A Small Talk Survival Guide for the Schmooze-Averse | Entrepreneur.com

It's difficult for your opening line to be too small. "Hi, I'm Kevin" is not too small. "Hot out today" is not too small. You're not really giving the other person much to work with, but it's not too small. "So, you're a groomer of animals?" Also not too small. "Thank God it's Thursday morning," while odd, is not too small. ("We are in a room" is probably too small.)

And here are some examples of small talk that is too big: "I'm Kevin!" Too big. "An iceberg exploded yesterday." Too big. "You have a good cheek." Too big. "Why are we here? On Earth, I mean." Too big. Stay small.

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