As someone who does not enjoy small talk at all, I was hopeful this book would help.. I was wrong. This seemed repetitive and tedious with the endless lists of Do's and Don'ts.. Then, pointing out that women are experts at topping another woman's story was wildly inaccurate and sexist. Men are just as guilty of doing this in conversation and that's where this book really lost me. Unfortunately I feel there are other books that are more helpful and I would be more inclined to recommend over this.

Pretty much common sense. I liked the ice breaker question and definitely thinking about talking to people as a task and choose how many new people I need to talk to

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for a copy of this manual on how to have conversations with people both new and old, something a lot of us are not very good at.

I remember working for a time at a chain bookstore, and being taken aside by either the head cashier or someone in management, neither one read books so ours was more of a nodding head employee relationship. I was asked why my memberships for the store weren't that good, and what was my way of initiating a conversation about memberships was. Discussing books, movies, puzzles, magazines, movies, chocolate and all the other things we sold, that they had come in to buy was not enough, I had to upsell them membership. I tried to explain that I worked in a bookstore for a reason, I loved books, loved to discuss books, that I would never be a closer and the steak knives were enough for me. I wasn't a salesman, nor could I do small talk to try and make that membership sound good. I kind of wished I had wandered over to self-improvement and taken a look at this book, I think Debra Fine could have saved me a bit of grief. In The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills – and Leave a Positive Impression, fine discusses and discourses on the benefits of small talk, not only in the business sense, but in broadening our own lives, and being able to share more with others, and maybe even make new friends.

The book begins with the author describing awkward situations that she'd found herself in, and in order to change the life she was leading she decided to instead of avoiding conversation, Fine would actively seek it out. As Fine progressed in talking a bit more, Fine learned that many people feel scared awkward and at a mental disadvantage while engaging people for the first time. Even worse some might feel that one person's awkwardness is more a haughty or aloof attitude and judge that person as someone not worthy of talking too. Fine looks at what makes up a conversation, how best to introduce oneself, questions to ask to break the ice, and phrases to keep those awkward pauses from ending what could be the start of a beautiful friendship, or business relationship. Not every tip is for everyone, a lot of the business conversation might not be of interest to people, however many find the business introductions more what they are looking for. Either way there is a lot here for opening up dialogues, which is usually much better than talking to oneself, like I am guilty of.

The book is written well, with a very positive feeling that is infectious and fills people with the sense that maybe I can talk to people at work events a little better. There is also a strong sense in not judging the person for problems one might have initiating dialogues. Fine wants to help, not assign blame. Fine was trained as an engineer, and it shows in that her chapters are laid out almost in a flow chart sense. Start with this, move to that, soon you can ask this, and voila two strangers are conversing. Social media is also discussed, its hindrance in conversation, and how our phones make us more comfortable by ourselves, and yet mentally we all seem more lost because of a lack of interaction. A very useful book, one that I wish that I had read years ag.

Recommended for people whose jobs are dependent on selling memberships. I kid, not really, but this is a very good book that would help in most workplaces, and to find other people who might have interests similar to the reader. A very helpful book for all walks of life, even for people who dislike small talk, to understand why it is so important to so many people. A little like myself.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the ARC of The Fine Art of Small Talk. I found this to be so helpful. It offered tangible ideas and suggestions while being engaging and realistic. I already feel a difference in my approach to small talk and this is a great reference when you get stuck and need new ideas for conversation and engagement.

The Fine Art of Small Talk provides tools for readers to open themselves up, build confidence, and feel comfortable in social situations. There are several easy to learn techniques provided to help readers connect with others. The author also provides tools for avoiding awkward silences and making a positive impression. Highly recommended to anyone with social anxiety or who struggle to make small talk in social situations.

**Thank you for the ARC! All opinions are my own.**

4 stars. Reflective and simplistic.

This is a concise book with a lot of insight and much needed conversation starters, leaders, and enders.

It includes lessons on welcoming body language, reaction styles, topics, and much more. It packs a lot of invaluable advice in less than 200 pages. In addition, the formatting, tables, and bullet points make it easier to read.