Keep Small Talk Small

We put too much pressure on ourselves when we are in conversations.  There’s really no need for this.  Instead, we should focus outwardly and listen to the other person, and then we need to get rid of the irrational ideas that we must be funny, interesting, and/or entertaining.  You are just making small talk.  No one else is worried about telling funny stories.  Maybe you are trying too hard to gain the other person's approval?  You don't need to do this. 

Focus outwardly, listen to the other person, and then respond to their question or their comments.  It doesn’t have to be anything big, earth-shattering, or mind-blowing ... it's just simple small talk.  There are plenty of subjects you may have in common.  You could discuss the weather, a class you're both in, your duties at work, your supervisor on the job, a video game you both play, a TV show you've heard about, etc.  You do not need to entertain others.  Whatever you say (common-sense, in context) is all right.  When the conversation is over, move on.  Forget it.  You're on to the next thing. 

After all, small talk is small talk because ... it's small.  It's not that important.  It's no big deal.