Small Talk

150 . the fine art of small talk
ing hand-to-hand moment enhances the rapport you’ve
worked hard to establish. Melting away into the crowd
discredits your integrity and your intentions. The end of
the conversation represents the last opportunity to establish
a connection with someone. Capitalize on it with a
vengeance!
PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW
If you’ve met someone with whom you’d like to further
a relationship, the best way to exit is to ask to see
him again. Assume the burden of issuing the invitation.
If you are female, do not think that you have to wait for
the male to extend the offer—whether it’s a business or
social engagement. If you are single and looking for ideas
on how to issue invitations, please refer to Chapter 13,
“Surviving the Singles Scene.” This is about using small
talk successfully to accomplish your goals. If your goal
was to meet a new person and cultivate a relationship,
then do so. Gender is immaterial.
Muster your moxie and just do it. Sure, you’ll feel a
bit out of your comfort zone, but the only way to pick
the fruit is to get out on a limb. Realize that if you get