Small talk is casual conversation that,on the surface,seems unimportant. Happening almost everywhere,it takes place between people who do not know each other well. It often involves short conversations about common interests. Shoppers may use small talk to pass the time while waiting in line to pay for items. A hairdresser might keep up a steady conversation of small talk with the customer whose hair is being styled. A waitress who is skilled at smal talk may receive a larger tip from guests at a restaurant. Co-workers may exchange a few words about the weather at the water cooler. The most common situations for small talk,however,are at parties or social gatherings. At such times,small talk is used to strike up conversations with strangers.