Small talk gets a bad rap. But small talk can lead to big payoffs if you do it correctly.

Dr. Ivan Misner was nicknamed the "Father of Modern Networking" by both CNN and Forbes. He's the founder of Business Network International (BNI,) a business networking organization with more than 10, 000 chapters globally.

His colleagues call him "the people scientist." He's an expert in workplace dynamics and relationship building.

Misner says networking has changed a lot since the pandemic and the increase of work-from-home jobs. It's more important than ever to initiate face-to-face conversations with colleagues or others in your community. Those small moments can lead to job opportunities or deeper connections with friends.

Want to get to know someone better or expand your social circle? Initiate some small talk.

But conversation can be tricky. Say the wrong thing and you might end the connection. Say nothing and you might lose an opportunity to expand your network.

Misner has hacks to increase your comfort level in any social setting.

Don't know what to say? You will after listening to this episode.

• Why small talk equals big opportunities