why do we talk so much about the weather, and why is it important? when we first meet people, we don't begin by telling them our life story. we start with small talk, a polite conversation about something much less important like traffic or weather. sometimes it goes nowhere. we may talk to people in the elevator, at the store, or on the bus, but the conversation quickly ends. many other times, however, small talk can create something much bigger, including new friendships or even a better job. it just has to be done the right way.