From Don Gabor's book and audio tape, Talking with Confidence for the Painfully Shy

According to conversation expert, Don Gabor, "On a scale of 1 - 10 most people rate about a 3 when it comes to knowing how to make small talk, keeping the conversation going, changing topics and choosing the right time to end an encounter at parties. " Here are the top ten blunders...

1. Having a negative attitude and anticipating rejection.
2. Displaying stay-away body language.
3. Remaining passive instead of being the first to say hello.
4. Asking only short-answer questions such as, "What do you do?"
5. Replying with only one-word answers without revealing additional information or topics of interest.
6. Talking too much without asking questions or listening for key words or free information from other person.
7. Talking too little without showing interest or enthusiasm.
8. Not introducing yourself and not using the other person's name.
9. Arguing about minor details and being a know-it-all.
10. Ending the conversation on a negative note.

Reprinted from Don Gabor's new book ($12.00) and audio-cassette program ($12.00) Talking With Confidence for the Painfully Shy.