How to Make Small Talk: Start a Short Conversation

Two weeks ago, from 12 to 16 October 2026, the Netherlands held the Week van het Praatje, a week encouraging people to have a chat. A good reason to talk to someone more often. But what if you do not know how to make small talk?

“Have a chat with someone” sounds simple. If you often struggle to find something to say, that advice does not give you much to work with. You stand beside someone at the bus stop, think about an opening line, and before you know it the bus arrives.

So what can you say? Here is a way to get started, with examples for situations you will probably recognise.

Making small talk takes practice

You do not need to be particularly outgoing or always have a funny remark ready. Many short conversations begin with something ordinary: a greeting, a comment about the weather or a question about where you are.

It can feel awkward at first. You search for words, the other person does not hear you straight away, or there is a pause. You can still have a pleasant short conversation.

1. Start with a short chat

You do not need to talk for five minutes. At the checkout, you can greet someone, make a comment and then carry on with your day. Thirty seconds can be enough.

If making small talk feels daunting, decide that you will just greet someone. If they respond and you have something to say, you can keep talking. You do not have to plan a whole conversation in advance.

2. Say hello, wait a moment, then continue

Start with “hi” or “good morning”. Wait a moment before saying your opening line. The other person may still be busy with their shopping, their phone or a thought. That pause gives them a chance to turn their attention towards you and say hello back.

You do not need to count seconds. Notice whether they look at you, nod or return your greeting. If they remain clearly busy or do not respond, leave it at hello.

The structure: greeting → short pause → opening line.

At the bus stop:

“Good morning.”

Wait until the other person says hello back or looks at you.

“I think the bus is running a little late today.”

If you are already talking and have the other person's attention, there is no need to greet them again.

3. What can you talk about?

You do not need to think of a clever opening line. Choose something you can both see or are both experiencing. It could be the queue you are standing in, a sudden shower or the train you are waiting for.

After your greeting and a short pause, you could say:

• “It's suddenly started pouring.”
• “Quite a queue today. Looks like everyone's on their break at once.”
• “Looks like the train's a few minutes late.”

You are commenting on the situation without asking a personal question straight away. The other person can agree, add something of their own or simply smile.

Want more examples? Small Talk: 3 Ways to Start a Conversation explains three types of opening lines and how to put them together.

The 30-second chat: greet, pause, remark, wrap up

Many people avoid small talk because they fear getting stuck in a long conversation. You don't need one. Aim for thirty seconds:

1. Greet: a clear "Good morning" or "Hi".
2. Pause: give the other person a second or two to look up and notice you.
3. Remark: say one short, friendly thing about what is in front of you.
4. Wrap up: close naturally once you've said it.

A chat, not a performance

• Overthinking: rehearsing a clever line until the moment has passed.
• A natural chat: saying one simple thing, letting them respond and moving on happily.

Two short chats to practise

• At the office coffee machine: "Morning! (pause) We seem to go through coffee twice as fast on Mondays. Have a good day."
• In a lift or lobby: "Warm out today, it almost feels like summer. Enjoy your afternoon."

What if the other person barely responds?

You make a comment and someone just says “yes”, or looks away again. That can feel uncomfortable, especially if you hesitated for a long time before speaking.

A short answer does not tell you why someone is saying little. They may be in a hurry, tired or simply not want to talk at that moment. You do not have to keep trying.

A nod is enough. You can also say “have a good day” and carry on. One short answer tells you little about how your next conversation will go.

Practise when it suits you

For your first attempts, choose somewhere a brief exchange is common, such as a shop counter or when you meet a neighbour. Notice whether the other person seems rushed or busy.

Try this today:

1. Greet someone.
2. Wait for a response.
3. If there is room to continue, add one comment about your surroundings.

If a conversation follows, listen to what the other person says. If they mention that they have just finished work, for example, you can ask how their day was. You do not need to look for a new topic straight away.

The Dutch article Small talk: zo word je er beter in covers what comes after the first sentence, with follow-up questions and ways to share something about yourself.

Want to practise more often? The Talking with People course takes you through starting conversations, listening and keeping them going. You can take the first module for free.

A themed week can encourage you to make contact. You can keep practising afterwards too, with one greeting or a short chat on an ordinary day.