According to a public speaking expert, those skilled in small talk can achieve success by performing these three actions.

It's astonishing how many individuals confidently give speeches and presentations to large groups but become anxious when it comes to engaging in small talk.

Improvisation in social situations, such as at work, in elevators, during social gatherings, or at business seminars, can be intimidating for many people.

Mastering the skill of spontaneous conversations brings numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. It enhances mental, emotional, and physical well-being, particularly during a time when social isolation is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. Additionally, it's enjoyable once you've become proficient in it.

While gifted conversationalists are often perceived as being innately gracious and charismatic, the ability to engage in spontaneous interactions is a learnable skill.

To confidently initiate a conversation with an attractive stranger, follow these three simple steps.

1. Let go

You're not invading Normandy, you're just inviting someone to chat with you.

If your small talk attempts fail, you'll recover quickly and become more resilient in your efforts.

Mastering communication and public speaking is the ultimate guide.

Although you may feel uncomfortable and your new conversation partner might also be uncomfortable, you might even be rebuffed, but the pain of failure will be fleeting and manageable.

Rewritten sentence: Before continuing, pause to observe if you are interrupting an ongoing conversation. If there is no reason to suspect your attention will be deemed inappropriate, proceed with your approach.

2. Forget about being deep, cool, or 'real'

It's tempting to dismiss the first conversation as shallow or inauthentic, but remember that every deep, lasting friendship started with small talk.

Rewritten: Can you provide an alternative version of the input sentence while keeping the same sentence length?

An effective way to initiate conversation is by making a comment or asking a question about the present environment or context.

• "I can't believe how many people showed up!"
• "Have you met anyone here? I assumed I'd recognize more faces."
• "Are you having an OK time?"
• "What do you think of the punch (or the music, the space, etc.)?"

Rewritten: Even though the openers may not be Pulitzer-winning, engaging in pleasantries doesn't make you superficial or insincere. You're taking a risk by sharing your thoughts. If your language isn't groundbreaking, that's okay.

Conversations can be about anything except religion, politics, or sex. You can be any personality, as long as you're polite, brief, and undemanding.

3. Stop thinking about yourself and focus on the other person

It's easy to get distracted by inner commentary: 'I'm so dumb! Omg, I blew it! Why am I talking so loudly! She hates me!'

Stop it.

By constantly monitoring yourself, your body, your words, or how others perceive you, you limit your ability to hear.

Focus on what the person is saying and attempt to comprehend their motives. This will enable you to respond appropriately.

Rewritten: By staying present and attentive, you can better connect with the person you're talking to and make the most of the occasion.

John Bowe is a speech trainer, award-winning journalist, and author of "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection." He has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, GQ, McSweeney's, This American Life, and many others. Check out his website here.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words, and use effective body language to make a great first impression. Sign up now.