Predictable small talk is a human technology that opens interactions. Here are practical suggestions for how brief comments ...

A quick back and forth with the cashier at the grocery store. A friendly hello to someone on the elevator. A laugh with a taxi driver. These are all examples of "small talk." Some of us live for small ...

Have you ever met someone new and felt like the two of you just “clicked.” We “hit it off” is how you might describe the encounter, marveling at how the conversation just flowed even though the two of ...

Think about what it's like to be at a birthday dinner where you have to interact with your friend's neighbors for the first time, or what it's like to be waiting for a Zoom to begin with coworkers you ...

Do you dread trading niceties with retail clerks and assorted other strangers when you are out in public? Do you go out of your way to avoid neighbors and co-workers so that you do not have to engage ...

Mr. Rosenblatt is the author of the forthcoming book “More Rules for Aging.” I try to let at least five people a day know that I’m thinking of them and wishing them well. Sometimes it’s in person; ...

Do you dread small talk? You shouldn’t! Casual conversation is social grease, connecting us with friends, colleagues and people we’ve just met. It signals our friendly intent and can lead to ...

You walk into the conference networking event, feeling alone, aware of the steady chatter throughout the room. You look to find someone you might know, you sense your breath growing faster and you ...