# Smalltalk  URL:: https://www.polaine.com/2021/10/smalltalk/ Author:: polaine.com ## Highlights > smalltalk is also a tool of psychological safety for many – can I say this? Is this a person I can trust? And, of course, of power – are you worth my time talking to? What can you do for me? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hmj65jfp0jn7fkwbm103j1qf)) > try considering smalltalk as improv instead. It’s the casual back and forth warm up for the game of conversational tennis. You build on the other person’s comment until you find enough common ground to build a full scene and a relationship ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hmj65trj85fgbpxk6vat623p)) --- Title: Smalltalk Author: polaine.com Tags: readwise, articles date: 2024-01-30 --- # Smalltalk  URL:: https://www.polaine.com/2021/10/smalltalk/ Author:: polaine.com ## AI-Generated Summary Smalltalk is often seen as redundant and inauthentic, but it can also serve as a tool for psychological safety and a way to establish power dynamics in conversations. Instead of dismissing smalltalk, it can be viewed as an improv exercise that builds rapport and relationships. In addition to its social context, Smalltalk is also a programming language with a notable history. ## Highlights > smalltalk is also a tool of psychological safety for many – can I say this? Is this a person I can trust? And, of course, of power – are you worth my time talking to? What can you do for me? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hmj65jfp0jn7fkwbm103j1qf)) > try considering smalltalk as improv instead. It’s the casual back and forth warm up for the game of conversational tennis. You build on the other person’s comment until you find enough common ground to build a full scene and a relationship ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hmj65trj85fgbpxk6vat623p))