First, I suggest you reframe the situation by seeing both you and your co-workers or clients as books filled with rich and even rewarding information. You can act on that perception the next time you're in this situation by pairing questions and answers. So, for example, when someone asks "How are you?" you can respond with a short answer combined with an additional tidbit of personal information, such as, "Fine, thanks. I'm looking forward to my hiking trip." Such a response might elicit the other person's experience trekking, and before you know it, you'll have a full-fledged conversation that both smooths over any awkwardness and offers beneficial information.

Next, ask something that might tap into a person's personal story, such as "Where are you from?" In my case, the answer would be "I'm from coastal Alabama." You can easily follow that up by asking "What do you like about it?" which allows the other person to provide additional insight into his or her answer. Just like a successful tennis match, this technique of volleying statements and questions back and forth can help these social encounters go from awkward to amiable. E