A dozen strangers gathered to discuss intimate parts of their lives for Skip the Small Talk at Sweetwater Social on Tuesday, March 10.

Founded by Ashley Kirsner in 2016, Skip the Small Talk (StST) is devoted to helping people develop meaningful conversations, utilizing a format based in psychological research.

StST host Madeline Ziegler started the night by telling participants to pair up, as she prompted them with personal questions in the dimly-lit backroom of the Lower Manhattan bar at 7 p.m.

Ziegler said everyone deserves the opportunity to meet new people in a low-stress environment.

“People will usually say they’ve made a friend or that it’s made them less anxious in social situations because they now know how to talk to people or they’ll have the questions in their back pocket,” Ziegler said.

StST took place in Downtown Manhattan bar, Sweetwater Social. I I Photo credit to Morgan Chittum

According to Ziegler, any negative feedback they receive usually comes from the event costing money, typically $10.

“When you normally meet people at bars, you usually have to pay for drinks. I usually justify it that way,” Ziegler said.

Ziegler handed participants cards with questions throughout the night as they switched groups five times, ranging from two to four people. Cards had topics that prompted them to chat about a time they did something kind for someone else, moral guidelines they followed or how they could live their lives without fear.

Murphy Barney said she enjoyed her time because it allows other people to share about their lives as well.

“There’s a lot of value in not only talking, but just letting people talk,” Barney said. “It’s not people [talking] to people who know everything about you. I think you’re holding space for people and that matters.”

Host Madeline Ziegler handed participants cards with person questions throughout the night, which prompted them to chat about a variety of topics such as a time they did something kind for someone else. I I Photo credit to Morgan Chittum

Chase Kaye enjoyed StST because he felt like people only meet on the internet today.

“It’s always great to talk to strangers. I, myself, try to get people to skip small talk all the time,” Kaye said. “Stop asking people, ‘What do you do? What do you do for work?’ It’s about getting deeper, connecting with individuals in real life.”

Nelson Luna had been to several StSTs because he said it can be difficult to meet people in New York.

“In a city where it feels like you can’t talk to the person next you, this is a really effective formula for meeting people,” Luna said. “Last time, I met people, and we went to a Ska concert right after. They said they were going to Williamsburg. At first, I just wanted a ride home since I live in the area. They ended up being really cool, so I joined them. It was a lot of fun.”

Strangers gather to have their most intimate conversations at a Manhattan bar