The ability to converse has a huge impact on the success of business school MBAs, much more so than their grade-point-averages which had no bearing whatsoever. According to a study conducted by Stanford University School of Business, conversational skills (we’re not talking about public speaking here) had a greater influence on the successes of the study group, than did their academic achievements. In her book, The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine told about having such poor communication skills that she avoided people at networking events and meetings, even hiding in the restroom during breaks. (Did you pick up on the pun in her book title?) Fine points out that the art of making small talk, engaging in a conversation, is an acquired skill. She taught herself and is now a motivational speaker.