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The Secret to Enjoying Awkward Holiday Parties

The holiday season is known for bringing dreaded cocktail party small talk. But your conversations with colleagues, friends or family need not be awkward drudgery, according to Opinion Audio’s executive producer, Annie-Rose Strasser. In this audio essay, she reveals her no-fail solution to making every conversation accessible and exciting, no matter who shows up to the holiday party.

Credit…Illustration by Akshita Chandra/The New York Times; Photograph by Johner Images/Getty Images

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This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Phoebe Lett with help from Kristina Samulewski. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking and small-talk assistance by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Special thanks to Emily Berch, Lauren Kelley, Derek Arthur, Angela Fung and Stella Tan.

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