Making small talk was a struggle at first, but now try shutting me up | Michael Hogan

US students are relearning how to chitchat after lockdown damaged social skills. Maybe Rishi Sunak could take a course

Are you having a lovely weekend? Nice jumper, is it new? Did you see Doctor Who last night? You see, it's not difficult. Yet the younger generation seems to be struggling with the ancient art of small talk. Speaking about nothing but doing it pleasantly is an essential social lubricant. Sadly it seems to be drying up.

Students in the US are taking lessons in conducting chitchat" after losing these social skills during lockdown and no longer knowing how to start anodyne face-to-face conversations. College professors are giving tips such as ask questions about their weekend plans, use people's names and make eye contact".

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