Small Talk

get over your mom’s good intentions . 13
Those messages served us well as kids; the advice
helped ensure our safety and taught us manners. But
now, as adults, our safety isn’t at stake with every new
person we meet! And by now our manners are well established.
The time has come to replace those old messages
with more relevant advice. Here it is.
IN SAFE SITUATIONS, MAKE IT A POINT
TO TALK TO STRANGERS
To expand your circle of friends and colleagues, you
must start engaging strangers and acquaintances in conversation.
There is no other way. Strangers have the potential
to become good friends, long-term clients, valued
associates, and bridges to new experiences and other people.
Start thinking of strangers as people who can bring
new dimensions to your life, not as persons to be feared.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
When was the last time someone properly introduced
you to another person? The truth is that the host
of a gathering rarely takes the time to do so in a meaningful
way. You’ve been to this kind of event. You go to a