Small talk gets a bad reputation, but it’s really just the opening lines of connection. The difference between an awkward exchange and a meaningful one often comes down to a single phrase.

“I heard it’s supposed to rain this weekend.” “How about those Cubs?” “Did you hear about Ed, the escaped zebra from Tennessee?” If you groan at the thought of small talk, you’re not alone. More than ...

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Learning how to get ...

I had been waiting all week to talk to a coworker about something urgent, so when we finally planned to meet at the coffee shop, I was relieved. I walked in, eager to share, but before I could tell ...

You might not love making small talk, but if you lead a company, it could help to step up your workplace chatter. The modern office may not be an emotionally positive place, as a recent World Economic ...

Many of us dread it, but casual conversation is often the first step to meaningful connections, and with a few simple tools, ...

In today’s Dear Abby, a man in his early 30s asks for advice on navigating conversations and networking after switching careers to a more social field.