📚 How to Talk to Anyone, 3 Free eBooks, and more.

👋 Hey everyone,

Here are a few popular posts you may have missed:

• 2 Extremely concerning reading stats.

• Why reading books is a literal life hack.

• 7 Reading tips from bestselling author Daniel Pink.

This week’s newsletter was made possible by:

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📚 Books Summary:

This week's book is “The Fine Art of Small Talk” by Debra Fine.

(I’m still on vacation but I wanted to reshare this hidden gem)

If you hate small talk–mostly because you aren't that good at it (like I was) this book is for you.

It's an easy read with practical advice that will help you have fewer awkward interactions and become a better conversationalist.

Here are 3 key lessons from it:

📖

1) Why Small Talk Is A Big Deal

Small talk gets a bad rap, but it serves a vital function.

Without it, you rarely get to actual deep conversations.

You can’t just go up to someone you’ve just met and say, “Hi there, what’s the purpose of life?” (well you can, but you’ll likely get a short answer before the person walks away from you).

Think of small talk as the icebreaker that clears the way for more intimate conversations and lays the foundation for stronger relationships.

People who excel at small talk are experts at making others feel included, valued, and comfortable–a skill that will help you succeed in your personal and professional life.

Mastering small talk will help you feel more at ease at networking events, parties, and big gatherings. It can also be used to transition into new topics, resuscitate a dying conversation, and basically make having conversations a fun and enjoyable experience.

📖

2) The 2 Small Talk Commandments

If you want to become better at small talk, there are two rules you need to memorize and live by:

1) Take the risk:

In order to have a conversation, you need to take the risk of starting the conversation. You can't wait and hope for someone to approach you. We all fear rejection on some level, but the majority of the time, the person will respond in a positive manner.

2) Assume the burden:

You also need to assume the burden of carrying and directing the conversation. It's up to us to come up with topics to discuss, remember their name, fill in awkward pauses, and gracefully exit the conversation. You can't expect every person you meet to be an extrovert or super chatty, you need to take on the responsibility of creating an enjoyable interaction.

Remember these two rules and you'll be a better conversationalist than 99% of people.

📖

3) Icebreakers That Will Help You Talk To Anyone

Have you ever been to an event where you wanted to talk to someone, but you didn't know how to break the ice?

If so, here are 10 helpful business and social icebreakers:

Business Icebreakers:

• What does a typical day look like for you?

• What got you started in this industry/career?

• What do you enjoy most about your profession?

• What are some coming trends in your industry?

• What's the coolest project you've ever worked on?

• What advice would you give someone just starting in your business?

• What's the best job you've ever had?

• How has your business changed over time?

• What ways have you found to be most effective for promoting your business?

• How has social media impacted your industry?

Social Icebreakers:

• What's your favorite movie//book?

• What's the coolest place you've traveled to?

• What's the worst place you've traveled to?

• What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

• What's it like in your hometown?

• What's your favorite restaurant?

• What's your family/kids like?

• What's your favorite hobby?

• Who's your favorite artist/musician?

• What was your first car? What's your dream car?

Take a screenshot of these icebreakers or save them in your notes app, and you'll never draw a blank when it comes to starting a new conversation again.

✅ Actionable Advice

1) Reasons to master small talk:

• Small talk is the stepping stone to deep talk.

• Small talk will make you feel at ease at networking events, avoid awkward moments, and make conversations more enjoyable overall.

2) Remember the 2 small talk commandments:

• Take the risk of starting a new conversation.

• Assume the burden of carrying and directing the conversation. 

3) Take a screenshot of the icebreakers above.

💎 Weekly Gem:

3 Amazing eBooks You Can Read For Free (Legally):

1) “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” by Eric Jorgenson

Naval Ravikant is one of the most respected entrepreneurs and investors of our time. In his book, he shares practical advice on how to become wealthy, healthy, and happy.

2) “The Anthology of Balaji” by Eric Jorgenson

Balaji is a fascinating thinker and explores the future of tech, media, politics, countries, and more. Reading this book is like seeing 10-20 years into the future.

3) "Poor Charlie Alamanack" by Charlie Munger

Charlie Munger was one of the greatest investors of our time. This book is filled with his timeless insights on investing, business strategy, mental models, and living a good life.

Your opinion matters!

Thank you for your support,

Alex W.