How to Chat Someone Up 101
For Introverts
Part 2
by Nancy R. Fenn
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Small talk has to be "small" enough that no one is antagonized. It is geared to include as many people as possible, excluding as few as possible. The general rules are to avoid topics such as politics and religion and to focus instead on matters so innocuous that no one can't join in.
Next, please realize that you " disliking to talk " are the perfect audience for extroverts. They like being asked questions and enjoy talking while someone else nods with interest or chimes in occasionally. This may sound strange to you but it's true.
In some cases people will wind up thinking you're a fascinating person because in your presence they hear themselves say fascinating things. This is the magic of relating. Amazing, isn't it?
My grandmother used to be active in bringing legitimate Broadway theater to Chicago, the "Second City". She held banquets to host famous actors and actresses. Before an important dinner, she'd research their lives in the library (no computers back then) so she could have what she called some "intelligent conversation" with them over dinner.
Here are some sample questions she might have come up with, "Few people probably know that you grew up in India, but I find that fascinating. How did it happen you were born there?" or "I understand your first real break was in playing such--and--such a role in Such--and--Such a play. Wasn't that a little out of character for you?" or "What's it like to travel so much and raise children?"
My grandmother prepared ahead of time because she knew who she'd be talking to and you can do this, too. As well as lightly researching the companies, backgrounds, schools, and interests of people who are likely to be at the meeting, try to have a short supply of ready topics on hand that are general in nature.
Remember, because it's small talk, it can't be something controversial or very "heavy". Avoid topics like immigration, terrorism, SARs and mad cow disease. Instead choose things of local or personal interest. Perhaps this is why "Great weather we're having, isn't it?" is the be--all and end--all of small talk. It's safe. It's obvious and it's readily available.
At the time this article is being written, people are interested in landing on Mars. The gophers are pretty thick where I live right now and no one really knows why. Pick loose ended topics that people aren't very emotional about.
This is an interview style familiar to you if you watch the great interviewers on tv or hear them on radio. Top interviewers prepare their questions carefully ahead of time so it's ok for you to do that, too. And pretty soon you can throw away the notes!
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See more fine articles by Nancy Fenn in our Seers and Sages section and our Coaches and Counselors section.

Nancy R. Fenn is an astrologer and intuitive consultant in the San Diego area. She enjoys working with intuitives, creatives and visionaries to help them discover their vision for the future and their mission in life. She has an international clientele and maintains a website full of
good resources for astrologers of all levels. Nancy is also the Introverts' Coach providing support and resources for the eight different types of introverts. Introversion is a legitimate personality type and not a failure to be an extrovert.
You can find Nancy at: Be My Astrologer, The IntrovertZ Coach, Be My Guide, I Design Webpages.
Nancy invites all introverts to take the Six Weeks' Online Self Discovery Course, a course designed by introverts for introverts. Raise your awareness, heal and understand yourself better, recover your positive identity and raise your self esteem. Click through to: Introverts' Self Discovery Course for more information.