Although the topics may be nothing serious, the act of engaging in small talk can actually be extremely significant. In many situations, small talk fills uncomfortable silences. setting people at ease. Through small talk, people can get to know one another. They can exchange information and share facts about their lives, such as what they do for a living or how they like to spend their free time. In gaining some sense of each other, people discover 15 common ground. Indeed, small talk is essential to developing relationships. It is the match that lights the fire of friendship.