Small Talk, Conversation and Networking Books

[BvrEngr2006]

Hi, this is a very general question regarding ways to improve small talk and conversation skills. I intend to go into a Business/Engineering direction during and after I'm out of college and unfortunately I'm lacking in many networking sort of skills. I've set somewhat lofty but attainable goals for my future, but I need to get some help in this area. I feel, hell I KNOW, I lost a wonderful internship last year because of a terrible interview.

I plan on buying a couple books to read through... are there any comments on what books might be a good read?

 

[M2k961]

What exactly happened at the interview that made it terrible?

 

[abcd_z]

You're asking on an online forum...about a book...to help you socialize in real life. Do you see anything wrong with this?
Seriously, though. A book is not going to help you find the answers you're looking for. A better way to spend your time might be to go out to a mall or a bar, any place with a lot of people, and start chatting. That's all there is to it, just start up a conversation. And since this forum really is about improving yourself to pick up women, you could get some numbers at the same time. Hey, see how we just killed two bird with one stone?

 

[BvrEngr2006]

Briefly as far as the interview, it was a behavioral interview. They didn't care so much about experience as your personality. I tried to make some small talk and they certainly tried to engage me somewhat in that regard but I didn't know what to say or how to respond. Engaging in small talk was almost as hard as answering the more serious questions, which weren't important.

As far as going to public places, I am at no shortage for conversation opportunities... this is college after all. I honestly believe that practice isn't going to help me, because I'm practicing flawed tecniques, or I'm lacking some altogether. I also have several very social friends but I haven't in several years been able to pick up what they are doing.

I'm sure this is all very simple but I figure if I haven't learned anything at this point by putting myself out there that I need to regroup, expand my knowledge base, and try again.

 

[BvrEngr2006]

In any case the whole point of this thread was to get some good readin suggestions, offer your comments if you want no problem I'll definately listen, but if anyone has read something that was really helpful I'd like to hear about it. Thanks