Does a party of strangers make you painfully uncomfortable? Are business meetings even more intimidating? What's missing from the agenda may be the fine art of small talk.

"If there were a coffee break I would hide in the ladies room for that entire coffee break," Debra Fine, Author of "The Fine Art of Small Talk," told Ivanhoe.

It's hard to imagine conversation guru, Debra Fine, was once overweight, under confident and ill at ease.

"I use to think if I lost weight I would have girl friends just like that, wave a wand. But that doesn't exactly happen," said Fine.

Today, with two best sellers in 29 languages, the former engineer is in demand, training corporate clients in the rules of small talk. Rule number one -- it's up to you to take the risk.

"If you are hoping someone will walk up to you, you can hope the rest of your life away. Why would they be any willing to do it anymore than you are?" Fine said.

The easiest opening line -- What brings you here? Rule two -- avoid conversation killers.

"That is another thing. Don't offer advice unless it is asked," said Fine.

Don't advise, don't interrupt and finally, resist one-upmanship. "Because women match each other, 'You went shopping I went shopping too,' I am going to tell you I got this blouse for a better deal. It doesn't sound like I am being a snob or bragging but I just did it," said Fine.

"This is the goal, to build business friendships. Because all things equal people do business with their friends. And all things not being equal people do business with friends," Fine said.

Small talk, says Fine, is the appetizer to a real relationship.

If you would like more information, please contact:
Debra Fine
http://www.debrafine.com