Idle chitchat may feel dreary, but it establishes the brain ‘synchrony’ that allows for more meaningful exchanges.

"They unknowingly turn the conversation back to themselves too quickly," Fisher tells Parade. "It’s a natural impulse—we want to relate, to show we understand. But what often happens is that we hijack ...

It's nothing that matters much, but you've suddenly found yourself participating in small talk. Some people might dread the seemingly insignificant conversation or think it's not worth their time ...

It’s nothing that matters much, but you’ve suddenly found yourself participating in small talk. Some people might dread the seemingly insignificant conversation or think it’s not worth their ...

Wondering how to start a conversation? I could say simply that you aren’t alone in wondering. Or I could break the fourth ...

Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. You’re standing in line at ...

Editor’s Note: CNN’s 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here. 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM!

Harvard-trained psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals a simple conversational trick that can strengthen relationships and ...

Small talk often gets a bad rap. It can feel awkward, superficial and pointless at times — if you're doing it wrong. But it's one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal to build ...

"First, let's talk about Virat Kohli. I am surprised at his hard work. He must have worked so hard. The world says he is out of form, but he comes to such big matches, which the world is waiting ...

Grok talked the talk, but it’s no longer walking the walk. The xAI chatbot pulled no punches Sunday when AI expert Linus Ekenstam turned to X and asked the online tool, “Who is the biggest ...

I can trust this person.'” You can create even more of a connection by incorporating a little bit of personal information, or small talk, into your emails. “You don’t want to do 10 ...