Compliments came up often, showing how a little kindness always makes for easy conversation. At the same time, many users emphasized timing: for instance, choosing between asking about past weekends ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Don't get stuck discussing the weather. M_a_y_a / Getty Images Entertaining is more than setting the table and cooking a meal.

Without feeling like you're conducting a job interview, tyvm.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Image Credit: Shutterstock. Does your brain shut down, and your tongue become heavy when you need to start a conversation?

Despite all the benefits of networking, one in four people doesn’t try it at all. Apart from busy schedules, some avoid it because of shyness, fear of rejection, or simply not knowing how to start ...

Sorry but “Hey, what’s up?” is not cutting it.

Entertaining is more than setting the table and cooking a meal. It's also about making guests feel comfortable—and that can mean helping the convo flow. In fact, a few reliable conversation starters ...