5 small talk moves that actually work at Thanksgiving

DANCE-VENTURES In Guelph, ON
Surviving Thanksgiving Small Talk (W/Out the Awkward Silences)

You're stuck between Uncle Dave and your cousin's new partner. Someone asks what you're up to. Your mind goes blank.

Sound familiar?

Here's the thing: most Thanksgiving small talk fails because we rely on tired questions ("How's work?") or wait for someone else to carry the conversation. This year, borrow five low-effort strategies that make connecting easier—whether you see these people yearly or daily.

1. Lead with "What was your prep fail this year?"

Skip "How are you?" Ask about their Thanksgiving disaster instead.

It works because everyone has one. Burnt rolls. Three bags of stuffing. Forgot the cranberries entirely.

Try this: Early in the gathering, while unpacking groceries or surveying the kitchen chaos. "I bought way too much butter, what did you overdo?"

Self-deprecation bonds faster than perfection.

2. Ask for an "explain like I'm five"

People light up when asked to teach something.

Pick whatever they're into - their job, their hobby, something they mentioned last year, and say: "Explain it to me like I know nothing."

Try this: One-on-one moments with relatives you see rarely. "You're in cybersecurity, how do hackers actually work?" or "What makes a good running shoe? I have no idea what I'm doing."

They get to shine. You learn something. Nobody has to fake interest.

3. Reference one hyper-specific detail from last time

This move is unfairly effective. Most people expect generic catch-up. When you say, "Last year you mentioned trying to grow tomatoes, did that work out?" they remember you actually listen.

Try this: Within the first 10 minutes. Check your phone if needed, scroll back to last year's text thread. Even a small detail ("How's the kitchen reno?") proves this isn't autopilot small talk.

4. Use "transition intercepts"

Catch people during movement moments. Refilling drinks. Grabbing coats. Stepping outside for air. These natural transitions expect brief exchanges, and give both of you an easy exit if needed.

Try this: When someone's actively doing something. "Need help carrying that?" or "Mind if I join you outside for a minute?"

The pressure drops when the conversation has a built-in endpoint.

5. Propose a "highlight-lowlight trade"

Here's the structure: "Want to do a quick highlight-lowlight trade from this year? You go first." It skips the meandering "so what's new?" It legitimizes talking about hard stuff without dwelling. And it keeps the whole exchange to 3–4 minutes.

Try this: Mid-gathering with peers or cousins you're close to but don't talk to often. During cleanup or while waiting for dessert.

One high. One low. Done.

Pick one

You don't need all five. Try one tonight—whichever fits your gathering. The goal isn't to become the life of the party. It's to make one conversation feel a little easier, a little more real.

Which strategy will you test first? Reply and let us know how it went.

What's On This Weekend

No classes this weekend. Sunday, October 12 and Monday, October 13th, we're closed so you can focus on family, leftovers, and maybe a post-dinner walk.

We're back Tuesday night with regular classes.

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October 2025 FNSF Schedule!

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Next Step Socials (NSS) in Guelph, Milton, Georgetown, Paris and Waterloo - the place to let go of the day’s woes. Come in your slacks, a bottle of water and no make-up. Social dancing with an instructor on hand to answer any dance queries. Let’s Dance!

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