The art of small talk provides us with the valuable skills needed to turn those potentially awkward social situations into fun and even pleasurable conversations. In order to work on your small talk skills, Sissy offers some tips for starting a good conversation:

1. When asked a question, be sure to always have an answer. Answering in one-word answers or by saying "nothing" are conversation killers.
2. When you are being introduced, in order to remember names, make sure to repeat their name at the beginning and close of your conversation.
3. If you are trying to remove yourself from an unpleasant conversation, you don't want to say you are going to the bathroom, the bar or that there is someone better you need to speak with. Instead excuse yourself by saying, "It' s been a pleasure talking to you."
4. Make the person you are speaking to feel good about themselves by asking questions and making gestures that show you are interested in what they are saying.

Find out more. Read The Art of Small Talk on A Bigger View.

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