Small Talk Is the Conversation That Can Create Chemistry

"Have you ever met someone new and felt like the two of you just "clicked." We "hit it off" is how you might describe the encounter, marveling at how the conversation just flowed even though the two of you were strangers-at least initially. This type of interaction illustrates how, whether platonic or romantic, chemistry can be formed quickly. As part of our daily routine, when we encounter co-workers in the break room or strangers at the coffee cart, conversation is often expected and enjoyable."

"The Enjoyment of Engagement Andrew J. Guydish and Jean E. Fox Tree (2025) explored the impact of small talk in a videoconferencing setting, including how it helped to form relationships.[i] Acknowledging that small talk is a big part of conversational perception, they compared different sets of task-break conversations where the break consisted of small talk facilitated through videoconferencing, or waiting the same amount of time on the break with cameras and microphones turned off."

"They found that partners who engaged in small talk enjoyed conversations more and were more willing to have future conversations with each other. They also found that conversational dyads who were directed to engage in small talk during breaks were three and a half times more likely to talk within the minute-long unprompted conversation period at the conclusion of the study, demonstrating how small talk can also spark the desire for continued interaction."

Brief incidental conversations increase immediate enjoyment and create positivity between interaction partners. Small talk during breaks, commutes, or casual encounters boosts willingness to have future conversations and can make the day more enjoyable. Small talk in videoconferencing settings raises conversational enjoyment and substantially increases the likelihood of continued interaction. Conversational dyads prompted to engage in small talk became three and a half times more likely to speak again during an unprompted minute-long period. In safe and socially appropriate settings, brief exchanges between strangers or co-workers can quickly form interpersonal chemistry and yield beneficial social and business outcomes.

Read at Psychology Today