For the last week I’ve been completely enthralled with the book I’m reading. The plot line is interesting enough, but it’s the descriptions and the way the author paints a picture that has captured my attention. Strong words create imagery that’s captivating and convey more meaning. You can do more with less when you choose the right word for the moment.

The holiday this week gives you a chance to practice with strong words. Just think of the fireworks shows on July 4^th. Words like magical, spectacular, emotional and captivating could all be used to articulate the moment and could spark ideas for how to use strong words in other conversations.

Small interactions give you a chance to practice for bigger ones and that’s what small talk and these conversation starters can help you do this week.

The champagne celebration that took place in the Oklahoma City locker room after winning the NBA Championship was sponsored by Moet & Chandon. The tradition of dousing teammates in champagne goes back decades but it’s only been in the last few years that champagne sponsorships have taken off.

I took a bit of a deep dive on the topic after reading and article over the weekend. Truth be told, living in the Seattle area I take a very passive interest in the NBA, but I enjoy champagne and I enjoy sports conversations.

It’s just another reminder that you can veer “off-topic” with sports talk and still be part of the conversations.

We're back in the kitchen and back for more fun with Mariners first base coach, former big leaguer and former stolen base champ, Eric Young Jr. 

I've known EY for years and talk to him frequently at the ballpark. I had no idea he was somewhat timid in the kitchen. His go-to meals are typically pasta, but he was pleasantly surprised how this recipe turned out. 

It's straightforward, quick, full of flavor and pairs well with fun conversations. 

Our conversation includes: 

11:00 – the story of becoming the National League Stolen Base Champion in 2013 

14:00 – perspective on stealing bases now versus then due to rule changes 

20:00 – Virtual Master Chef 

21:00 – why chicken wings are a go-to meal for celebrating 

Watch the full episode, cook alongside us and let me know how it turns out!

If you’ve ever had a bad day (or a bad week) at work, you can relate to most of the U.S. Open field. The course played extremely tough and affected nearly everyone including the top-ranked golfer in the world.

You don’t have to play golf or even have watched the tournament to empathize with a bad day at work. It’s just one of the parallels between sports and business and another quick reminder that you can use sports and sports outcomes to talk about bigger business conversations. Or you can stick to sports and use these topics in small talk this week.

Every sports story can take on a business application if you’re willing to think outside the box scores. Whether you’re looking for an example of perseverance (like at the French Open) or a conversation about tight competition in the marketplace (like in the Stanley Cup Finals) there’s a direct sports correlation which can help spark conversations that are needed in business.

Of course, there’s also just the sports topics themselves. Here are a few you might hear in conversations this week.

I’m a planner. Everyone who knows me knows that, but for as much as I might plan out questions or conversation starters, the real fun is not knowing the answers. Seriously. The best conversations are ones that I could never predict. It’s one of the reasons I have a list of sports topics at the ready. I know that I might start a conversation expecting one thing and be led in a completely different direction. It’s all part of the joy of getting to know people and it’s why I offer this list of sports topics this week.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and always includes the Indy 500. This year Alex Palou won in front of a packed grandstand and chugged a bottle of milk in Victory Circle. (In case you’re wondering, drivers can choose fat-free, 2% or whole milk before the race.) It’s a unique celebration and one that makes a fun conversation starter on a holiday weekend.

Here are a couple options:

• Would you rather chug a glass of milk or grape juice with dinner?
• What has to be included in celebration that involves food?

You can also stick to sports and use any of these topics to get the conversation going.

You know what to do. I don't need to remind you of the importance of small talk during the week. I do feel like these sports topics will make it easier. 

You know what to do. I don't need to remind you of the importance of small talk during the week. I do feel like these sports topics will make it easier. 

The amount of joy I felt was odd but noticeable.

I was out for a run yesterday and nearly every person I passed waved or said “Hi.”  A tiny gesture. A brief encounter. And yet I couldn’t stop smiling.

Small interactions can create an outsized impact whether you’re saying hi or using one of the sports topics to strike up a conversation this week.