#SmallTalk

For many Thais, navigating a social event can mean politely exchanging weather observations, family status, and workplace updates. But for a significant portion of the population, this kind of small talk isn’t just uninspiring—it’s downright exhausting. Recent research and expert commentary are shedding new light on why trivial exchanges leave some people drained, revealing that there may be deeper personality traits at play beyond simple shyness or social awkwardness (vegoutmag.com, Daily Mail).

A communications specialist has revealed the biggest mistake people make during small talk and offered an actionable technique that could reshape how Thais nurture relationships, whether in social circles, educational contexts, or the workplace. As post-pandemic life in Thailand rekindles face-to-face interactions, mastering small talk is more important than ever—but it turns out many of us are making the same subtle social error that undermines genuine connection.

The core insight, as shared by a leading motivational speaker and communications expert on social media, is that the number one mistake in small talk is—ironically—focusing too much on ourselves rather than genuinely engaging with the other person. According to the expert, most people unintentionally steer conversations toward their own experiences or opinions, either out of habit or nervousness. This tendency, while natural, can stifle the dynamic energy of an interaction and leave both parties feeling unfulfilled. The fix, the expert says, lies in adopting a mindset of curious inquiry: instead of waiting for a turn to speak or relate everything to one’s own story, we should actively invite the other person to share more about themselves.