Inspired by our Annual Professional Presentation Week (February 12 – February 16, 2024), the CSE Team has created a blog series to highlight important topics related to the various aspects of professional presentation. These will be published throughout the month of February (because one week just isn’t enough!), so stay tuned for more awesome Professional Presentation Content.
In preparation for our famous CSE Small Talk Challenge on Wednesday, February 14, Jennifer Voldins, Associate Director, Career Strategies and MSF Career Coach, shares her insights as to what Americans talk about in the office (besides Taylor Swift).
About Professional Presentation Week: Featuring several events and challenges related to various aspects of professional presentation, including: Professional Attire, Body Language, Interview Preparation, Online Presence, Networking Tips, The Video Interview, Small Talk Challenge, Personal Branding, and more!
About the CSE Small Talk Challenge: Stop by the World Court anytime between 11 am and 2 pm on February 14 to take the challenge and spin the CSE Wheel of Wonders to win awesome prizes!
What Americans Talk About in the Office
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), Americans work more hours than their counterparts in most other industrialized countries. This emphasis on work naturally translates into a significant portion of people’s daily lives being devoted to their profession.
My Experience in the Finance Industry
Drawing from my own experiences in the finance industry, where long hours are the norm, most conversations throughout the day are work-related discussions. With the need to stay abreast of financial market developments, communicate with clients, strategize with teams, and problem-solve on the fly, there’s not much time for idle chatter—especially in the early morning rush to digest overnight market movements and speak with clients.
Most finance firms adopt open floor seating plans, which foster an environment where work discussions naturally dominate.
Humor though, consisting of quick one liners, wry observations, or good-natured ribbing, is always appreciated and helps to defuse many stressful situations. Have a look at these videos to get a flavor of investment environments from years past:
Experience Wall Street Stock Trading In 1980. So Primitive. But I Lost Money Back Then and more recently: What it’s like on the fixed income trading floor
Food for Thought (and Conversation)
While work remains the primary focus of conversations, discussions about food, new restaurants, and lunch in particular, are big.
The question, “What are you doing for lunch?” inspires lively debate, helps boost camaraderie, and is usually a welcome diversion from the day’s challenges and possibly, long hours ahead.
In American cities like New York and Boston, where the culinary choices are endless, much consideration may be given to the topic. Once lunchtime arrives, the aromas in an open-seating office might resemble those at an international food convention, as everyone eats at their desks. (No leisurely one-hour lunch at a cool new restaurant unless you are networking with clients!)
Check out 7 Ways to Build Company Culture With Food
Play ball!
Sports serve as another neutral conversation starter which helps foster camaraderie within the office, with discussions ranging from the performance of local teams to global events like the Olympics and World Cup. Even if you don’t have much of an interest in athletics, staying informed about important sporting events can facilitate connections with coworkers and clients—remember, sometimes it’s about faking it until you make it!
Exercise Your Small Talk Skills
Other common conversational topics like family, travel, and weekend plans are popular, but unless you’re particularly close with someone, personal details tend to be omitted, keeping the conversation on a friendly and general level.
For more insights on this approach, check out this article on the concept of “small talk with limitations”: How to navigate your way through American workplace culture – Stump & Associates and another on the American style of business speak: The “American Style” Of Business Speaking And Why You Need To Master I
In short, American workplaces feature a variety of discussions, from work-related matters to friendly chats about lunch and sports. These interactions strengthen connections among colleagues and enhance collaboration. They provide opportunities to exchange ideas and make the work environment more enjoyable.
