3. Clamming Up
When you run out of ideas for small talk, relax. Think about the current news, or the latest Yahoo news. If you work in the same place or go to the same school, talk about the new policies and ask the other person about their opinion. Pick up from there.
4. Not Delivering Effectively
It’s not only what you say, it’s how you say it. When you’re excited about a topic, you tend to talk fast. Slow down. As you talk, look at the other person and assess how they pick up your story. Say what you think, but be careful how you say it. To emphasize a point, you sometimes need to pause. Avoid monotony in your voice. Express with appropriate emotion and emphasis. Improve body language to go with your delivery, but don’t overdo it.