“Better Small Talk” by Patrick King is like a refresher course in the simple action of chatting with others. So many of us wall ourselves away behind earphones or insulating ourselves behind games, reading, or some other activities on our mobile phones. Learning, or maybe I should say re-learning, how to engage in the simple chats with others has the ability to lift our spirits and feel more positive in our everyday life.

This author does not return to her words to edit them, and the result is a book that doesn’t always have the correct advice. If you aren’t willing to edit your content then you don’t deserve to publish for an audience. If you’re going to write essays but not review them for advice, it’s publishing a disservice to your audience. The following is not about not editing for advice, but for including the wrong term.

On page 8 you use the term “deep dive.” You’re not using this term how it’s used by professionals in all industries – to mean to get in deeply on all specifics of the information on the topic to be reviewed. The surface questions you use as research here are not at all a “deep dive” – it doesn’t get into information but elicits a response. Asking a “personal question” is neither a “deep dive.” Having one response from a question doesn’t mean that the questioner has insight equal or similar to the person responding to questions. It’s really erroneous to use the term “deep dive” in your book there because the person understands that own person much more comprehensively than the other person asking questions. Making your book about the surface is still what you did in effect.

“Better Small Talk” is an enlightening and enriching guide that meticulously addresses the art of conversation. It decodes the complexities of human interaction, highlighting the importance of quality conversations over quantity. The book is a treasure trove of insightful ideas, backed by studies that link loneliness to severe health issues, asserting that meaningful interactions can be as vital to our well-being as good diet and exercise.

What’s truly transformative about “Better Small Talk” is its potential to metamorphose our conversations from mundane exchanges to deeper, intimate interactions. The book equips the readers with practical techniques to elevate their conversational skills and to derive fulfillment from social interactions. These techniques are not just explained theoretically but are presented with real-life examples, making them easily understandable and applicable.

Another noteworthy aspect is the emphasis on personal development. The book encourages readers to become ‘interesting’ by living an engaged life, filled with diverse experiences, reading, and a curiosity to learn. It advocates the power of saying ‘yes’ and embracing life’s opportunities, hence, making one not just a better conversationalist, but a more interesting individual overall.

“Better Small Talk” also emphasizes the essential virtue of non-judgment. The author encourages readers to offer understanding and an open mind to others, fostering a sense of respect and curiosity, rather than judgment or minimization. This principle, presented with compelling arguments, enhances the book’s appeal, driving home the message of respect and empathy in interactions.

In my opinion “Better Small Talk” is a captivating read that transcends the borders of a conventional self-help book. It is an enlightening exploration of the art of conversation, offering practical techniques, thought-provoking insights, and valuable life lessons. A must-read for anyone aspiring to improve their interpersonal skills and live a more fulfilling life.

Easy and quick read – but do not make the mistake thinking the content is as light. All important steps to become a great speaker are in here. Complete with how to practice and warm-up for occasions, which as an introvert I enjoyed very much.
Would recommend this book to anyone that is dreading cocktail parties, network events and mingling!

Like other books on similar subjects, you’ll come across concepts that sound similar to ideas you’ve heard, read, or thought of before. And I think that’s empowering. Many read for validation of sorts. But there are other really practical exercises that make the discovery of becoming a better communicator enjoyable.

If you’re serious about improving your ability to connect with others — without sounding insincere or like a parrot — read this book.

Bought this as a gift for someone else that needed some confidence and social prompting due to extreme shyness. I’d say that they are doing better than before.

If you have seen the movie “Jaane bhi do yaaron” a comical masterpiece. It starts on a banal note. However it picks up so well that it glues you to your chair.
Similarly when I started reading this book, it felt hackneyed, but after a few pages it becomes so interesting that you do not want to stop reading it.
Written in a lucid language, gives you the right tips to act on. The philosophy i loved was “Look inside you, are you interesting…if not can you be. Build yourself” Many a times while conversing we forget to listen to what the other has to say. Focusing too much on what we have to say. Making it a monologue rather than a dialogue. The book instills techniques to change this thought process.