Don't Make Small Talk. Think Big Talk
This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
Weekend Reading
Do you ever feel like conversations at social gatherings are shallow and uninteresting? Studies show that people who engage in meaningful discussions report higher well-being than those who stick to small talk.
READ THE ARTICLEBut like strong social connections, great conversations don’t just happen—they’re created.
The Secret to Better Conversations: Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks offers four simple principles for more enjoyable and meaningful conversations, using the acronym TALK:
📌 T – Topics: Think ahead about meaningful subjects to discuss. Conversations become more engaging when they have purpose.
📌 A – Asking: Posing thoughtful questions (and really listening!) makes discussions richer and more rewarding
📌 L – Levity: A little humor and lightheartedness keep conversations fun
📌 K – Kindness: Focus on what the other person needs, whether it’s encouragement, laughter, or simply someone who truly listens
Key Takeaways: Your relationships and social interactions in retirement are more important than ever. The next time you converse with someone, try TALKing—you might find that the best conversations are the ones that truly matter.