How to Talk About Your Work Without Sounding Salesy

December 29, 2025

You’re at a coffee shop, waiting in line, and the person next to you asks, “So, what do you do?” Your stomach tightens. You don’t want to sound like a walking advertisement, but you also don’t want to mumble something vague and miss a chance to connect. Sound familiar?

Talking about your work doesn’t have to feel like a sales pitch. In fact, the best conversations happen when you focus on curiosity, shared experiences, and genuine connection—not on convincing someone to hire you, buy from you, or even care. The key is to make it about them as much as it is about you. Here’s how to do it in a way that feels natural, human, and pressure-free.

Why It Feels So Awkward (And How to Fix It)

Most of us default to a rehearsed elevator pitch when asked about our work. We rattle off our job title, company name, and a few buzzwords, then brace for the polite nod or the glazed-over look. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to think that talking about work means selling ourselves. But real conversations aren’t about selling—they’re about sharing.

The fix? Shift your mindset from “How do I impress this person?” to “How can I make this interesting for both of us?” When you focus on sparking curiosity instead of delivering a monologue, the pressure melts away. Suddenly, you’re not a salesperson—you’re just someone with a story to tell.

The 3-Step Framework for Natural Conversations

Forget the elevator pitch. Instead, use this simple structure to keep things flowing naturally:

Start with context (what you do in simple terms)
Add a relatable detail (something personal or unexpected)
End with a question (invite them into the conversation)

Here’s how it works in practice:

“I help small businesses get found online—mostly through SEO. It’s funny because I used to hate writing, but now I geek out over how a single word can change everything. What about you? Do you enjoy the work you do?”
“I’m a graphic designer. I mostly work with food brands, which means I spend a lot of time staring at photos of avocado toast. Do you have a favorite local spot for brunch?”
“I run a coworking space. It’s basically a place for people who work remotely but don’t want to stare at their kitchen table all day. Do you ever work from somewhere other than home?”

Notice how none of these sound like a sales pitch? They’re just snapshots of real life—specific enough to be interesting, but open-ended enough to keep the conversation going.

What to Avoid (And What to Do Instead)

❌ Don’t: Lead with your job title

“I’m a marketing director at XYZ Corp.” This is the fastest way to make someone’s eyes glaze over. Titles are abstract and often meaningless outside your industry.

✅ Do: Lead with the problem you solve or the impact you have

“I help companies figure out how to talk about their products without sounding like everyone else.” This is instantly more engaging because it’s about them, not you.

❌ Don’t: Use jargon or buzzwords

“I leverage synergistic solutions to optimize cross-functional paradigms.” If you wouldn’t say it to a friend over drinks, don’t say it in a conversation.

✅ Do: Use plain language and examples

“I help teams work better together, especially when they’re spread across different departments. Like, if the marketing team and the product team keep stepping on each other’s toes, I help them figure out how to collaborate without driving each other crazy.”

❌ Don’t: Make it all about you

“I’ve been in this industry for 15 years, and I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business…” This shuts down conversation and makes it feel like a one-way street.

✅ Do: Make it about them

“I’ve worked with a lot of startups, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the ones who succeed are the ones who really listen to their customers. Have you ever worked with a company that just got you?”

How to Handle the “What Do You Do?” Question Like a Pro

This question is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to answer it in a way that feels authentic and leaves room for connection:

1. Keep it short and specific

The goal isn’t to tell your life story—it’s to give them a hook they can respond to. Aim for 1-2 sentences max.

“I teach people how to cook plant-based meals that actually taste good.”
“I build apps that help freelancers get paid on time.”
“I write about how technology is changing the way we work.”

2. Add a personal or unexpected detail

This makes you memorable and gives them something to latch onto.

“I teach people how to cook plant-based meals that actually taste good—mostly because I used to burn toast on a regular basis.”
“I build apps that help freelancers get paid on time. It’s a problem I dealt with for years, so now I’m trying to fix it for others.”
“I write about how technology is changing the way we work. My favorite part is interviewing people who’ve turned their side hustles into full-time gigs.”

3. End with a question

This turns a monologue into a dialogue and makes the other person feel included.

“What about you? Do you enjoy cooking, or are you more of a takeout person?”
“Do you freelance, or know someone who does? I’m always curious about the challenges people face.”
“Have you noticed how much remote work has changed in the last few years?”

How to Pivot When the Conversation Gets Stale

Sometimes, even the best conversations hit a lull. Here’s how to steer things back to something more engaging:

If they ask, “How’s business?” (and you don’t want to talk shop)

Instead of giving a generic answer like “It’s good!”, try:

“It’s been busy, but I’m really enjoying the projects I’m working on right now. How about you? What’s been keeping you occupied lately?”
“Honestly, it’s been a mix of chaos and creativity—which is how I know I’m in the right line of work. Do you ever feel that way about what you do?”

