Small talk training Breda
You love a good conversation.
Starting one is the hard part.
From an awkward exchange with a stranger to an easy, natural chat.
- Start conversations and keep them going
- Pitch yourself and create opportunities
- Join a group confidently at networking events
- Network without draining all your energy
- Personal and small group · max 8 participants · Breda
Small talk training in Breda
Starting a conversation with a stranger or pitching yourself at a networking event can feel really difficult. This training is practical and small-scale. You practice with tools you can use straight away so that by the end of the training you are able to chat with anyone.
Small talk is that informal conversation before a job interview or the chat at a networking event. Some people do it effortlessly. Others do not even dare to say hello or frantically search for something to say. Sound familiar? Then this training might be exactly what you need.
Practical information
October 2nd 2026 – available
- 1 in-person training day 09:30-17:00
- Location PuurPit Ulvenhout (Breda)
- Including day package & lunch
- Max. 6-8 participants
- Investment €525,- ex. VAT
- Incompany training possibilities
"It was an eye opening, comfort zone expanding and filled with learnings experience. Manon is very attentive, thoughtful and caring trainer. She creates a safe place to practice new skills. I definitely recommend joining Manon's trainings."
Linda Katkevica
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 star rating · Over 100 professionals went before you!
Do you recognise these challenges
How great would it be to just walk up to someone and start a conversation? Or join a group and naturally be part of it? How great would it be if networking actually became fun and easy? The small talk and networking training helps you get there. Do you recognise any of these?
You do not know how to start a conversation
ou are at a networking event hoping someone will come and talk to you. During conversations you get stuck and things get awkward fast.
You avoid networking as much as possible
You would rather skip every networking event. But when you have to go, you're hoping someone will approach you and mostly they do not.
It feels forced and shallow
Small talk never goes anywhere. You want real connections. But every conversation stays on the surface.
You do not dare to join a group
People are talking in groups. You are standing alone. You want to join. But how? When? What do you even say?
As an introvert it costs too much energy
Other people recharge by talking. You drain. Small talk feels like a marathon. How do you do this without ending up exhausted?
You miss opportunities
Networking can open doors to new career opportunities but networking is just not your thing. And so the opportunities pass you by.
What you get out of the small talk training
- Start conversations easily and keep them going
- Manage your energy at networking events
- Feel more confident in conversations
- Spot and seize opportunities at networking events
- Present yourself and create new chances
- Handle awkward moments with ease
- Join groups confidently and add value
What you learn in the small talk training
The small talk and networking training is a 1-day training in Breda. You learn what small talk is, how to start a conversation and keep it going and how to network and seize opportunities.
Starting small talk
- What small talk means
- The difference between small talk and deep conversation
- Non-verbal communication
- Practice real-life situations
Keeping conversations going
- The FORD- method
- The 3 question rule
- The mirroring technique
- Practising real-life situations
Closing conversations
- Seizing and creating opportunities
- How to end a conversation well
- Recognising the right moment
- Next steps
Joining groups
- How to join a group
- How to add value to a conversation
- From outsider to insider
- Practising real-life situations
Your inner voice
- The fear of coming across as stupid or boring
- Worrying you do not sound expert enough
- Recognising and interrupting your inner critic
- Showing up as yourself without constant self-monitoring
Presenting yourself
- Your elevator pitch (30 seconds)
- Telling stories that captivate
- Listening vs. talking
- How to move from small talk to real connection
Why this small talk training is different
Small groups · max 8 to 10
Real attention, real practice and lasting results. Not a group of 15 where you watch others. With my training you practice a lot.
Technique and inner work
Most trainings have their focus on techniques and theory. I have a different approach because technique gets you started. But your inner voice, how you see yourself , determines whether it sticks. We work on both at the same time.
Learning by doing not by watching slides
The focus is on practicing with methods such as applied improvisation that trains you to use your body as an instrument, stay present under pressure, and find comfort in discomfort.
Personal guidance
You work with me throughout. No trainer you have never met. No standard programs but everything custom made.
Support after the training
After the in-person training days I stay involved for 3 months with personal challenges and feedback so results actually last. You also get an invitation to our WhatsApp group, and boost days for alumni.
Client reviews
About me
With 10+ years of experience I help professionals find their voice and take control of their working life. Not by becoming someone you are not. But by staying completely yourself and learning to say what you mean, the way you mean it.
