Nationally recognized communication expert, keynote speaker and trainer and best-selling author Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk—in any situation. 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 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 social or mingling situation, from lunch with the boss, a first face-to-face date, to an industry event, a business networking opportunity, or even a cocktail party where you don't know a soul. In this newly revised, updated edition Fine offers additional tools and tips on virtual interactions, managing political conversations, and navigating conversations addressing transition, illness, and grief.

This fast-paced, informative audio program offers concrete tools to:

• Strike up conversations and keep them going
• Master introductions and remember names
• Come across as composed and self-assured when interacting decision makers, client, and colleagues
• Develop rapport with anyone
• Become an “active” listener
• Overcome communication barriers
• Handle awkward situations
• Come up with topics to discuss
• Avoid conversation “killers”
• Prepare for successful conversation
• Exit conversations with grace
• Feel more at ease at award receptions, banquets, receptions, and networking events