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For many people, small talk is not their favorite activity, but everyone engages in it at some point. When meeting new people, small talk is used as an icebreaker for conversation. It’s an interaction ...

Have you ever been to a party and heard "So what do you do?" about 30 seconds into every conversation? If you're like most people, you probably responded with your role and company's name. But if you ...

Key points Small talk can be difficult for many people, especially those who are introverted. Tips for handling small talk include being a good listener, using empathic reflecting skills, and avoiding ...

In a recent episode of “The Loan Officer Podcast,” co-hosts Dustin Owen and John Coleman discuss key tips for loan officers when engaging in small talk with prospective clients. Owen and Coleman ...

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If you've ever had the unfortunate experience of saying the wrong thing at a staff meeting or a friend's housewarming party, you know just how easy it is to bungle small talk. The commonplace ...

Think about what it's like to be at a birthday dinner where you have to interact with your friend's neighbors for the first time, or what it's like to be waiting for a Zoom to begin with coworkers you ...

We all fear the awkward silence when we're expected to make small talk with a stranger. Perhaps it's at a business dinner, and you're sitting next to a new colleague. Maybe you're at a wedding, and ...

You’re standing in line at the supermarket or drugstore when a stranger speaks up. “Hello, how are you?” the stranger greets you. “Good, and you?” might be your response. Your conversation partner ...