Small Talk Builder — Ask the Archive

01 · Where are you going?

Work eventMixer, conference, client thingDinner partyFriends, plus people you don’t know yetWedding or celebrationBuilt-in joy, mysterious seating chartSomeone else’s crowdA partner’s, friend’s, or new groupNew-friend hangCoffee, walk, class, casual planLocal gatheringCommunity event, opening, neighborhood night

02 · What’s the approximate age mix?

Choose all that fit. This helps with context—not assumptions.

03 · What kinds of work are in the room?

Choose as many as you expect.

04 · How are you feeling about it?

Please rescue meI’m already planning a fake phone callA little rustyI need a few solid ways inMostly okayI want better materialPretty confidentHelp me go beyond surface level

05 · Which one sounds most like you?

This is the gap we’ll coach—not a permanent personality diagnosis.

I’m good with people. I just hate small talk.Once it gets real, I’m completely fine.I’m shy at first, then I can talk for hours.I need a gentler way into the conversation.I can start. I don’t know how to keep it going.The second question is where my brain leaves.I’m good one-on-one. Groups make me disappear.I never know when—or how—to jump in.I can talk. Then I replay everything afterward.The conversation ends; the internal review does not.

Builder

Feedback & requests