Small talk gets a lot of backlash; most people seem to think they’re too important to discuss the weather. It’s true that some small talk can feel shallow or boring, but it serves an important purpose. That’s why everyone should learn how to do it well.

In this episode we're talking about the lost art of conversation-making. Joining us is podcaster and raconteur Ken Plume, who has conducted extensive interviews with the likes of Mel Brooks and John Cleese. We discuss how Ken got his start feeling comfortable talking to just about anyone, how he handles the awkwardness of a cocktail party (hint: It involves a fern) - and then we invent an acronym that will help you handle any conversational challenge. (Sort of.)

Small talk will never not be awkward, because to get to know someone you have to ask some fraught questions. Some questions should stay off-limits, but it's almost always fair game to ask, "So what do you do for a living?" Still, answering it can be a pain in the arse.

You go to networking events to meet people, but how do you remember them after you head home after a few glasses of wine? Remembering names can be difficult all on its own. When you meet a ton of people at the same time, that problem only gets worse. However, there are a few things you can do to help make sure you remember everyone you meet and all that small talk and handshaking doesn't go to waste.

The best thing about getting married is that nosy acquaintances stop asking you, "So when will you two get married?" The worst thing is that they start asking you, "So when will you two start having kids?"

Small talk should be about making connections and having conversations that go beyond "Hi, how're you?" Getting beyond those default starters can be tough, so here are seven tips that can help you have more engaging conversations with anyone.

Those awkward moments when you chat about the weather or news with your interviewers before they start asking questions aren't just them trying to be nice. Turns out the gift of gab might get you a gig.

Making small talk is one of those things that no one likes, but everyone has to do. Kalina Silverman decided to ditch the tradition and dive straight into a big question instead. It's one of the most effective ways to get over the discomfort of small talk.

Talking to strangers is a great way to expand your horizons, learn something new, and make new friends. If you're not a social butterfly, though, the process can be intimidating. Here are some tips to get you started.

Asking questions is a great way to start an engaging conversation. Ask too many questions, however, and your conversation starts to feel more like an interrogation. To avoid this, author Ramit Sethi suggests the "question, question, statement" method.

Whether you're headed to your office's Christmas party or attending your neighbour's BBQ -- both of which should be fun -- also come with all sorts of awkward moments and stressful situations attached. Here are 10 ways to work those parties like a champ.

Preparing for small talk sounds like a strange concept, but if you're not confident about spontaneously coming up with a conversation topic, it can help to have a few lines prepared to smooth out the odd encounter.

How long does it take you to convey a single idea? If you're bad at small talk, you might not realise when one idea ends and another begins. Try to learn your idea rhythm to get better at small talk.

If you're at that age where all you friends and family have kids, you know the awkwardness that comes when you need to have small talk with those kids. Over on How To Do Everything, they suggest you ask basic questions.

When you're making conversation with someone, the more interested you can be in what they're saying, the better. Sometimes it can be hard to muster interest. If you need a little motivation, turn it into a detective game.