logo
episode-header-image
May 2020
27m 56s

How To Talk to Strangers

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

Every other Friday, Amy's calendar reminds her to make the rounds of her office and say "hello" to her colleagues. As an introvert, Amy deeply struggles with small talk, but as a manager of 55 people she's been told she needs to be more approachable. In this episode of How To!, Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, helps Amy learn how to use her reserved nature to her advantage. Whether you're anxious about networking at conferences or wondering how to talk to your neighbors—from six feet away—Susan has some tips for how all of us can have better conversations. It takes practice, Susan says, so don't be afraid to have a few opening lines in your back pocket.

What are your toughest challenges during the pandemic? And what have you found is working for you? Leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001. We're collecting your problems and solutions for our recurring Quarantine Q&A.

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jan 13
How To Know When to Quit Your Job (Encore)
Victor's job—at its core—is to change the world. But he feels like he's plateaued within his large humanitarian and development organization, and is now on the verge of jumping ship. On this episode of How To!, Annie Duke, author of Quit: The Power Of Knowing When to Walk Away, h ... Show More
33m 41s
Jan 6
How To Confront a Vindictive Neighbor with Tig Notaro (Encore)
The trouble began when Sarah put a fern in front of her new condo. Nice, right? The woman who lives in the unit above didn't think so, and without warning sent Sarah a slew of passive-aggressive notes. Sarah thinks it's all a big misunderstanding, but now her neighbor refuses to ... Show More
29m 12s
Dec 30
Our Favorite Advice of 2025
In 2025, our listeners contacted How To! for advice about outsmarting student loans, moving to a new city, hosting a low-key gathering, living with chronic pain, quitting a dream job, letting go of ADHD shame, and yes, losing your virginity in your 40s. Today on the show: Carvell ... Show More
46m 2s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
How to Talk to People: How to Make Small Talk
Making small talk can be hard—especially when you’re not sure whether you’re doing it well. But conversations are a central part of relationship-building. In this first episode of How to Talk to People, we explore the psychological barriers to making good small talk and unravel t ... Show More
37m 56s
Sep 2022
Learn 4 Powerful Conversations That Connect Us All | Chuck Wisner
In today’s episode, we cover conscious conversations with Chuck Wisner. Chuck is a business and personal consultant and an advisor to leaders in high-profile companies in several industries such as Google, Rivian, Apple, and Tesla, and is the author of The Art of Conscious Conver ... Show More
1h 5m
May 2023
Trailer: How to Talk to People
On How to Talk to People we explore the barriers to relationship building and why—in a world of endless potential for connection—so many people still feel alone. From the struggle to prioritize non-romantic relationships, to just feeling uncertain of what to talk about with stran ... Show More
2m 48s
Jun 2023
Talk To Anyone Anywhere. Breaking The Ice (Toolbox)
The Art of Charm is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/charm today to get 10% off your first month. Nom Nom delivers fresh dog food with every portion personalized to your  dog’s needs, so you can bring out their best. Get 50% off your first two weeks at tryNom.c ... Show More
46m 10s
Aug 2019
How to Have Intimidating Work Conversations
<p>Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a clinical psychologist and founder of a mental health platform called Therapy for Black Girls, which includes a podcast of the same name. We’re going to explore how to have intimidating conversations at work. We’ve all had them and for some of us, we ... Show More
26m 2s
Apr 2021
#207 How to have conversations that matter
In this week’s Ask the Expert interview, Sarah talks to author, radio host and TED speaker Celeste Headlee about how to have better conversations at work. Together they discuss why most of us focus too much on what we’re going to say rather than what we can learn from conversatio ... Show More
22m 18s
Oct 2023
How to Speak So You’re Heard | Sam Horn
<p>Have you struggled to speak up when it matters most? My guest Sam Horn has devoted her career to helping people transform awkward moments into open communication. </p><br><p>In this episode, Sam shares her expertise on how to find your voice, even on eggshells. We explore esse ... Show More
1 h