Scores here are heuristic signals about sourcing and corroboration across outlets — not verdicts on whether a story is true, and not an endorsement or condemnation of any outlet. How this works
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 — recently rebranded from Head of Hanging Out to stress the seriousness of the assignment. The monthlong gig pays each of up to three hires $2,000, plus a budget for outings to parks, bookstores and fitness classes, where they'll strike up conversations with strangers. Officers will rate their small talk skills before and after the assignment, with regular check-ins to assess their interactions. They'll also track conversation lengths and strangers' receptiveness, Anastasia Sliusarenko, RiseGuide's brand and reputation manager, tells Axios. "I'm personally rooting for applicants who kind of feel soc
1
independent outlets · 100% owner-diverse
The tone is light and observational, describing a specific corporate initiative as a response to a societal trend. The report does not rely on formal, named sourcing but rather frames the narrative through the context of the app's promotional activity.
Describes tone and sourcing pattern only — never assesses whether the story is true. See methodology.
Save this story
Connect "Wanted: Chief small talk officers. Awkward applicants welcome" to your own research notes and market positions — Next Level Intelligence links what you save to the assets and notes it actually affects.