Wondering how to start a conversation? I could say simply that you aren’t alone in wondering. Or I could break the fourth wall a little. Humor me the latter. As a writer in the digital age with access ...

Discover how a former bathroom-stall hider who once chose toilet cubicles over conversations learned to navigate social ...

I don’t love talking with strangers. I’m an introvert at heart, and making an effort to engage in social interaction often drains my energy. But still, I do it. Not because I feel like I have to, but ...

Small talk gets a bad rap, but let’s be honest—it’s the bridge between strangers and connection. Whether you're at a networking event, a party, or stuck in an elevator with your boss’s boss, knowing ...

All products featured on Self are independently selected by Self editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Learning how to get ...

It's not always easy to figure out what to say in a casual conversation, especially when you don't know someone well. But ...

Some professionals shudder at the idea of “small talk,” but it can be a powerful tool for building rapport with people you’re meeting for the first time—and for opening doors at networking events. A ...

To generate chemistry and compatibility, consider the significance of small talk in any setting as an enjoyable method of ...