SUMMER SMALL TALK

It’s party season - whether it’s your work summer do, a wedding, end-of-term socials for your kids, or just a barbecue with friends.

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There’s a lot of mixing, mingling and making small talk in this glorious weather. Which is wonderful... until you find yourself trapped in conversation with someone you rather wouldn’t be and you need to plot your escape.

This happens to me a lot, so when I heard the Charisma on Command YouTube channel have broken down the subtle habits that make people instantly unlikeable I was intrigued. Finally, someone has articulated the exact behaviours I keep encountering where I find myself nodding along politely to someone with the emotional intelligence of a flea.

The first? Grabbing the spotlight. When someone shares good news and another person immediately pivots the conversation to their own experience. Even if well-meaning, it can come off as 'that's nice... but back to me'. Charismatic people, the channel suggests, shine by lifting others, not by stealing the moment.