Bah. I'm brilliant at small talk, which means that when I'm conversing with someone I don't know, either as interviewer or interviewee (or any other situation),

Bah. I'm brilliant at small talk, which means that when I'm conversing with someone I don't know, either as interviewer or interviewee (or any other situation), I feel it's my conversational duty to make others feel comfortable and entertained, and help them along if they're uncomfortable with small talk. Good conversationalists are great listeners, because they are trying to draw interest and excitement out of other people. It's different from being a good talker, which can be entertaining, but isn't really two-way.