Ubering? Don’t sweat the small talk

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"Do you Uber?" Is fast becoming a popular question as the Uber ride-sharing app continues to spread across South Africa. With that said, if you do have the app, the next question to ask is: Do you chat to the Uber driver during your trips?

Not everyone will be keen to engage in small talk, especially with someone they are barely acquainted with, but considering the fact that the duration of your trip could be 20 minutes or more, you may need to break the ice. Below are a couple of ways you can create a conversation with your driver.

• "How long have you been an Uber driver?" Hey, it's the equivalent of the age-old advice to ask "so what do you do?" at cocktail parties. And it often leads onto other topics of conversation – such as what the driver did before they became an Uber driver (this writer's most memorable conversations was with a former bodyguard!).
• "What's the strangest ride you've ever given anyone?" Ask for stories, not answers! One way to get beyond small talk and make full use of the time is to ask open-ended questions. Aim for questions that invite people to tell stories, rather than give bland, one-word answers.
• "What did you think of the last Springbok game?" Sports is another topic that most people will talk about if you find the right sport… and while conversations regarding sports may feel a little superficial, they are an easy way to get the conversation going – whether positive or negative!
• "So, who are you insured with?" Not something you'd usually think about asking your driver, but it can result in some pretty interesting answers and you knowing who's got your back when it comes to road risks. You may be surprised to find out that some insurance companies do cover Uber drivers, under their business vehicles product [https://www.miway.co.za/business-insurance/business-vehicles].

Added bonus: A few body language cues for those who don't enjoy chit-chat.

When you get into the vehicle, sit in the back seat. Use visual cues like closing your eyes, putting on your earphones, or just mention that you've had a long day and really don't want to talk.

Essentially, conversing with your Uber driver is about more than just engaging in a chit-chat just to pass time, but you could make useful connections or even a new friend. Happy Uber-ing!