The Art of Manliness

#406: Why You Need to Embrace Small Talk

May 17, 2018

Debra Fine, author of 'The Fine Art of Small Talk,' shares practical tips and tactics for engaging in effective conversations. She emphasizes the significance of small talk in building relationships, starting conversations with free information, keeping conversations going with the acronym 'Form,' and gracefully exiting conversations. The hosts also discuss the importance of small talk and invitations in person. Lots of actionable advice to improve your day-to-day life.

48:46

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Episode guests

Debra Fine

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Small talk can lead to deeper relationships and professional connections.

Taking the risk of approaching new people and keeping the conversation going are crucial mindset shifts for successful small talk.

Tactics for starting and maintaining conversations include asking open-ended questions and using the FORM acronym.

Deep dives

Choosing Healthy Road Trip Snacks

On a road trip, the speaker prefers savory snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. One option that fits the bill is wonderful pistachios, which are high in protein and provide essential amino acids. The speaker encourages listeners to visit wonderfulpistachios.com to learn more.

Effective small talk using the FORM acronym

03:43

Why You Dont Like Small Talk

02:32

Tactics For Stranger Small Talk

04:21

Introduction

2min

The Importance of Small Talk in Building Relationships

23min

Starting Conversations with Free Information

2min

Keeping a Conversation Going

11min

The Power of 'Form'

4min

Gracefully Exiting Conversations

6min

The Importance of Small Talk and Invitations

3min

If you’re like a lot of people, engaging in small talk can feel awkward and tedious. Consequently, you avoid it as much you can. But my guest today argues that if you want to get ahead both personally and professionally, you need to embrace these little exchanges. Her name is Debra Fine and she's the author of "The Fine Art of Small Talk."
Today on the show, Debra explains why small talk is actually a big deal and isn’t just a waste of saliva. She then shares the biggest obstacles people have to engaging in small talk and the two mindset shifts you need to make to get over those obstacles. Debra and I then discuss specific tactics you can start using today to start conversations, keep them going, and end them gracefully. Lots of actionable advice that can immediately improve your day-to-day life, so take notes.
Get the full show notes at aom.is/smalltalk.

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The Art of Manliness

#406: Why You Need to Embrace Small Talk

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Choosing Healthy Road Trip Snacks

The Importance of Small Talk

Overcoming Obstacles in Small Talk

Tactics for Starting and Continuing Conversations

Gracefully Ending Conversations

Effective small talk using the FORM acronym

Why You Dont Like Small Talk

Tactics For Stranger Small Talk

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts