What Do I Say? Small Talk

Headship
Written By

BY SUSAN LAIR, Phd - CONSULTANT, Executive Coach

The life of a Head of School involves a lot of small talk. Small talk before School meetings, small talk during the School meetings, small talk at school events, small talk at Board events, of course, small talk at a donor lunch, and it goes on and on. The Head of School talks practically the entire day between public speaking and small talk, but the art of conversation is critical. In a few moments, individual constituents at your school might decide if you are kind, friendly, hardworking, fair, knowledgeable, legitimate, and worth trusting with their child's education or with their donation.

Remember, small talk is not an interview. It's a door that swings both ways. When asked, share your thoughts. As Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Charles Duhigg says in Super-communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Communication. "The goal, for the most meaningful discussions, should be to have a 'learning conversation.' Specifically, we want to learn how the people around us see the world and help them understand our perspectives in return."

Just Remember the Word HEAD

If you have trouble thinking of topics to talk about. Before your next event work with your development or marketing director to place appropriate questions under the word HEAD.

HOME

Where were you born? Did you grow up in _____?

  1. When did you move to Texas?

  2. How did you two meet? (if talking to a couple)

  3. Do you live near the school, or is it a long commute?

  4. Questions about their children

    • I watched the game on Thursday. How is Craig's ankle?

    • I wish you'd been with me Tuesday; Stacy is a whiz in Algebra

EDUCATION

  1. Where did you go to school?

  2. What was your major? Favorite subject?

  3. Are you part of the alum group? Besides soliciting your donations, how do they help you stay connected to the school?

  4. Tell me about your days at ___________.

  5. What is your occupation?

  6. Did your college coursework prepare you well to be a ______?

  7. What influenced your decision to become a ______?

  8. What is your favorite part of your profession?

ACTIVITIES

  1. Did you enjoy the game last night?

  2. What do you like to do outside of work?

  3. Did you participate in ______ during school?

  4. What kind of equipment does it require

  5. How long do you see yourself participating in __________?

  6. Do your children enjoy _____________ (parents' pastime)?

DREAMS

  1. If you could wave a wand, where would you be right now?

  2. Where do you hope to be in five years?

  3. Do you do much traveling?

  4. Where do you hope to go next?

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