Praise for the Book
I am delighted to share my thoughts on the remarkable book, “The Big World of Small Talk, by Anju Dahiya. As a journalist deeply immersed in the world of communication, I truly believe in the transformative power of effective small talk.
Anju Dahiya takes the readers an engaging journey, unravelling small talk intricacies with finesse. The simplicity of her writing and storytelling effectiveness makes this book a true gem.
I highly recommend “The Big World of Small Talk to anyone seeking a profound exploration of the art of conversation. The author’s expertise shines through every page, making it a must-read for those navigating the subtle complexities of communication.
~ Sandeep Chaudhary, Journalist and Media Personality
Having spent years in the dynamic world of showbiz, I’ve come to realize that connections and meaningful interactions are the hidden gems that make the industry thrive. This holds true even in my experience with advertisements, where the ability to connect with people is paramount. “The Big World of Small Talk beautifully captures the essence of cultivating such interactions, offering valuable insights that resonate even with the dynamics of the entertainment world. It’s more than a guide; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the realms of showbiz or any field that thrives on connections.
~Satish Sharma, Actor, Director and Producer
In “The Big World of Small Talk, you’ll discover practical tips, insightful anecdotes, and actionable strategies to master the art of conversation. From icebreakers that’ll melt even the frostiest of encounters to techniques for steering the conversation toward deeper topics, this book has it all.
So, whether you’re an introvert looking to step out of your comfort zone or an extrovert wanting to refine your conversational skills, dive into these pages with an open mind and a willingness to connect.
~Garima Goel, Actor, Content Creator
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Anju Dahiya for decades. We went to school together, where she was one year my senior. We also rode the same school bus to and from school. Upon graduation, we lost contact, like so many of us do. Move forward about ten or twelve years, my friends motivated, perhaps even forced, me to join Facebook. I am still debating whether this was a good move or not. But certainly, one good thing that came of it was being able to reconnect with Anju.
My personal connection with Anju is not the reason I have written this Foreword… I have written this because I have learnt so much from it. Before I had read this book, I had imagined myself to be a master at small talk (among many, many, many other things). Afterall, I had thought, I have written those works of literary fiction in part because I have some awesome ability to strike up conversations with people from all walks of life and hear their stories. 1 could not have been more misguided.
For as long as I can remember, I had considered small-talk only as an art, and one that is perhaps even innate to oneself you either have it or you don’t. I have realized that I was mistaken in that belief. I now have a much better. appreciation of the myriad ways of small-talk, and how to go about developing the skills needed for it systematically, patiently, and with diligence. I also have a better appreciation of how empathy and sincerity towards others should be the bedrock of every fulfilling interaction and conversation. Developing skills in small talk is both an art and science. Most importantly it is a talent that needs to be constantly nurtured and honed, particularly in a dynamic, globalized, and digital world we find ourselves in. It is a talent that needs to be developed as much by a corporate jetsetter holding meetings or finalizing deals in a transcultural setting as by someone just trying to get along with neighbours.
Everyone, no matter where they find themselves in their lives, will benefit from The Big World of Small Talk. I have learnt a lot, and I think I will, lifelong, continue to learn and relearn from this book. So too, I am certain, those who read it.
~Amit Verma, Author, 2022 International Book Awards New Age Finalist
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