Let me share a story from my cabin crew days that highlights just how meaningful these interactions can be.

As a cabin crew member, initiating conversations with passengers was a crucial part of my role. Small talk served as the icebreaker, the comforter for those scared of flying, and it set the tone for the rest of the journey.

It was about making passengers feel comfortable and cared for, showing them that I was there if they needed anything.

Adding a touch of humor to my interactions also made a significant difference—it showed passengers that I didn’t take myself too seriously and made me someone people enjoyed conversing with.

One particular flight stands out, especially because it was my birthday. Among the passengers was a woman returning to Europe after a holiday in Kenya. She shared captivating stories about her safari adventures and seeing the Big Five.

Our conversation brought the magic of her experiences to life and made the hours fly by for both of us.

Before we landed in Dubai, the crew presented me with a small gift and a card to celebrate. I was touched, but what happened next was truly memorable.

The passenger I had been chatting with had been watching the small celebration. Before she disembarked, she handed me a fridge magnet she had bought in Nairobi. “I hope this serves as a memory of our interaction today,” she said with a smile. “Thanks for making my flight enjoyable and making my holiday even more memorable.”

This experience not only made my birthday special but also reinforced how powerful small talk can be. It can turn routine interactions into memorable connections and show just how much impact our words and attention to others can have.

In this AI era, where technology often takes precedence, our soft skills like these are more important than ever.

Being a good listener, asking thoughtful questions, managing relationships, and demonstrating character integrity through small talk are skills that truly set us apart.

So, start a conversation today. Break the ice. Make someone laugh. Show them you’re not just another face in the crowd.

Remember, in a world increasingly dominated by AI, your soft skills are your superpower.