Let us be honest: difficult colleagues, uncomfortable situations, conversations you keep putting off. They are part of every job. But you do not have to shrink yourself to get through them.
My approach is different from most communication trainings. I do not give you a list of tips and tricks and send you on your way. I combine two things that most trainers separate: technique and inner work. Because technique alone fades the moment the stakes go up and your inner voice kicks in. We work on both.
I have a background as a senior manager, drama teacher and trainer. That combination brings a unique method and it is the most effective way I know to help people get out of their head and into the moment. Which is exactly where confident communication lives.
Everything I offer I develop myself, deliver myself, and guide myself. You always work with me not a trainer you have never met.
My promise to you
Your success is my success. I stay involved until you have the result you are looking for.
Investment small talk training Breda
€525 excl. 21% VAT
- Training day from 09:30 to 17:00
- Support and access to exclusive alumni booster days
- Free personal intake call
- Full day arrangement including a lovely lunch
- All training materials
Paying for the training yourself? You automatically benefit from a favourable tax arrangement.
Enroll small talk training Breda
Ready to start?
Reserve your spot for the small talk training in Breda. Within 24 hours you will receive an invitation for your free intake call where we discuss your challenges and define your learning goals together.
Frequently asked questions
What is small talk?
Small talk is light, informal conversation that happens before a meeting, at a networking event, or with someone you have just met. It is not about saying something profound it is about creating a moment of connection. Topics like the weather, the weekend, or a shared situation are classic examples. Small talk is the bridge to bigger, more meaningful conversations.
Is this small talk training suitable for introverts?
Yes, actually this training is especially effective for introverts. You will learn how to network in a way that suits your energy, not drain it. We specifically work on energy management at networking events.
How can I improve my small talk?
Small talk is a skill, not a personality trait. You can learn it. Start by asking open questions, showing genuine curiosity, and listening more than you talk. Techniques like the FORD method (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) give you a simple structure to keep conversations going naturally. With the small talk training you learn the techniques as well as the inner voice.
I am not Dutch, is this training in English?
Yes. This small talk training is taught entirely in English and is designed for international professionals and expats living or working in the Netherlands.
Is there a small talk and networking training near Eindhoven or Rotterdam?
The training takes place in Breda, which is easily accessible from Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Tilburg by train or car. A lot of participants come from further aways.
What if I am afraid of coming across as stupid or boring?
That fear is exactly what we work on. Most people do not lack the words they struggle with their inner voice. We tackle both the technique and the mindset in every session.
How is this different from other small talk trainings?
Maximum 8 participants, personal guidance, applied improvisation, and follow-up support for months after the training. Most trainings stop when the day ends. This one does not.
Can my employer reimburse this training?
Many companies cover communication and networking training as part of their learning and development budget. We recommend checking with your HR department or manager.
Is there an English small talk training in the Netherlands?
Yes. Sterk Spreken Studio offers a small talk training and networking training in English in Breda, specifically designed for expats and international professionals in the Netherlands. The training is highly recommend by large corporates. Manon is has over 10 years of experience working with international professionals.
Why is small talk important?
Small talk builds trust and starts before the real conversation begins. In professional settings it happens before job interviews, at networking events, and in the hallway with colleagues. People who are comfortable with small talk create more opportunities professionally and personally.
Why do I find small talk so difficult?
Most people who struggle with small talk are not bad at conversation they are afraid of how they come across. Also most people who struggle with small talk like deep conversations more. The fear of saying something stupid, boring someone, or not knowing what to say next gets in the way. Working on both technique and your inner voice makes the biggest difference. That’s when a small talk training can really support you.
What is the difference between small talk and networking?
Small talk is the conversation. Networking is the intention behind it, building relationships that can lead to opportunities. Good networking always starts with good small talk. You cannot skip the small talk and go straight to “can you help me with my career.”
Other interesting training programs
Assertiveness training
This 2-day assertiveness training in Breda teaches you to communicate assertively. You’ll learn to stand up for your opinions, boundaries, and needs without hurting others. You specifically learn to navigate the unique challenges of working as an international in the Netherlands.
Public speaking course
Public Speaking course for international professionals and expats in the Netherlands. A small-group training for international professionals who want to speak with real authority in high-stakes meetings, senior presentations, and everyday meetings without second-guessing themselves.
Communication coaching
Individual training for international professionals in the Netherlands. This 1-on-1 approach is very effective and personal. Communication coaching focuses on your specific learning needs.