What we label “small talk” is anything but small. It is: The lever of relational power used to open collaboration. By ...

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 ...

You’re standing in line at the supermarket or drugstore when a stranger speaks up. “Hello, how are you?” the stranger greets you. “Good, and you?” might be your response. Your conversation partner ...

Making small talk can be hard—especially when you’re not sure whether you’re doing it well. But conversations are a central part of relationship-building. In this first episode of How to Talk to ...

Empathy is powerful — and often, it’s expressed best in small talk. This is a phrase that radiates warmth. It’s how great conversationalists make people feel appreciated for sharing. Instead of ...

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s checking out at a store or trying to lull the awkwardness when meeting someone new, small talk has been used by all of us. For some people, having these little ...

Striking up a conversation—especially with a stranger—is a lot like adding kindling to a fire pit and hoping it ignites. Choose the wrong starter, and the flame will fizzle out. But when you get it ...

Want to stay current with Arthur’s writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. As a rule, I avoid ...

I know I’m not alone in disliking small talk. Yes, I have a history of social anxiety. I mean, I once hid behind Tim Gunn’s grandfather clock to avoid small talk at a fundraiser at his apartment.

A new project is looking how chats between hair stylists and clients can raise awareness about positive actions to take around climate change ...