Hannah Carson’s Small Talks events help Londoners practise small talk
The 28-year-old founder hosts monthly gatherings at a Shoreditch pub to rebuild confidence in casual conversations
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A 28-year-old Londoner has launched a series of events to help residents rebuild confidence in casual conversations. Hannah Carson, who moved to the city from Cambridge six years ago, created Small Talks after noticing her own social skills had declined during the pandemic. The gatherings take place at the Commercial Tavern in Shoreditch and use games, guest speakers and structured prompts to make small talk less awkward.
Carson told South West Londoner she struggled with social anxiety last year, feeling unable to speak comfortably in public. To address this, she completed a 100-day TikTok challenge, posting daily videos to push herself out of her comfort zone. The experience helped her regain confidence, but she found existing public speaking clubs either too formal or poorly organised.
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How the events work
Small Talks began in April 2026 and has run three times since. Each event starts with attendees receiving a name badge and a prompt card designed to spark conversations. The first session included ‘Convo Bingo’, a speed-dating-style game where participants had to learn, share and discover something new about others. Carson said the structure removes the pressure of deciding who to talk to or how to start.
She also greets attendees at the door to help them feel welcome. Guest speakers have included John Muleba, a creative consultant who has worked with brands like Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen, and Katy Lewis, a leadership coach. Topics have covered body language, storytelling and how to begin conversations without overthinking.
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“Try and be as boring as you can. You don’t have to be clever, funny, or interesting because you can end up putting too much pressure on yourself.”
Hannah Carson, founder of Small Talks
Why small talk matters
A Samaritans survey in March 2026 found that 68% of UK respondents would be more likely to talk to strangers if they knew it had a positive impact. More than half believed small talk was becoming a lost skill. Carson said many people avoid conversations because they fear silence or feel pressured to say something clever. Her advice is to focus on genuine curiosity rather than performance.
The events are aimed at people who want to meet others in a relaxed setting. Carson described the audience as those who “don’t take themselves too seriously, but still want to meet people, have fun with it, and try and find their voice in the process.” She added that the goal is to make small talk feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to connect.
What happens next
Carson has not announced a date for the next Small Talks event. Residents interested in attending can follow updates on her social media profiles or check the Commercial Tavern’s event listings. The pub is located on Commercial Street in Shoreditch, near the Old Street roundabout.
Questions this report answers
+What is Small Talks and who runs it?
Small Talks is a monthly event at the Commercial Tavern in Shoreditch, founded by Hannah Carson. It helps people practise small talk through games and guest speakers. Carson created it after struggling with social anxiety post-pandemic.
+How many Small Talks events have taken place?
Three Small Talks events have been held since April 2026. Each session includes structured activities like ‘Convo Bingo’ and talks from guest speakers on conversation skills and confidence.
+What did the Samaritans survey find about small talk?
A March 2026 Samaritans survey found 68% of UK respondents would talk more to strangers if they knew it had a positive impact. Over half believed small talk was a declining skill, highlighting its importance for social connection.
+How can I attend the next Small Talks event?
The next Small Talks event date has not been announced. Residents can check Hannah Carson’s social media or the Commercial Tavern’s event listings for updates. The pub is on Commercial Street in Shoreditch.
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