Help with Business Small Talk (stocks, buying, work, companies)

[neuro]

I am looking for some conversation starters to fill that awkward space at the beginning of meetings where we are waiting on the rest of the people to arrive. I work with programmers and software developers so it is kinda on me to start a conversation. I want to make sure I avoid any sticky subjects.

I found a good list of get to know question at Business Small Talk 101, 25 Questions to start small talk in a business setting but they seem to be geared toward first meetings.

Any suggestion.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by neuro

I am looking for some conversation starters to fill that awkward space at the beginning of meetings where we are waiting on the rest of the people to arrive. I work with programmers and software developers so it is kinda on me to start a conversation. I want to make sure I avoid any sticky subjects.

I found a good list of get to know question at Business Small Talk 101, 25 Questions to start small talk in a business setting but they seem to be geared toward first meetings.

Any suggestion.

Those seem so contrived.

Current events seem to be a good way to start a conversation. You might stick with current events that are non-political and technology related.

For instance, if someone is sitting there with an iPad, I'd say. "So, I see you have an iPad. I was considering buying one, but the fact that they don't have a USB or SD port really discouraged me. Why do you think they didn't include them?"

Or maybe.... "I head that AT&T wireless is merging with T-Mobile. How do you think that is going impact stocks for these two companies?"

or something like.... "What do YOU think of the smartCar?"

Small talk is sooooooooooooooooo tedious.

20yrsinBranson