Do you spend an abnormal amount of time hiding
out in the bathroom or hanging out at the buffet table at social
gatherings? Does the thought of striking up a conversation with a
stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you sit nervously through
job interviews waiting for the other person to speak? Are you a Nervous
Ned? (or Nervous Nellie?) when it comes to networking? Then it's time
you mastered The Fine Art Of Small Talk. With practical advice and
conversation cheat sheets, The Fine Art of Small Talk will help you
learn to feel more comfortable in any type of situation, from lunch with
the boss to a networking event to a cocktail party where you don't know
a soul. Do you dread corporate cocktail parties where you are expected
to schmooze with complete strangers? Do job interviews, blind dates or
holiday functions make you clam up, searching frantically for things to
say? When speaking with someone you ve just met, do you expect him or
her to keep the conversation going? Then the THE FINE ART OF SMALL TALK
by Debra Fine is for you. This is a collection of concrete steps and
tactics one can employ to begin a meaningful conversation with just
about anybody in any situation. THE FINE ART OF SMALL TALK teaches you
how to: Start a conversation even when you think you have nothing to say
Avoid foot-in-mouth disease Prevent awkward pauses Adopt listening
skills that will make you a better conversationalist Approach social
functions with confidence Feel more at ease at parties, meetings, job
interviews and trade shows Turn every conversation into an opportunity
for success Make sure your body language is inviting and natural Use
icebreakers that work every time Stabilize your shaky knees and dry
your sweaty palms Exit conversations with tact and grace Make the most
of networking events Mingle with moxie.
