Let’s face it; each of us is guilty of walking into our lecture halls, quietly finding a seat, and immediately scrolling through our phones until the professor starts class. It’s second nature to do this when our phones are basically our lifelines – they are there for us when we have minutes to spare before class, and the easiest way to avoid any dreaded classroom “small talk”.
It’s time we take a pause from the smartphones and bring back the “small talk”. Sure, it might feel awkward at first to spark up a conversation with a peer you have never met before, but think about all of these benefits that could result from simply turning to say hello to your neighbor:
1. You will be seen as approachable. It’s never a bad thing to be the first person to say hello in a giant lecture. People are more likely to strike a conversation with you in the next class if they know you’re open to talking.
2. “Small talk” turns into “real talk”. Who knows, your classroom neighbor may have an interest that you have, and will most likely have a similar major. Conversations will become easier between the two of you, and a friendship might result.
3. Network! Network! Network! Talking about your major leads to talking about your experiences in the field. Your neighbor in a lecture might have had an internship or job that could lead to information on where you could find one too. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on a topic you both enjoy!
4. The obvious benefit? Study partners! In every class you should find someone who you won’t be afraid to ask a question to about an assignment, who can catch you up on a class you miss, and of course to join you in the necessary study sessions.
5. Making friends everywhere you go. Picture this: your classmate likes the same food as you (you briefly discussed this in the minutes before class begins), you decide to grab lunch together after class, instantly you make a new best friend.
Okay, so the last one may sound a little far fetched, but in reality, you never know where a conversation may lead. It is important to know the value a small conversation has, not only in the college environment, but post grad. Networking begins right in the classroom, and we shouldn’t miss our chances to make new connections because we’re preoccupied on our phones! Take the first step, and next time you’re in class, just say hello!