What goes through your mind when you’re invited to a party or networking event where you don’t know anyone, or when just you and a colleague show up for a Monday morning meeting five minutes early? if you answered dread or anxiety, you are not alone.
Dreading small talk is totally normal, it can be awkward trying to fill the silence with random anecdotes and questions… but it doesn’t have to be boring and awkward. in fact, many conversationalists will tell you that a couple of minutes of conversation is more than enough to have a convincing conversation.
You are reading: Best books on small talk
Whether you’re ready to put aside your social anxiety and work on the mindset and skills needed to have compelling conversations with those around you, or you’re just tired of defaulting to the weather when faced with to some leisure time with a stranger, these engaging books will serve as your complete practical guide to becoming a great conversationalist; someone attractive and confident that even complete strangers would love to talk to.
From the great Larry King to renowned psychologist Leil Lowndes, these are the one books to add to your reading list if you want to improve your ability to converse with those around you.
1. how to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere: the secrets to good communication by larry king
The late Larry King will always be remembered as one of the greatest conversationalists of our time. the iconic talk show host garnered nuggets of information from the most conservative and quiet celebrities due to his ability to break down barriers and talk to anyone as if he were a friend.
See Also: Good Skincare Reads for Estheticians – Esthetician Edit
his 1995 self-help book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: The Secrets of Good Communication, may not make you a late-night talk show host… but it will. will help you master the art of breaking down barriers and getting to know anyone.
2. how to talk to anyone: 92 little tricks to great relationship successby leil lowndes
Looking for a tutorial with real life examples to emulate? Psychologist Leil Lowndes explains exactly how to talk to anyone in her book, How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Great Relationship Success.
This compelling tutorial will help equip you with tangible examples you can use every time you’re faced with talking to a stranger.
best small talk: talk to anyone, avoid awkwardness, have deep conversations and make real friends by patrick king
Whether you’re worried your social anxiety is getting in the way of good conversation or you’re just sick of being that person no one really wants to chat with at a party or networking event, it’s better than small talk. patrick king take it. return to basic. This compelling read will help even the most socially anxious person come out of their shell and spark compelling conversations both personally and professionally.
3. the fine art of small talk: how to start a conversation, keep it going, develop networking skills, and leave a positive impression. by debra fine
See Also: How Many Books of the Bible Did Paul Write?
Looking for something to help you become much better at networking? the fine art of small talk is presented as a practical guide to help you make sure everyone you meet really remembers you, long after the networking event or party has come to an end.
debra fine’s small talk account will take you through the entire anatomy of a conversation, from start to finish.
4. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success in Work and Life One Conversation at a Timeby susan scott
Do you have trouble getting your point across clearly and concisely? Fierce Conversations: Achieving success at work and in life one conversation at a time will help change that.
conversation expert susan scott explains to readers exactly how to manage strong emotions, increase clarity, and improve understanding on both sides of the narrative.
6. crucial conversation tools for talking when the stakes are high by kerry patterson
Staying clear and concise in high-stress situations is definitely not an easy task, even if you consider yourself an expert conversationalist.
In The Crucial Conversation Tools for Speaking Up When the Stakes Are High, Kerry Patterson walks readers through how to prepare for high-stakes situations, make it safe to talk about even the most controversial topics, and how to transform hurt feelings or powerful emotions in fruitful dialogue.