Debra Fine, engineer turned conversationalist guru, says small talk is the foundation of a business relationship. She teaches execs The Fine Art of Small Talk, also the title of her book (Small Talk Publishers, 2002). Fast Company engaged her in some idle chatter.
Fast Company: So is small talk a big deal?
Fine: Small talk isn’t stupid. It’s the appetizer for all relationships.
FC: Engineers aren’t known for great conversation. How did you get to be so good?
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