Politeness - More Valuable Than You Think??

Though it does not convey an important message, polite small talk is beneficial by creating a friendlier atmosphere. Could you imagine sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table listening only to the clinking of forks against knives? No, the chatter of relatives saying "look how much you've grown!" and "How's school?" serve to provide an awkward yet welcoming environment, as it shows interest. Polite speech may not hold any important content, but it provides a background for more productive speech to follow. Small talk communicates the intent to befriend someone, making them more likely to respond positively. The cheerful holiday atmosphere is fueled through the friendly voices chattering among each other, and some of the magic of the season would vanish if the politeness were missing. Humans are social creatures, and the absence of some sort of communication creates feelings of discomfort. In this way polite speech can act as a filler, staving off the "awkward silence" that creeps in between speaking only literally. For most people, it is mutually understood that polite speech is not actually meant to be interpreted literally and conversation flows nicely. From time to time where it IS meant literally, small talk provides opportunities to branch out and make new friends or business connections. Often business networking consists of small talk, and people can see who they would enjoy working with. While small talk as well as politeness may not provide informational conversation, it holds value in the fact that it generates a friendly atmosphere for all.