Use ORID to Go One Level Deeper
Use the ORID sequence to deepen small talk without making it too personal too fast.
Small talk gets awkward when you skip levels. ORID gives the levels names. Objective Start with observable shared material: "That demo had three customer examples." This keeps the conversation grounded. Reflective Ask for reaction: "Which one stuck with you?" This creates warmth without prying. Interpretive Ask for meaning when there is enough trust: "What do you think that means for support?" Decisional Close with action or future orientation: "Are you changing anything in your launch notes after that?" In small talk, you rarely need all four. The skill is choosing the next light rung.
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