Even when engaging in routine small talk, having something fresh to share is a plus. As often happens when we encounter friends, they'll ask "What's new?" Therefore, today's tip is a reminder: Share something new and different to add interest to your talk. (Don't you find responses deadly when you ask "What's new? and hear, "Oh, same old, same old," "Nothing much," or "I can't complain"?) What could be new? A new book or article you've read; a restaurant you've visited for the first time; a travel plan you are putting together, or a vacation you've just returned from; a reunion you'll attend; a new friend you've recently met; a class you're taking; a surprise you received; a hike you took on a different trail. Plus a thousand other possibilities. To have some real "news," you may have to break your routines and do something different. Sometimes you just have to be curious and investigate the unusual. "Anyone can look for fashion in a boutique or history in a museum. The creative explorer looks for history in a hardware store and fashion in an airport."

-- Robert Wieder So, to have something interesting to talk about, explore something new. Hint: Sometimes it nearby, a place or event that you've taken for granted. (P. S. Last week I attended "Million Dollar Quartet, the Musical," my first time at the new Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Fabulous Center, fabulous musical! My next "new thing"? I'm looking around for it.)

Therefore, today's tip is a reminder: Share something new and different to add interest to your talk. (Don't you find responses deadly when you ask "What's new? and hear, "Oh, same old, same old," "Nothing much," or "I can't complain"?)

What could be new? A new book or article you've read; a restaurant you've visited for the first time; a travel plan you are putting together, or a vacation you've just returned from; a reunion you'll attend; a new friend you've recently met; a class you're taking; a surprise you received; a hike you took on a different trail. Plus a thousand other possibilities.

To have some real "news," you may have to break your routines and do something different. Sometimes you just have to be curious and investigate the unusual.

"Anyone can look for fashion in a boutique or history in a museum. The creative explorer looks for history in a hardware store and fashion in an airport."

-- Robert Wieder

So, to have something interesting to talk about, explore something new. Hint: Sometimes it nearby, a place or event that you've taken for granted.

(P. S. Last week I attended "Million Dollar Quartet, the Musical," my first time at the new Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Fabulous Center, fabulous musical! My next "new thing"? I'm looking around for it.)

Just above the header "Better Conversations Newsletter" at the top of this issue, you'll see a Facebook icon. Clicking on that will take you to your Facebook page. The link to this issue will also appear. You can add a comment and post it and your friends will be able to access this newsletter.

Loren Ekroth ©2012, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life.