Turning Small Talk into Big Talk

By: Jan Janura

Narrated by: Jan Janura

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura helps listeners move below the surface and experience deep, meaningful conversations that are not only interesting, but even life-changing.

Small talk is awful, awkward, and ultimately useless—and everyone knows it.

When is the last time you had a significant conversation with your spouse, your kids, your best friend, your neighbor, or a close business associate?

No, not small talk. We do enough of that with our fingers in five-word text “conversations” or in dull, surface-level, face-to-face interactions. Small talk isn’t getting us anywhere. What we need today more than ever is “Big Talk,” real conversations in which we dig deep into our souls and discuss intriguing topics that truly shape the world and impact our daily lives.

Conversation is undoubtedly the most important part of a relationship, whether it’s business, personal, or spiritual. It’s the only way to truly get to know someone, and it’s the best method in strengthening your bond with a business partner, spouse, friends, your children, and even God.

Each of us wants to interact with others, and all of us want to be heard. The conversations we each have can truly change the world—or destroy it—and the words, questions, and answers each of us use (or don’t use) can alter our own life and the lives of everyone around us.

So, why wouldn’t we choose to make our conversations as impactful and memorable as we can?

In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura unpacks the simple, easy-to-apply method he’s used throughout his career to turn dinner parties and other gatherings into fun, interesting, sometimes life- and career-changing experiences. If you find yourself desperate for deeper connection in your most important relationships, or if you find yourself responsible for regularly hosting clients or co-workers, this book is the missing tool in your tackle box!

©2023 Jan Janura (P)2023 One Audiobooks

5🌟 concise primer on facilitating connection

This is a great refresher on, or introduction to, asking open-ended questions to facilitate meaningful, informative dialog. Leaders in all industries stand to benefit from understanding and implementing these basic principles and tenants. Asking great questions leads to better communication about the misalignment of values/issues in all types of relationships and, aside from highlighting incongruity, can lead to breakthroughs and gaining a better understanding of those with whom you are in relationship.

This is an excellent resource for anyone who is unfamiliar with the concept of framing questions in a way to get meaningful feedback. For those who are already familiar, this audiobook serves as a solid refresher course with a personal spin by the author based on his unique experience.

I particularly enjoyed the large # of sample table questions as I'm always looking for new ones to use with my clients. I will definitely be using some of these after answering some myself!

Very quick listen and the narration is still understandable at 1.3× speed! Easy to complete during layovers and flights although you will want to pause. take notes, and re-listen to certain sections.

Read this if you want to connect to people

My mother used to plan questions to talk about during meal times. Her method was not as planned out as Jan's. I love this approach and plan to use it at work and in my personal life. Thanks for writing a great book.