So much of being a good conversationalist comes from knowing randomly niche shit. Ask someone about where they're from, their hobbies and interests, etc. You're just always able to pull out some reference that immediately makes them feel comfortable around youIt's the same as getting a cold shoulder in a foreign country until you start speaking their actual language, only the language in this case is a specific nugget of information they'd never expect you to be able to reference. So specific they can't help but ask you how you know thatWhole demeanor changes almost instantly. They completely open up. Their trust is yours. Doesn't happen when the layers beyond weather and work pleasantries are never penetratedThis is one of the few situations where consumption greatly improves your life. Reading about anything and everything that sparks the slightest bit of curiosity. The more "useless" the knowledge, the more powerful. Wikipedia rabbit hole maxxing. Never know when the information will come in handy but always does.