Toastmasters, the organization dedicated to helping people become better public speakers, is adding new workshops for introverts who want to improve their small talk skills. Topics include:
- First impressions: Transforming a severely sarcastic sigh into a barely detectable groan
- Saying “Hi” without crib notes
- Staring at a woman’s breasts is not “almost” making eye contact
- When is it not appropriate to query, “Is this handsome guy your boyfriend or a paid escort?”
- Listening without snoring
- How to clean up limericks using suitable words that rhyme with “Nantucket”
- Ten nice things to say to a person handcuffed to an FBI agent
- Showing empathy without belching
- Visual aids and props: Things that are better left said by your hand puppet
- Catchy comebacks after 45 minutes of awkward silence