FORM Technique: Master Small Talk

Starting a conversation can be tough for someone.

Sometimes, you meet someone new and you just don’t know what to say. Other times, you are catching up with someone you know well, but you still struggle to find a good starting point.

For both cases, small talk is a good choice. Small talk isn’t meaningless. It’s the bridge to deeper connections.

The FORM technique was created for small talk. It applies to networking events, sales calls, and casual meetings.

Core Concept of the FORM Technique

The FORM technique is built around four simple topics: Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Message.

Each topic helps guide the conversation naturally.

Family

Ask about the person’s family.

This is often a comfortable starting point because family is important to many people.

You can ask questions like, “Do you have any siblings?” or “How is your family doing?” This shows you care and are interested in their personal life.

Occupation

Talk about their job or what they do every day.

Work is a big part of most people’s lives, so it gives you a lot to discuss.

Simple questions like “What keeps you busy these days?” or “How did you get into your career?” can open up the conversation.

Recreation

Find out what they enjoy doing in their free time.

Hobbies and interests can create strong bonds. You can ask, “Doing anything fun this weekend?”. Talking about fun activities usually brings more energy to the conversation.

Message

Once you have built a good connection, it’s time to share a meaningful message.

This could be about your services, your ideas, or even just setting up the next meeting. At this point, people are more likely to listen and engage with your message because people feels comfortable with the easy check-in conversation.

Tips for Using the FORM Technique

• Be genuinely curious: People can tell when you are faking interest. Listen carefully to their answers and ask follow-up questions.
• Stay flexible: You do not have to go through F-O-R-M in order. Let the conversation flow naturally.
• Watch for body language: If someone seems uncomfortable with a topic, smoothly move to another area.
• Keep it simple: Do not overthink your questions. Friendly and basic questions often work best.