15 ways to get better at small talk

The prospect of making small talk alternately causes people to roll their eyes and/or shudder.

But opting out of superficial chat isn't really an option if you're ever planning on going to a conference, or a cocktail party, or really any place where there are other human beings you don't know that well.

To help you out, we checked out Quora, Reddit, and other resources, and highlighted some of the best tips for upping your small-talk game.

You can even make a habit of practicing with strangers you'll probably never see again, since research suggests that making conversation with fellow commuters leaves people happier.

Read on to make small talk less a burden and more an experience that's actually (gasp!) enjoyable.