A new survey from Preply found that more than 70 percent of Americans would rather sit in silence than make small talk about weather, sports, or current events. But avoiding those quick conversations may come at a cost. 

According to Fast Company, small talk plays a quiet but consistent role in how relationships form and develop at work. Deb Feder, author of Tell Me More, points out that these brief interactions before or after meetings are often the entry points to deeper trust. They also offer a low-stakes opportunity to learn how others think, work, and prioritize. 

Small talk doesn’t need to follow a script. Feder suggests starting with what you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a TV show, a hobby, or your hometown. Conversations that begin with shared interests can uncover useful information. A coworker who hates mornings might be more responsive to questions in the afternoon. A manager who coaches soccer may not be available after 5pm.

This kind of knowledge creates smoother working relationships. It also helps when interacting with clients. Remembering someone’s last vacation or sending them an article about their favorite activity can go a long way in establishing a rapport. 

Small talk is also a way to identify connections, introducing someone to a helpful resource or contact based on what they’ve causally shared. Over time, these conversation build a foundation of trust that isn’t easily replicated through formal meetings alone.

In Feder’s words: “Trust is built in tiny little moments.” Small talk may not be the headline, but it’s often where the relationship begins.