I hate small talk. I always have. But I did it for decades because that's what polite people do. You ask about the weather.

They're not awkward. They're not difficult. They want depth. And they carry specific traits, ones personality researchers have measured and named, that explain why chatting about traffic or someone's ...

Even people who have always enjoyed chit-chatting with strangers can lose interest in small talk as they get older and more ...

New survey data shows younger workers are leaning on casual conversation to get noticed by leadership, even as they’re the generation most likely to avoid having it in the first place.

A jury weighs in on whether a latecomer is simply using their time efficiently or disrespecting their colleagues.

Smart people often find gentle, honest ways to skip small talk in order to protect their energy and keep conversations ...

Many people noticed that their social skills got a little rusty during the pandemic. My latest book discusses the psychology of mirrors and reflections. Research explains why being reflected by others ...

The ability to engage in small talk is a superpower for succeeding in a job interview and advancing your career growth. The ability to engage in small talk is a superpower for succeeding in a job ...

I am not good at small talk.Outside of work, I dislike it so much that I would rather avoid it if possible. I am not very articulate, and I often find that I cannot express my true feelings well ...

We rely on small talk like this, and being good at it is even seen as a mark of conversational competence. Yet its content can feel superficial. Once you notice formulaic expressions such as “how are ...

Let’s be honest: The hybrid office is a disorienting experience. After feeling pressure from management to return, many white-collar workers who went remote during the pandemic are starting to pop ...