The Fine Art of Small Talk

I periodically teach a course for newly-hired and largely inexperienced application software consultants, "Soft Skills." This book with its imparted wisdoms from a person who climbed the ladder so to speak and its practical, checklist approach is one of the best I have read. I recommend it to my classes.
It is probably worthwhile for persons interested in effective human-to-human communication to also consider that knowledge of non-verbal communication and an ability to handle contentious issues are also key elements. Adding these to this fine book would make it less accessible so I recommend that persons who seek competence in this area explore these other topics as well.

it is good book. Nothing special. From rank of 5 I would put 3. A little bit boring and very ordinary. Won't worse reading if you are working with sharp partners and need to be different and better than ordinary joe.

"The Fine Art of Small Talk" is the real thing. Accept no substitutions.

Do you dread networking events, meeting new people, hospitality suites and business related social events? That's the question author Debra Fine poses on her Web site.

Let me answer the question. Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Okay, so I'll admit it. I am the target audience for the book, "The Fine Art of Small Talk."

I'm also the book's publicist, and the reason I took on this particular project is that the book's author is magic. Debra Fine is the real thing. She spends most of her time teaching clients techniques for making small talk. She's one of the few clients who, upon getting a phone call from a publicist asking, "Can you do a radio show this afternoon at 1:00?" will usually say, "I have to check my schedule and see whether I have a break at that time." It's not, "Sure, I have no life. I just like to pretend that I have information that can help people. Plus, I'm bored. Get me all the media opportunities you can!" Debra actually "walks the walk and talks the talk." She disseminates her information for a living, and as a way of life. She teaches the Fine Art of Small Talk because, as she sees it, good communication skills (not to mention good social skills) are the key to great relationships, important friendships, and wonderful career opportunities.

Debra Fine eats, lives, and teaches the Fine Art of Small Talk every day of her life.

The book, "The Fine Art of Small Talk," is the opportunity that Debra gives all of us to take a peek at how she does it -- what does she know that we'd do well to learn? How can we learn to look forward to networking events, meeting new people, hospitality suites and business related social events, and maximize the opportunities those occasions present, instead of dreading them?

"The Fine Art of Small Talk" is the manual you need, and Debra Fine is only teacher you'll want, to help you incorporate solid communication skills into your life -- starting now.

I have had the opportunity to meet Debra Fine in person, hear her speak and read her book. This is the real deal. Extremely readable, accessible and practical. It's a no brainer: this is THE networking book if you are looking for insights, ideas and inspiration.

this is a great training and useful to all who are either fearful of speaking to other people in general or as debra described herself for people who just do not know how to move conversations along.