The Daily Motivation

How To Destroy Awkward Small Talk & Build Real Connection | Vanessa Van Edwards

October 7, 2026·7 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1987DM“Been busy?” is the worst question you can ask anyone. Vanessa Van Edwards says it sends the other person's brain hunting for negativity.They either list how exhausted they are or admit nothing is going on. No win.“What do you do?” comes second. Everyone has answered it so many times the brain stays on autopilot.Her fix when someone asks you: start with a clear label and who you do it for. Then share your why and toss it back.Or just be funny. “How are you?” “Seven out of 10.”Van Edwards calls herself a recovering awkward person. For years she walked into conversations trying to razzle dazzle.What changed everything: being easy to talk to beats being impressive.She splits people into entertainers and appreciators. Two appreciators together stall out, so learn to flex into the other role.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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