Actually, he knew nothing about the person. At least he thought of exchanging business cards with the other person.

Germans and small talk

Most of the Germans tend not to like small talk. They are used to go right into a subject and discuss it. In the end, they do not know anything about the other person. Unfortunately, with this type of behavior they give away the chance to get to know other people on a broader basis – and they do not form their own picture. They only have very limited opportunities to approach others.

International small talk

On the international floor, for example in the American culture small talk plays an important part. Americans use it to get a valuable impression of other persons and to show others what kind of person they are: What is their family situation, their profession, their role and influence in the company. What is their social environment, where do their friends come from? When you get to know a person you build up trust. In the US people matter, it is a people business. To generate trust, therefore, is a ‘must’ for every successful co-operation in business.

The principle of give and take

Small talk takes place according to the principle of give and take. You ask for information of the other person and you use the opportunity to give information you think the other person should know. You get interesting impressions and come across things you have in common with the other person. You feel if there is a basis for a future link to the person.

Small talk as chance to make business

Use the power of small talk. On the international stage it is a necessary first step to get in touch with people. Good small talk generates reliable trust between the partners. Furthermore, you are able to gain useful information for later negotiations and discussions. It can be limited to only one meeting or more extensive to many meetings. It is an important preparatory step. After having generated trust business is much easier and sometimes even quicker than in Germany.

More tips when acting on the international stage, you will find in our   Communication Training and Presentation Training.