Whether you generally enjoy small talk or you dread it, conversational skills offer a powerful way to build rapport and create meaningful connections with others in your personal and professional life. While the art of conversation is crucial for leaders in particular, many people – especially those who identify as introverts – can find it challenging at times.

As a self-proclaimed formerly shy, "tongue-tied" engineer, Debra Fine is now an internationally recognized conversation and networking skills expert, motivational speaker, and best-selling author of the book, "The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills – and Leave a Positive Impression!" Debra's impressive client list includes associations, government agencies, and large corporations such as Google, Lockheed Martin, United Airlines, and Procter & Gamble. In Episode 177 of The MINDSet Game® podcast, Debra discusses the following topics:

• How simple mindset shifts can help anyone (and particularly introverts) become better at small talk
• Practical tips for starting conversations with both strangers and acquaintances
• Top conversation "killers," such as monopolizing and matchmaking, and how to avoid them
• How to gracefully exit a conversation without appearing abrupt or offensive

To learn more about Debra or to get in touch with her, visit https://www.debrafine.com.

To subscribe to The MINDset Game podcast, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.