Small Talk

20 . the fine art of small talk
of starting a conversation with a stranger. So remember
when you walk into a luncheon or a cocktail party, most
people there are scared to death to talk to you. Fear of rejection
keeps many of us from risking conversation, but
the probability of rejection is actually quite small. In the
unlikely event that your efforts are unappreciated, remember
that it’s doubtful you’ll ever see that person
again. You will be the hero if you start the conversation.
You will gain stature, respect, and rapport if you can get
the conversation going. Almost always, people will embrace
your efforts and appreciate your leadership and
friendship.
IT’S UP TO YOU TO ASSUME
THE BURDEN OF CONVERSATION
If you generally wait for someone else to take the initiative
in a conversation, you have been self-centered. It’s
true! You have allowed your own comfort to take precedence
over every other person’s. You haven’t been doing
your fair share of the work. If you’ve largely ignored your
conversational responsibilities, it’s time to take ownership.
You cannot rely on the other person to carry the