RoAne's Fab Five Small Talk Rules

     Smaller talk has become a BIG issue.  We have relied so much on technology that some of us can't chat without a keyboard in front of us. But life... and the holidays... give us many opportunities to talk to others.

  Rule One:  Shift your attitude. Small talk is how we find common ground and build conversations and connections. 

Rule Two:   Prepare. Read newspapers, zine's, magazines and blogs to find out what is going on in your world.  Pick 3-5 topics in case there is a lull in conversation. You'll never wonder, "What Do I Say Next?"

Rule Three:  Know your audience.  Talking about religion or politics could be a quagmire, a catalyst to great conversation or verbal quicksand. Start out with light subjects.

Rule Four:   Borrow Other Peoples' Lives.  We can't know or do or be interested in everything...but we may have a network of friends with diverse interests. We can borrow their lives. I "borrow" David's adventures, Terri's children, Becky's quilting and Jonathan's kite surfing to connect with others.

Rule Five:  Survive family feasts by the prior four.  You know your family and their dynamic and they are not changing. So, bring you favorite recipes and stories, ideas, commentary and questions(about movies, books, sports, food, TV shows or favorite hobby).  If needs be, keep it light, change subjects when necessary and bring your sense of humor to the family feast.

         Any small or big talk tips?  susan@susanroane.com