Blah?

While I like to brag about myself as a great conversationalist, I'm really just fantastically good at keeping up an inane stream of chatter with anyone.  It's a skill that's come in handy a lot recently, what with going on interviews, jumping jobs and meeting the populace.

I find myself in a lot of situations where this skill is essential - the moments before a meeting begins, for example.  A bunch of strangers are sitting together, maybe waiting for the chair to show up.  Should we sit around and make awkward-turtle gestures at each other?  Or should we turn this into a party?

I don't meet a lot of people with this skill.  When I do spot someone across a boardroom table who can help with the conversational heavy-lifting, I feel as though they are a kindred spirit.  I've also noticed that it is a well-developed skill in people who climb high in their careers.  I ask you to keep an eye out for the likes of us who are "naturals" and maybe pick up a corner of that burden.