About
What is Big Talk?
Skip the small talk, and make more meaningful connections.
Big Talk is a communication approach for skipping small talk to make genuine, meaningful connections with those around you – loved ones, colleagues, classmates, teammates, community members, or even total strangers. By prompting deep, open-ended questions, Big Talk conversations allow people to share life stories, lessons, and experiences, enriching relationships profoundly.
Why make Big Talk?
Big Talk fights the loneliness epidemic by promoting genuine interactions, empathy, community building, and storytelling. While technology connects us globally, it often hinders our ability to engage meaningfully in face-to-face conversations. Learning to make Big Talk not only combats feelings of isolation but also boosts communication skills, strengthens relationships, and fosters a greater sense of belonging within our communities at work, home, and school – and in the broader world.
Big Talk’s Purpose
Big Talk is a global movement dedicated to combating loneliness, nurturing community, and fostering curiosity and empathy worldwide. From engaging video series and thought-provoking question games to educational programs and cultural events, Big Talk encourages people to share their stories and connect on a deeper level. By embracing our differences and celebrating our shared experiences, Big Talk aims to bring people closer together and create a more connected world through authentic conversations.

History
Big Talk began as one woman’s quest to skip the small talk and make more meaningful connections with the people we see every day.
In 2014, Kalina Silverman created Big Talk to combat feelings of loneliness and disconnection. So, she skipped small talk with total strangers to instead ask deeper questions like, “What are you proud of in life?” “What has been the darkest part of your life, and how did you get through it?” and “What do you want to do before you die?” The responses were profound—strangers shared their most personal and heartfelt life stories, sparking lasting friendships and inspiring millions through Kalina’s @makebigtalk videos.
Over the years, people worldwide have shared how Big Talk inspired them to transform their lives—from reconnecting with estranged family members and finding love, to opening up at work, overcoming depression, finding hope after experiencing loss, and discovering their true purpose in life. Big Talk has since evolved into a global initiative to help people connect more openly and meaningfully.
Kalina’s viral @makebigtalk videos have been seen hundreds of millions of times and generated social impact raising millions of dollars for disaster survivors and have been featured in prominent outlets, including PBS, Time, Good Morning America, People, The Huffington Post, NBC News, and USA Today. Her TEDx talk has garnered close to seven million views, and Big Talk has expanded into an app, card game, educational programs, team-building workshops, art installations, and global events.
From addressing mental health challenges to improving workplace culture, Big Talk has bridged divides and changed lives across cultures. Kalina has spoken for the U.S. State Department, major corporations, and leading universities, earning a Fulbright grant for her cross-cultural empathy research in Singapore. Today, Big Talk programs are used in schools, prisons, government offices, and businesses worldwide, fostering empathy and meaningful connection everywhere.
Meet the Founder

Kalina Silverman
Creator of Big Talk
Kalina created Big Talk / @makebigtalk. She travels globally to create videos, deliver lectures, and help teach people how to “make Big Talk” in various environments and cultures. Kalina received her degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University and spent a year working as a Fulbright Research Scholar in Singapore studying ways to use Big Talk to establish empathy across cultures. She is now a U.S. Fulbright Ambassador.
Skip the small talk:
What do you want to do before you die?
Before I die, I want to build an eco resort that rescues animals and employs people in need, whether refugees fleeing conflict zones, veterans, or vulnerable populations, and provides engaging cultural and educational opportunities for visitors. I also hope to raise a family, paint a mural, and compose music!
It's your turn to
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