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How can someone with ADHD practice better small talk? 

Improving ADHD social skills often begins with small steps, and small talk is one of them. For many people with ADHD, casual conversations can feel awkward or pointless, especially when attention or memory makes it hard to stay focused or respond quickly. But building these skills can greatly improve comfort in both social and professional settings. 

Practising small talk is not about becoming someone else. It is about learning reliable tools, like prepared conversation starters, that can ease anxiety and reduce overthinking. Small, structured exchanges help build social confidence, especially when repeated in safe or familiar environments. 

How It Helps with Connection 

Using go-to questions 

Prepare a few light questions or comments ahead of time. These conversation starters can help guide you when you are unsure what to say next. 

Active listening techniques 

Repeating or paraphrasing what someone says shows you are engaged and also helps strengthen ADHD social skills by improving attention during chats. 

Starting with low-pressure scenarios 

Practise small talk in short, informal settings like coffee queues or lifts. These low-risk situations are great for improving networking tips in real-world moments. 

By developing small, repeatable habits, people with ADHD can build more ease in social settings and experience more fulfilling interactions. With time and support, ADHD social skills can become a real strength. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships. 

Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.