'How are you' goes nowhere.

Small talk feels hollow because the questions are closed. Open one door wider and it changes everything.

Ask what, not whether.

'What's been the best part of your week?' invites a story. 'Good week?' invites a 'yeah.'

Follow curiosity, not a script.

When something they say interests you, say so and dig in. Real interest is the opposite of small talk.

Depth is just one question away.

Most conversations are only one good follow-up from getting real. Ask it.

Skip the small talk →