Wanted: Chief small talk officers. Awkward applicants welcome
Some people don't like to make small talk . Others — especially younger Americans — say they simply don't know how to do it. Why it matters: A communication-skills app is betting that a baptism by fire in small talk can help rebuild social confidence — and it's hiring people to approach strangers to put that theory to the test. Driving the news: RiseGuide is hiring Chief Small Talk Officers —…
RiseGuide, a communication-skills app, is seeking Chief Small Talk Officers to approach strangers and practice conversation, in the hope of rebuilding social confidence. The month-long positions pay up to $2,000 each, plus a budget for outings to parks, bookstores, and fitness classes. Applicants will evaluate their small talk abilities before and after the assignment, with regular assessments of their interactions and tracking of conversation length and strangers' receptiveness.
RiseGuide's brand manager, Anastasia Sliusarenko, encourages those who feel socially awkward, as their potential improvement could be more noticeable. The app aims to train social confidence, which can be nurtured rather than being a fixed personality trait. Experts assert that social confidence doesn't necessitate being the most extroverted person; it could manifest differently for each individual.
The rise of smartphones and personalized digital feeds has altered how Americans discover common interests and engage in conversations with strangers. Traditional gathering spots like bars are also affected, as people increasingly rely on their devices, making it harder to strike up conversations with strangers.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
