Beyond Small Talk

How to Have Conversations That Spark Meaningful Friendships

You can do small talk. You can chat about the weather, work, hobbies and interests, weekend plans etc. It's all very friendly - but somehow the conversation never seems to go deeper, and you're left wondering how other people manage to turn casual acquaintances into actual friends.

The truth is, there's a skill to moving conversations beyond surface-level pleasantries - but it's not about being naturally charismatic or having a special gift. It's about understanding how to create the right conditions for genuine connection, knowing what questions actually invite depth, and being willing to share in ways that feel authentic rather than forced.

In this workshop, we'll explore the psychology of what makes conversations feel connecting rather than draining, how to move from polite chitchat to meaningful exchange without it feeling awkward or intense, and what to do when you're stuck in the small talk loop with someone you'd genuinely like to know better.

You'll leave with practical conversation techniques you can use immediately - whether you're meeting new people or trying to deepen existing connections - plus the confidence to steer conversations in more interesting directions without feeling like you're interrogating people or oversharing.

As a thank you for joining, you'll also get a discount code which you can use towards my 'Beyond The Surface' course which is all about having more meaningful conversations.

What You'll Learn

Why most conversations stall at the surface — and what's actually happening when they do. You'll understand the invisible social scripts that keep us trapped in polite but forgettable exchanges, and how to gently break out of them.

The anatomy of a conversation that bonds. You'll discover what friendship researchers have found about the specific types of exchange that create closeness — and why it has almost nothing to do with being interesting or extroverted.

How to move from small talk to real talk without making it weird. There's a sweet spot between "so what do you do?" and oversharing your life story in the queue at Tesco. You'll learn practical techniques for deepening a conversation at a pace that feels natural for both of you.

The art of asking questions people actually want to answer. Not all questions are equal. You'll learn which types of question open people up and which ones shut them down — and how to respond in ways that make people feel genuinely heard.

How to read the signals that someone wants to go deeper — and the ones that mean they don't. Connection is a two-way street. You'll get better at recognising when someone is ready to move beyond the surface, so you can invest your energy where it's most likely to be reciprocated.

What are these events all about?

I care about offering accessible, affordable ways for people who are ready to feel more seen and supported in their friendships to benefit from my work. Every month I run events ranging from seminars to workshops to private community gatherings, each one exploring a different aspect of what it means to build authentic, enjoyable, trust-based friendships as an adult.

Some sessions are more formal 'taught' content, others are semi-structured / facilitated, but not restrictive - we'll look at questions, share ideas, explore tools and techniques, but if the group wants to go in a different direction, then that's where we'll go. We're sometimes able to spend time on specific issues that those attending are experiencing in their friendships.

Who is it for?

Dare To Belong® events are open to anyone interested in learning more about friendship & connection in safe, welcoming space! These events tend attract thoughtful, reflective, independent types - most of whom are aged over 30 - people who like deep / interesting conversations, and prefer to connect in more stereotypically introverted / lower-key ways. But you don't have to be this demographic to attend - if the topic sounds interesting and useful to you, then you are very welcome!

Why should I attend?

• Walk away with practical advice rooted in the latest research, and in Hannah's personal and professional experience;
• Opportunity to seek advice and support on friendship issues that you're facing from a leading expert;
• A chance to hear from other people who are on the same learning journey as you.

What if I'm worried about talking on camera / taking part?

It's absolutely fine to get involved in Dare To Belong® events in a way that feels comfortable for you. You can listen in, chime in on the comments, or share your stories, ideas and questions on camera when given the chance to do so. It's really up to you! I sometimes put participants into smaller breakout groups to aid learning - if this happens, I'll mention it in advance so that you can decide whether you want to take part, or rejoin the group later.

Your Facilitator

Hannah Carmichael OBE is a yoga-loving mum-of-one with ADHD and a serious coffee addiction. She's also a leading friendship and connection coach with years of experience in helping thoughtful, kind, independent people build meaningful friendships that last. As a reformed 'awkward type,' Hannah loves nothing more than to see those she works with find the confidence to be their authentic selves, while building vibrant, wholehearted connections into their lives.

How do I join?

You can pay for this event as a one-off, or you can buy an events pass which will give you access to all events while you are signed up, as well my private Friendshift Circle community, which includes additional fortnightly events which aren't advertised publicly.