If they say, “That sounds interesting…” (and you can tell they’re being polite)

Resist the urge to launch into a full explanation. Instead, say:

“It is! Though I’m guessing it’s not as interesting as what you do. What’s your story?”
“It’s one of those things that’s way more fun to do than to explain. What about you? What do you enjoy doing outside of work?”

If they ask, “Can you tell me more about that?” (and you’re not sure where to start)

Don’t panic. Pick one aspect of your work and share a quick story or example:

“Sure! Like last week, I helped a client realize that the reason their website wasn’t converting was because the ‘Buy Now’ button was the same color as the background. It was such a simple fix, but it made a huge difference. Have you ever had a moment like that, where the solution was right in front of you?”

How to Talk About Your Work in Social Settings

Not every conversation about work happens in a professional context. Sometimes, it comes up at a party, a networking event, or even while waiting for the bus. Here’s how to keep it natural in casual settings:

1. Match their energy

If they’re asking out of politeness, keep your answer short and light. If they seem genuinely curious, you can go deeper.

Polite: “I’m a teacher. It’s exhausting but rewarding. How about you?”
Curious: “I teach high school English. It’s a wild mix of lesson planning, teenage drama, and trying to convince 16-year-olds that Shakespeare is actually cool. What do you do?”

2. **Use the “FORD” method**

This is a classic conversation framework that keeps things flowing:

Family (e.g., “I live with my partner and our two cats. Do you have pets?”)
Occupation (your work)
Recreation (hobbies, interests)
Dreams (aspirations, goals)

You don’t have to hit all four, but rotating through these topics keeps the conversation balanced and engaging.

3. **Share a “work adjacent” story**

Instead of talking about what you do, talk about something related to your work that’s more relatable.

Instead of: “I’m a financial advisor.”
Try: “I spend a lot of time helping people figure out how to save for big goals, like buying a house or retiring. It’s amazing how much small changes can add up over time. Do you have any financial goals you’re working toward?”

How to Make Your Work Part of Your Social Life

One of the best ways to talk about your work naturally is to live it in your everyday life. When your work is woven into your social interactions, conversations about it feel organic—not forced. Here’s how:

1. Find communities where your work is relevant

Look for groups, events, or online spaces where people share your interests. This could be a local meetup, a hobby club, or even a proximity-based social app like Matuvu, which helps you reconnect with people you’ve crossed paths with in real life. When you’re surrounded by people who get what you do, talking about it feels effortless.

2. Share your work in a way that adds value

Instead of telling people about your work, show them how it might be useful to them. For example:

If you’re a designer, offer to give feedback on a friend’s resume or website.
If you’re a writer, share an article you found helpful.
If you’re a developer, recommend a tool that’s made your life easier.

This turns abstract conversations into tangible interactions.

3. Let your work evolve through conversation

Your work isn’t static—it changes as you grow. Use conversations as a way to explore new ideas, get feedback, or even discover unexpected opportunities. For example:

“I’ve been thinking about offering workshops, but I’m not sure if there’s a demand. Have you ever attended something like that?”
“I’m trying to figure out how to make my services more accessible. Do you know anyone who’s done something similar?”

The Biggest Mistake People Make (And How to Avoid It)

The most common mistake? Treating every conversation like a job interview. We’ve been conditioned to think that talking about our work means proving our worth—but real connections aren’t built on resumes. They’re built on shared experiences, curiosity, and authenticity.

Instead of trying to impress, try to connect. Ask questions. Listen more than you talk. Share stories, not just facts. When you do, you’ll find that conversations about work become conversations about life—and that’s where the magic happens.

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan

Ready to talk about your work without the cringe? Here’s your step-by-step plan:

Reframe your mindset: Your goal isn’t to sell—it’s to share and connect.
Practice your 1-2 sentence answer: Keep it simple, specific, and jargon-free.
Add a personal or unexpected detail: This makes you memorable and relatable.
End with a question: Turn the conversation into a dialogue.
Listen more than you talk: The best conversations are two-way streets.
Look for organic opportunities: Let your work come up naturally in social settings.
Follow up: If you meet someone interesting, use a tool like Matuvu to reconnect later. It’s a great way to continue the conversation without pressure.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Words—It’s About the Connection

At the end of the day, people don’t remember what you said—they remember how you made them feel. If you focus on being curious, authentic, and present, the words will take care of themselves. And who knows? The next time someone asks, “So, what do you do?” you might just find yourself looking forward to the answer.