By Debra Fine

Do you spend an abnormal amount of time hiding out in the bathroom or hanging out at the buffet table at social gatherings? Does the thought of striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you sit nervously through job interviews waiting for the other person to speak? Are you nervous when it comes to networking? Then it's time you mastered The Fine Art of Small Talk.

With practical advice and conversation "cheat sheets," this book will help you learn to feel more comfortable in any type of social situation, from lunch with the boss to an association event to a cocktail party where you don't know a soul.

The Fine Art of Small Talk teaches you how to:

• Start a conversation even when you think you have nothing to say
  
• Avoid foot-in-mouth disease
  
• Steady your shaky knees and dry your sweaty palms
  
• Prevent pregnant pauses and awkward silences
  
• Adopt listening skills that will make you a better conversationalist
  
• Approach social functions with confidence
  
• Feel more at ease at parties, meetings, job interviews, and trade shows
  
• Turn every conversation into an opportunity for success