Start a new job tomorrow - what can I talk to my new colleagues about?

[Checkenberger]

I am not a natural chatter, speak when im spoken to but find it impossible to make small talk and get to know people. I don't want anybody at my new job to think I'm weird.
What can I talk about?
Did you go to a bonfire over the weekend?
What are your Christmas plans?
Do you have a dog?
Oh god, I'm so weird haha, please give me a few topics to chat about, it really does not come naturally to me

How was your weekend?
Where do you get lunch?
Weather
what is your job
tv, films any other culture

Also be a bit led by them. You’ll be fine

Did they get away on holiday this year?
How long have they worked there?
Where did they work before?

I would try not to over think it though, you don't need to make endless small talk. Just concentrate on learning the job. What type of job is it?

Did they go to any Halloween or bonfire night events at the weekend

Watching any good TV, seen any good films lately.

Ask about where is good to get lunch nearby to the workplace.

Compliment someone’s clothing to get a conversation started.

Generic chat about it getting darker/colder/Christmas is soon/ask if they enjoy autumn/winter season.

Try more generally open questions, such as "did you do anything nice at the weekend" rather than asking if they went to a specific event as this is more likely to flow as conversation.
Good luck!

If you were working with me I'd be thrilled if you just sat there quietly, let me show you what you need to know and then got on. I bloody hate inanane chatter small talk. Just be yourself.

It’s not at all bad to spend your early days listening! Concentrate on understanding what’s going on, who’s who, how the job works. Then start asking what they did at the weekend later.

Listen and pick up on what they value. Showing you want to be a team player goes down well.

I have a friend who's great at small talk.

When I wasn't so good at it, I used to think 'what would X say?' and channel her chat 🤣

Good luck with your new job! Hopefully they'll make you feel welcome & the chat will come naturally.

I just started a new job and most of the small talk has been where do I / they live, what did I do before and how long have they been there.

Plus random stuff like the weather, darkness in the evenings( clocks had just gone back), Christmas being round the corner, where to get lunch/ tea/ coffee etc.

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, let it flow.

I'd actually keep the weekend questions for next week and use tomorrow to find out more about them in a work context, how long have they been there, what other roles they have had, what they most enjoy, what they find challenging etc.

Thanks everyone. I would be quite happy to sit in silence all day too but I have just moved to the area and I do not know a single person so thought I'd better make an effort to get to know people. I don't have any friends as I think people find me quite weird. And that's fine, I don't really want any but I've got to spend 40 hours a week with this team so don't want to make it any more awkward than necessary. I won't sleep a wink tonight 🥺

Maybe just stick to "Did you have a good weekend?" plus follow up if needed e.g. if they mention kids ask how old etc. I would think it was a bit weird if a new colleague asked me a load of random questions on their first day.

Just smile, be polite and let them ask you questions. Ask similar questions back.

If you’re new to the area, just say that and ask where’s good to go for lunch. No need to fill the silence with random chit chat, it’s work not a social event.

Ask where they get their coffees or lunches, if they’re watching Strictly, I’m a celeb starting soon, did they get any holidays in this year, have they kids/grandkids looking forward to Xmas?

You can do this OP! I’m terrible at small talk too, people think I’m cold but I’m just shy and a bit shit at chatting, I actually really like other people. I started a new job recently and honestly it wasn’t as hard as I’d imagined. Lots of good suggestions here to use.

I'd go for things to do with you starting the new job.

Where's the best lunch place? Where do you park? Do you take the train/bus in? Silly me but I get nervous - where's the nearest fire exit?

Oh btw - I like your top/scarf/hair colour. Where did you get that?

Strictly? I'm a celeb? OH my dog! GAG!

Have you seen Generation Z?

Just focus on your new job to start with and respond pleasantly if people talk to you. Honestly, if someone who’d just started in my workplace started that kind of ‘did you do anything nice at the weekend?’ hairdresser chat, I’d be wondering why they weren’t focused on work, and the inevitable things that need sorting for a new starter.

Agree with this. Keep general chat for break times and focus on work related discussions as appropriate.
Don't ask about e.g. strictly if you don't watch it or fireworks if you hate going to see them! That would just be weird

The fact you’re new to the area gives you lots of openings really but don’t force it too much , you can ask about the best places to eat , where people get hair cut , any hobby classes etc just wait till there’s a natural start or the conversation.

They will probably ask you a little about yourself to start off with but suggestions about what they did at weekend , pets , kids , tv are all good.

Just focus on the work & what you are meant to be doing ... let others lead any 'social chit chat' ... I would be quite put off if I was showing a new person round or explaining work procedures etc and they started asking random questions about Strictly or Halloween ....

How long have you been here?

Anywhere nearby good to eat/get coffee/best to avoid?

Good luck today. I would do as many others have said and chat when your new colleagues ask questions or speak to you but generally otherwise just ask things you need to know about the job and workplace don’t force yourself to be falsely over friendly. If you ask about any tv shows you need to actually watch them yourselves or you look a bit odd

“did you watch strictly at the weekend”
”oh yes I love it who do you want to win”
“Erm I’ve no idea as I don’t watch it”