The Fine Art of Small Talk: How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!

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.

Based on some of the 4 and 5 stars reviews here I approached this book with excitement and high expectations only to be let down - hard.

The author states that her background is in Engineering and, frankly, I'm not surprised. The "problem" of small talk and conversation is treated like an engineering project rather than the fine art that it truly is (regardless the title). If you're an engineer (like I am) you might be tempted to believe that the litany of manipulative formulas presented here actually make sense and will work. And, I'm sure that they do - with OTHER socially challenged engineers (and others who are socially awkward). So, it's hardly surprising that the Author's client list is filled with companies with a strong engineering culture!

However, in the rest of the real world they're finding out that what is truly effective when it comes to relationships and conversations is "Social IQ". So, therefore, in leiu of this book I would recommend any of the following:

Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success

AND that is what is sorely (I would even say conspicuously) missing from this book. Without Social IQ the techniques outlined here are not only ineffective they could be downright irritating to "normies". (and, speaking as an engineer, I would be hard pressed to call most engineers "normal" when it comes to social matters)

However, if you develop Social IQ the techniques that are presented in this book would actually be quite effective - powerful in fact. So this reviewer's consumer advice would be, get this book AFTER you've developed (or refined) your Social IQ skills. Then you will have the essential skills required to be a superb conversationalist and friend!

This may sound daunting (it was for me) but, believe it or not it really isn't and you probably have all that you need lying latent inside you! Social IQ -- that's the key NOT JUST the words and approach that you use.

"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.