5 ways to utilize sports talk at work

Sports can be seen as entertainment, but sports talk should be viewed as a way to connect with others. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a novice fan who’s just testing the waters of your sports fandom, there’s a benefit to being a sports fan. 

Actually, there are a number of benefits including connections and access that allow you to build relationships. Sports fans talk to other sports fans regardless of job title, education or length of fandom and more than half of all Americans say they’re sports fans. If you put those two statements together you can position yourself to make sports small talk with more than 164 million people in the U.S. alone.

Small talk is how relationships start. Sports can be a valuable tool in that process especially right now as we consider hybrid work environments and talking to people in person.

So, if you’re unsure of how to utilize sports fandom at work, here are few things to think about. 

5 ways to utilize sports talk at work

“Did you see the game last night?” is a great conversation starter. There’s a lack of appropriate and neutral small talk topics these days. Staying away from hot button issues can be challenging. Talking about what you’ve done in the last year is probably a dead end given COVID restrictions. Sports is a relevant distraction that millions of people are following and eager to talk about. Sure, it’s possible to turn a sports conversation into one about the pandemic and other hot button issues, but you don’t have to go there and can keep the conversation focused on the game. 

You’ve got an easy entry point into fandom. October marks the start of the NHL and NBA seasons and it’s only a month into the NFL season. The timing is perfect for new or novice sports fans who have ever felt like it was too overwhelming to jump into a sports season midstream. 

It’s good practice for talking to people in person. After working remotely for 18 months the thought of returning to an office or talking to people in person can be overwhelming. Sports small talk is a good way to regain your confidence. The nature of sports means there’s something new to talk about every day, so you won’t be searching for something to say. Built-in follow-up opportunities with sports storylines mean your small talk will be productive in building relationships with colleagues. And here’s the best part – you can have a complete sports conversation in less than a minute. It will be over before you know it.

“Just following up” or “Circling back around” isn’t a compelling subject line. Sports seasons last for months. That means you have multiple opportunities to follow up with fans after a big win, before a big game, at the halfway point of the season, after a tough loss and at the end of the year. Sports fans are more motivated to talk about their team and less interested in responding to a generic “circling back around” message. Give sports fans a chance to talk about their team and they’ll give you an opportunity to build business relationships. 

Sports talk is a personal branding opportunity. The way you talk about a game or outcome says a lot about you. Use that to your advantage and be intentional with your messaging. All levels of sports fans can benefit from a strategic approach to small talk. Choose words that convey your values and personal brand.

Sports are more than stats and scores. It’s also more than something to pass the time on TV. When used strategically sports can open doors, build relationships, improve communication, create community and help you regain your confidence talking to people in person.

Jen Mueller pursued a career in sports broadcasting after repeated comments of “talks too much” from teachers and family members.  A 20-year sports broadcasting veteran, Jen currently serves as the Seattle Seahawks sideline radio reporter.  She is also an Emmy-award winning producer and part of the Seattle Mariners television broadcast team on ROOT Sports. Jen launched Talk Sporty to Me in 2009. She provides a unique twist on business communication based on her time in locker rooms and expertise in 1-on-1 conversations.