Relationships Archives

The Key Components of a Successful Conversation

Do you know how to engage in small talk? What are the mechanics of a successful conversation? Should you prepare in advance? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine breaks down all of the components of a successful conversation. She gives you advice for questions and answers you should prepare in advance, how to actively listen, cues to give your partner, and how to speak assertively. Here are Debra Fine’s tips on how to hold a successful conversation.

How to Talk About Yourself: Tips for Telling Your Story

Do you hate talking about yourself? Why do you need to be willing to open up to others to make a connection? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine says that conversations should be balanced, meaning you can’t just keep asking your partner questions. Thankfully, you don’t have to go into conversations unprepared. Here is Fine’s advice on how to talk about yourself and tips on how to tell your story.

How to Make Personal Connections: Acceptance Is Key

Do you struggle to make personal connections with others? What does acceptance have to do with connection? Whether it’s with a friend or with a date, making connections is important. There are several ways you can go about doing this, but the root of all connections is acceptance. Keep reading to learn how to make personal connections.

How to Make Someone Feel Special on a First Date

Want to know how to make someone feel special on a date? How should you act on a first date? Many people go on a first date with high expectations and hopes of making a deep connection with someone. However, establishing a deep connection with someone will take time. In the beginning, it’s best to let go of expectations and just focus on one another. Here are some tips for going on a first date.

What Is the Purpose of Small Talk?

Why is small talk so important? Are there benefits to mastering small talk? The need for small talk comes up more than many of us would like—at work, with neighbors, on dates, and even with family members. So, whether you like it or not, you should learn to get better at the art of small talk. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of small talk generally and in business relationships.

Erin Meyer: Culture and Trust-Building

How do different cultures build trust? What are the implications of a culture’s trust-building style for business relationships? Different cultures build trust in different ways. Without a clear understanding of how a particular culture builds trust, you are prone to misunderstanding the nature of your relationship with your business partners. In other words, you might think that you have a more or less significant relationship than you actually do. In this article, we’ll look at the two ways in which different cultures build trust, according to cultural communication expert Erin Meyer.

How to Ask Someone Out on a Date

Want advice on how to ask someone on a date? What do you do if you get turned down? Asking someone on a date can be nerve-wracking—especially when you’re afraid of being turned down. Additionally, when planning the date, you should always provide full details rather than trying to surprise them and pick an activity where you can converse in a casual environment. Here are more tips from The Fine Art of Small Talk on how to ask someone out.

How to Break the Ice With a Stranger: Tips + Openers

Do you find it awkward to talk to people you don’t know? How do you start up conversations with coworkers or with a date? Not all of us are blessed with the natural ability to start up a conversation with somebody we barely know. If you’ve ever been to a business meeting, a party, or even on a date with someone new, you know the feeling. But luckily, you don’t have to be a natural extrovert to be good at conversations, you just need to know how to break the ice. Keep reading for advice on how to break the

How to Make an Entrance at a Singles Event

Do you want to make an entrance at a singles event? How can you make an impression when you enter a room? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine takes some time to discuss communication in the dating scene. Specifically, she suggests looking at singles events as a networking opportunity. Here’s how you can make an entrance at an event.

Debra Fine: How to Improve Your Conversation Skills

Do you want to improve your conversation skills? What are some things you should avoid doing in a conversation? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, author Debra Fine identifies three pitfalls that you should avoid. They are making the conversation all about you, carrying the conversation alone, and assuming that you know best. Here’s how you can improve your conversational skills, according to Debra Fine.