What is the difference between a boring conversation and a lively one? Comedian Chris Duffy says if you want to skip the small talk, try using these improv principles. To hear more of Duffy, check out ...

To learn more about our editorial approach, explore The Direct Message methodology. I’ll admit it: for years, I was terrible at small talk. As the quieter brother growing up, I’d watch people ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Cheryl Robinson covers areas of leadership, pivoting and careers. How do you prevent small talk during meetings so it doesn’t ...

Nick Enfield does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their ...

Small talk has been a pain point for me for years, but it sank to new lows at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was at the playground one day, sweating in a K-95 while pushing my maskless ...

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 ...

Many people noticed that their social skills got a little rusty during the pandemic. My latest book discusses the psychology of mirrors and reflections. Research explains why being reflected by others ...

You might be waiting for a bus or waiting for a coffee. Maybe you've just bumped into a neighbor, or an old colleague you're struggling to find conversational common ground with. But no matter ...