"Help! I'm horrible at small talk!"

Whether you're having a one-on-one chat or are mingling at a big New Year’s party, our experts share easy keys to enjoy deeper conversations

Be curious Search for commonality Tapping in to your inquisitive nature helps quell social worry, says expert Patti Wood. "Tell yourself, 'I'm going to learn something interesting tonight." Once you've primed your mind with positivity, use the easiest conversation opener: a genuine compliment. "You might say, 'I like your shoes,' or if music is playing, 'Do you like this song? I do too.' Finding commonality makes us feel calmer and amenable to a deeper conversation." enough of lately?"" To spark even more nuanced discussions, she suggests focusing on the "secret stash of dreams" we all share, by asking questions that get to the heart of people's aspirations, like, "If the sky were the limit, what would you love to do?" This creates more depth.