no, then ask them what they'd rather be doing instead -- and then what they think they'd get from that! Find something where there seems to be either a common interest, or something you are genuinely interested in knowing more about Ask some feeling related questions -- what do they enjoy about it -- or make some observations -- that must be so rewarding for you Rinse and repeat until you find something that they love to talk about -- then it's really easy... just hold onto your concentration and keep listening! There's so much more that I can teach you about this, but for now, start simple and begin the process of practicing it! You can't get good or learn small talk (how to talk to people) without actually doing it. 7 Responses to "How to Talk to People -- the Art of Small Talk" I agree that small talk is about listening and not about talking. As I don't like small talk very much -- for the very reasons you mention -- I find it easier to ask questions and listen actively than figuring out what to say next. And when the other person answers, we have time to figure out what to ask next. Great tips here, I'm fantastic at asking questions.. Funny thing is though some people think I ask too many questions and then they assume that because I ask too many questions they think I don't know anything... Ha.... The reason I ask questions