The best small talk topics for work are the ones already in front of you: the weekend, food, the commute, current projects and shared surroundings. Below are 50, grouped by the ten moments when you most often need one, each with a follow-up question so the chat does not stop after one line.
How to use this list
Each topic is a prompt, not a script. Say it in your own words, listen to the answer and follow it. If the other person gives a short reply, close warmly and move on. The skill behind all of this is explained in what is small talk and how to socialise at work.
1. The kitchen or coffee machine
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Their coffee or tea order | "Do you have a favourite place nearby?" |
| The snack drawer | "Is that a regular treat or a one-off?" |
| Whether it is busy today | "Is it always like this on Mondays?" |
| A mug or lunch box | "Where did you find that?" |
| The coffee machine itself | "Have you figured out how it works?" |
2. The lift or corridor
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| The weather | "Did you get caught in the rain?" |
| The weekend ahead | "Anything fun planned?" |
| A quick "how's your day" | "Is it a busy one?" |
| The building | "Have you ever tried the stairs?" |
| An upcoming holiday | "Are you taking time off?" |
More one-liners are in small talk in an elevator.
3. Before a meeting starts
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| The agenda | "Do you know if it will run long?" |
| Last week's event | "How did that go?" |
| A recent launch | "That was a lot of work. How are you feeling about it?" |
| The room or call setup | "Is this the best seat?" |
| Their morning | "Have you had time for lunch?" |
For speaking up once the meeting begins, see ask a question in a meeting.
4. Lunch
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Where they eat | "Any place worth trying?" |
| Cooking at home | "Do you make it yourself?" |
| A food they love | "How did you discover it?" |
| Weekend meals | "Did you try anything new?" |
| Diet and favourites | "What is the best thing you have eaten lately?" |
5. The commute
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| How they travel | "Is it a long ride?" |
| Delays or traffic | "Do you have a shortcut?" |
| Living near or far | "Do you like your neighbourhood?" |
| A podcast or book on the way | "Would you recommend it?" |
| Cycling or walking | "Do you have a favourite route?" |
6. Weekend and holidays
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Plans for the weekend | "What are you looking forward to?" |
| What they did last weekend | "What was the highlight?" |
| An upcoming holiday | "Where are you going?" |
| Hobbies | "How did you get into it?" |
| Local events | "Have you been before?" |
7. Work they are doing (neutral)
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| A project they are on | "What is the most interesting part?" |
| A tool they use | "Do you recommend it?" |
| How they got into the role | "Was it what you expected?" |
| A skill they enjoy | "How did you learn it?" |
| A recent success | "What went well?" |
Keep it positive and avoid complaining about colleagues.
8. Video calls and remote chat
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Their background or plant | "Where is that from?" |
| Their local weather | "Is it sunny where you are?" |
| Time zone | "What time is it for you?" |
| Home setup | "Do you work from there every day?" |
| A pet that walks by | "What is their name?" |
Remote teams can also use chat for light topics. If speaking up on a call makes you nervous, asking a question in a meeting has a gentle way in.
9. Work events and offsites
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| How they know the team | "How long have you been here?" |
| The venue | "Have you been here before?" |
| The food | "What have you tried so far?" |
| Travel to the event | "Was it a long trip?" |
| What they are looking forward to | "Which session are you going to?" |
For a first week, introduce yourself at a new job covers introductions.
10. With a manager or senior colleague
| Topic | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Their weekend | "Did you get out of town?" |
| Books, shows, sport | "What would you recommend?" |
| Career path (lightly) | "What did you enjoy most about your early years here?" |
| Local tips | "What do you like to do in the city?" |
| A recent company event | "What did you think?" |
More in small talk with your boss.
Topics to skip
| Skip | Why |
|---|---|
| Salary and bonuses | Sensitive and divisive |
| Gossip about colleagues | Spreads and comes back |
| Politics and religion | Strong feelings, low payoff |
| Health or personal troubles | Share only what you choose |
| Complaints about the company | Can sound negative |
Make it stick
- Pick one topic per week.
- Note your nerves 0-10 before and after.
- Add the follow-up question every time.
- Try starting a conversation with a coworker once a week.
Solo Era's people category includes a level 3 mission, "Share one recommendation in a group discussion," which uses the same skill. Rating your nerves before and after shows how each step feels. Solo Era is practice, not treatment.
Solo Era for iPhone
Rate your nerves before and after a small chat
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
Not medical advice. If workplace worry feels heavy for weeks, consider speaking to a doctor or licensed therapist.
Parents at the school gate use similar topics; see small talk with other parents, or small talk at weddings for events.
FAQ
What if I run out of things to say?
Ask a follow-up question or bring up the shared setting, such as the food or the weather.
How long should small talk last?
Anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Follow the other person's energy.
Can I use these topics with clients?
Most work well. Keep it neutral, and follow the client's lead.
What if I am shy?
Pick one topic and one follow-up for the week. Repetition helps.
How do I end a chat politely?
"Good to catch up. I will let you get back to it."
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
