HOW TO HAVE GREAT CONVERSATIONS

Own any social situation you walk into. Here’s how to… ... seem super

smart: Subtle eye contact helps when you’re networking, Look at the spot between the eyebrows, to avoid eyeballing someone. Discuss current events, taking comfortable pauses and asking questions. … fix a name stuffup: Oops, you called her the wrong name. While your instincts are telling you to bail

and rock in the foetal position, you’ll come off better if you correct yourself and apologise. … leave a boring

conversation: You’ve heard about his cat, cousin’s friend’s wedding and CrossFit obsession. Interrupt the conversation to repeat something he’s said with a positive spin like: ‘Sounds like that tax convention was fun.’ That shows you’ve been listening, and when you follow up with a quick exit, you won’t seem rude.