The Tamesis
Small talk is often relegated to useless small talk, but it is once again at the heart of debates about the well-being of our society. Beneath the veneer of triviality, this form of communication is actually an opportunity to create deeper connections than we imagine—and according to science, shared micro-moments can ultimately sow the seeds of great conversations in the future.
Small talk was born in Anglo-Saxon society and was originally established as a polite ritual. Back in the Victorian era, exchanging a few platitudes was literally part of the social norm—a way of expressing politeness and boundaries. Today, the concept remains unchanged: it is about opening a neutral space for dialogue where two strangers can meet without undue pressure. The unpredictable weather, the crowded subway, the exhibition that everyone is talking about, the aroma of takeaway coffee… These fragments of daily life do not require professional knowledge or investment, but they can build a bridge between two people.
The best place to practice small talk? In the elevator, on the line or on public transportation, in the office corridor, during a coffee break, at a party – everywhere, silence matters more than casual remarks. That’s the power of small talk: loosening the mood and paving the way for richer exchanges.
However, small talk often comes off as inane, mechanical, or too polite to be sincere. In an age that prizes raw authenticity and total self-expression, these minimal conversations seem almost suspicious. But the so-called conversational void is actually an important cultural mechanism.
The unexpected benefits of small talk
This practice, which Georges Perec called “extraordinary,” has been the subject of multiple studies, and anthropologists have long doubted its value in human socialization. A Turkish study published in 2023 highlighted several key benefits of small talk:
Increase daily happiness: Research shows that “simple social interactions,” such as talking to strangers or acquaintances, predict higher life satisfaction, suggesting that these superficial exchanges are linked to improved daily well-being.
A stronger sense of social belonging: Through basic gestures like greeting or thanking someone, the authors observe that this “minimal social interaction increases a sense of connection with others,” a key factor in happiness given humans’ innate gregarious nature.
Expanded social network: The study also points out that superficial interactions with people about whom we know little or nothing play an important role in daily life, helping individuals integrate into wider social structures and expand their networks of acquaintances.
