Quote:
Originally Posted by malcolmk14
The advice could apply to any situation in which you're expected to make small talk with strangers (weddings, etc.,), doesn't have to be specific to my situation.
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Active listening.
When someone is talking and emphasizes or omits parts of the story - ask him about it. Better yet, tell him why you want to know more about it (in a one-or-two sentence question).
If his eyes bulge as he talks about some dude being late in his story then cut in (if you think it's sufficiently polite to do so) or wait for a lull in the conversation while on the same topic;
"Why were you so mad about him being late? Was he habitually late?"
It's a softball question on a topic that he brought up with an open ended answer. The key is that he bulged his eyes and clenched his fist when he said "late" in the story, so you know it's something he is ready to expand upon - no way that's a one-word answer.
Generally, ask men for facts and women for emotions.
"Was he habitually late" vs "Did he do that to you often?"
Can't really fake it though, at least I can't.