Small talk is like a paper cut, it's small and insignificant, but usually very painful. Though some are born with natural talent, small talk is an art like auctioneering or plumbing, so it can be learned.
Supply yourself with cute anecdotes about your children, pets or gardening mishaps. Brush up on current events, but be sure to stick to the feel good stories or natural disasters rather than anything involving a crisis or Africa. Above all, remember that no one is really listening to what you're saying because they're too anxious about making small talk themselves.
