Mastering small talk

acquaintance

a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.

put away

to put something in the place where it is kept because you have finished using it

estimate

roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of

underestimate

estimate (something) to be smaller or less important than it really is.

actively

they were actively engaged in supporting the war effort

mindlessly

without thinking or using one's intelligence.

pair up

o join together temporarily with another person in order to do something: Everyone should pair up for the next dance. Creating alliances

networking

the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

reach out

Nowadays, the term is often used to mean “initiate contact with someone (usually by email or phone).” The implication is that the contact is helpful or beneficial. You would not usually say this to a friend (instead, you would say anything else: Call me!

casual

Casual style is a style used in informal (casual) situation and using informal language.

attentive

paying close attention to something.

engaged

What does call engaged mean? If a phone or a phone line is engaged, it is already being used by someone else so that you are unable to speak to the person you are phoning.

follow-up

a continuation or repetition of something that has already been started or done.

dull

lacking interest or excitement.

rate

judge something with respect to its worth or significance

boost

help or encourage (something) to increase or improve.