How to Make Small Talk

Small talk may be defined as a very short conversation to either; kill time, make the other person feel comfortable in your presence, get a date, discussion with a client, or just to make oneself comfortable.
Steps
1. Assess your atmosphere: Pay attention to your atmosphere (e.g. supermarket, grocery isle, drivers license office) and begin a conversation around it. However, be careful about making very personal remarks
2. Remind yourself that if you start off by praising somebody, always be honest. People can tell the difference, and dishonesty will kill the conversation.
3. Be generic: E.g.: "That is a great tie", "can you help me choose fresh parsley?" "Sorry, I could not help noticing your nice shoes", "Why don't you go ahead of me, I have more items than you."
4. Ask open ended questions. E.g.: "why did you prefer this brand over that?", "Is there another way to...?"
5. Respect the other person's space. Do not stand too close or else they will retreat into their shell. Do not stand too far, otherwise they will think you are scared of them.
6. Stand comfortably on both feet. Do not fidget. Look them in the eye when they speak or respond, though do not stare a few seconds at a time.
7. Remember this: small talk does not have to end at the topic it started at. Pick up clues from questions and answers and spin off of them. E.g.: "That is some good popcorn, are you watching the game tomorrow?" [Answer] "Yes they are a good team; do you know where I can buy some team memorabilia?" "Did you see that guy on TV during the game?"
8. Laugh at yourself, but do not be the clown.
9. End the conversation with something nice. For example, 'it was nice speaking to you' or 'have a great day'.

Tips
· Relax, the whole world is not watching you
· Watch your breathing; make sure you are not breathing too rapidly or holding your breath
· Always know three clean jokes that can be told to ANY audience
· Always be respectful
· Know the game of the season
· If you don't read/watch the news, at least scan the headlines each day
· Practice by talking to your milkperson, post person, etc. You can just say 'hello' if you are too nervous