Need inspiration - what are you best small talk phrases? And which ones do you hate? (Light-hearted)

[Justareceptionist]

As a receptionist, it's my job to make people feel welcome and be friendly. After signing someone in I often have to walk them to where they need to go. So as to avoid awkward silence for these few seconds, my standard stock phrases currently are "have you had far to come?" And "did you find us OK?" and something about the weather.
Inspire me with new phrases to use today at work.
And tell me the ones you hate!

Anything about Christmas is not welcome.
Depends on whetber where you're taking them is good or bad!

Asking about why they're here is a solid choice, in whatever way that makes sense for what the building is. E.g. "lots of work to get through today?" or "are you here on holiday?" etc.

I used to work on a reception desk at a shared office space and if someone had clearly dressed nicely I always told them they were looking sharp - put lots of springs in lots of steps!

As pp said, compliments are great. I love your glasses, bag, shoes.......

“Are you looking forward to the World Cup?”

"Sharon's office is on the first floor, do you prefer lift or stairs? The toilets are just down the corridor by the way if you want to use them before we go..." And other similarly useful information about the building, the visit, their comfort is often preferable to talking for the sake of it imo.

How has your morning been? I've been so busy, we have the team from XYZ here today...here we are, this is your room!

That sort of general chit chat, led by you, nothing too much. I was a DV advisor and when new families walked into the safe space, I could usually tell who was going to anxiously fill the silence, in which case I let them, or who felt scared and worried, in which case I would natter away while I showed them in.

On top of what you’ve already said and the odd helpful compliment, usually something to do with what they’re there for. In a hotel “have you got lots of plans for your stay? We have some great recommendations if not, come and have a chat with us at reception.” That kind of thing. If it’s at work I would usually go for general comments about where you are if it’s interesting “this is the exports department and just through here is Becky’s office”. Or comments on the building etc. “Have you been here before?” opens up a few avenues. And don’t be afraid to just stop talking. I never keep yapping in a lift full of people for example.

Lots of good suggestions here. The only one I hate is “did you find us OK”. They obviously did as they’re in the building.

I hate that one too and always have the urge to reply “no I’m still stuck in the one way system around Aberystwyth” or similar.

How are you today?

That's my favourite. It just gives someone the opportunity to say, you know what? I'm not having a good day...

Either that or, I'm having a great day thanks. Then I sit down and be thankful I'm not having a rubbish day!

Brits love talking/moaning about the weather, it's a fail safe. I went to get my hair cut last Thursday and the poor receptionist was in a thick dress with black tights in a glass fronted reception area. She said to me "Oh I wish I'd put my linen trousers on today, you look so cool and comfortable - look at me in this get up, I nearly had to go and buy new clothes at lunchtime". She's very chatty and bubbly but never intrusively.

It generally means "did you have any trouble finding us" 😄 Lots of the people that come and really old and don't use satnav