small talk

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<b>How to Make Small Talk</b>

Small talk can be a big challenge, but a little preparation and confidence is all you need.
As a skilled small talker you will come across as a more open and friendly person,
compared to someone who doesn't say much during social situations. Just don't overdo it
because then people will find you annoying and too chatty.

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Instructions.1

Practice. Converse with everyone you come across: cashiers, waiters, people you're in
line with, neighbors, co-workers and kids. Chat with folks unlike yourself, from seniors
to teens to tourists.

2

Read everything: cookbooks, newspapers, magazines, reviews, product inserts, maps,
signs and catalogs. Everything is a source of information that can be discussed.
3

Force yourself to get into small talk situations, like doctors' waiting rooms, cocktail
parties and office meetings. Accept invitations, or host your own gathering.

4

Immerse yourself in culture, both high and low. Television, music, sports, fashion, art
and poetry are great sources of chat. If you can't stand Shakespeare, that too is a good
topic for talk.

5

Keep a journal. Write down funny stories you hear, beautiful things you see, quotes,
observations, shopping lists and calls you made. That story of the long-distance operator
misunderstanding you could become an opening line.

6

Talk to yourself in the mirror. Make a random list of topics and see what you have to say
on the subjects. Baseball, Russia, butter, hip-hop, shoes ...the more varied your list, the
better.

7

Expand your horizons. Go home a new way. Try sushi. Play pinball. Go online. Paint a
watercolor. Bake a pie. Try something new every day.

8

Be a better listener. Did your boss just say she suffers from migraines? Did your doctor
just have twins? These are opportunities for making small talk.

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Work on confidence, overcoming shyness and any feelings of stage fright. Remember,
the more you know, the more you know you can talk about.

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