Small Talk

carpe diem . 197
ried. A woman in Ohio got promoted to head up the entire
Midwest region for her company. A gentleman in his
fifties in Colorado is building a new life after his wife
died prematurely of cancer. She had always done all the
talking for both of them.
Don’t give up if you run into trouble. Calvin Coolidge
once said, “Nothing in the world can take the
place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more
common than unsuccessful men of talent. Genius will
not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education
will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence
and determination alone are omnipotent.” Practice
with your family and friends first, and as you gain confidence,
move on to business associates and other people
you regularly see.
Put yourself in social situations more frequently. Accept
invitations. Join a trade organization, a volunteer
group, or a club. At work, volunteer for projects that will
allow you to work with different people. Small talk opportunities
abound when you find yourself with strangers
who share a similar passion or occupation. During the
next few weeks and months review the “Winning at
Small Talk” worksheet on the following pages.