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I don't talk much as well (I am originally from Russia, we don't smile much too + I am a software developer). And if I do, I prefer to talk for a reason. But
by kovrik 10y ago
I don't talk much as well (I am originally from Russia, we don't smile much too + I am a software developer).
And if I do, I prefer to talk for a reason.
But now I live and work in New Zealand and smalltalks here is a must. And that is really difficult for me.
My advice: just talk. People like to talk random meaningless things. Talk to your colleagues about the weather, about plans for weekends, about their current tasks, ask if they are ok, ask about their car/bike/cat/dog, invite for a coffee etc.
And don't be afraid to repeat yourself. Literally, they ask the same things everyday.
- lacampbell 10y agoI'm a New Zealander. Do you understand why we engage in smalltalk? I know it can be difficult for people from other cultures.
- jason_slack 10y agoI'd like to know...
- kovrik 10y agoAs far as I understand, the difference is that in our reality and perception, all strangers are 'bad' by default, they want to hurt us, they are suspicious etc. But if we know each other closer, if we confirm that the other guy is a good guy, then we can relax, talk, smile etc. In your culture you tend to think that all strangers are good by default, they are harmless, they are kind and interesting, hence you are trying to be polite with them. But if you know each other closer and you find out that the other guy is not a good guy, then you stop being polite. So, basically we are coming from the opposite directions :)
- toomanybeersies 10y agoI'm a kiwi, and I even I don't know why we engage in smalltalk. Upon saying that, I enjoy smalltalk. Every morning when I come into work, I'll usually talk some bullshit about the weather, or earthquakes, or something topical. So I guess the reason we do it is because we enjoy it?