When Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee announced that Rush was going back on the road after 10 years, the first big question was: who could replace someone like the late drummer Neil Peart, who is truly irreplaceable? The answer was Anika Nilles, a highly praised German drummer who, besides having an acclaimed solo career, also toured with major acts like the late Jeff Beck. She gave her first statement after the band’s announcement, thanking Lee and Lifeson for the opportunity. Anika Nilles talks about becoming Rush's touring drummer "I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Geddy and Alex for their trust and for welcoming me on this incredible new journey with Rush. I also don't want to miss the chance to warmly welcome all the new faces here and to thank you for your kind and open-minded words — they truly mean a lot." "At the same time, I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has followed and supported my journey over the years. We're all in this together now, and I couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead," Anika Nilles said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVIQ3scs--0&t=7s Rush 2026 tour dates June 7 – Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum 9 – Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum 11 - Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum 13 - Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum 18 – Mexico City, MX. Palacio de los Deportes 24 – Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena 26 – Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena 28 - Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena 30 - Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena July 16 – Chicago, IL United Center 18 – Chicago, IL United Center 20 - Chicago, IL United Center 22 - Chicago, IL United Center 28 – New York, NY Madison Square Garden 30 – New York, NY Madison Square Garden August 1 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden 3 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden 7 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena 9 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena 11 - Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena 13 - Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena 17 – Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena 19 - Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena The post Anika Nilles talks about becoming Rush’s touring drummer appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

Called "Paul Weller - Dancing Through the Fire", the authorised oral history of the legendary British musician also known as the mastermind behind bands like The Jam and The Style Council is already a Sunday Times bestseller. Rock and Roll Garage had the chance to speak with the author, Dan Jennings. In this interview, we discover more about his love for Paul’s career, the process of writing the book and some interesting insights into the incredible musician and his life. But before, see what Weller himself said about the book: "Nearly 50 years in music? How is that possible? When Dan mentioned that he’d interviewed over 250 people for this, I didn’t even know that I knew that many people... but he’s done it in a way that shows that it’s more than just about me, it’s the story of everyone who was there along the way," Paul Weller said. Interview with Dan Jennings, author of "Paul Weller - Dancing Through the Fire" Do you remember when you first heard Paul Weller’s music? What attracted you to it? "Yes, I remember it very clearly - it was 1992, and the song was ‘Uh Huh Oh Yeh!’ … Top of the Pops. The line-up at the time was Weller at the front, Jacko Peake on sax, Camelle Hinds on bass, and Steve White on drums. They had this almost diamond formation on stage, and Paul just looked so cool - he sounded fantastic, and it really stood out to me. Top of the Pops was quite random then, so you’d get everything from Mr Blobby to Peter Andre, and then suddenly Paul Weller would appear, which felt completely different to anything else on the show." "At the time, I was mostly listening to pop and dance acts like Banco De Gaia, The Shamen, C&C Music Factory, and The KLF, I loved all their stuff - so Weller’s music was a real departure for me. I loved it straight away, and, to be honest, I thought I’d discovered someone new. He seemed young and fresh - he was only about 35 then - and I had no idea about his history. It was only when we had some builders in at home and I mentioned Paul Weller to them that they said, “Yeah, we know Paul Weller, mate - you want to check out The Jam.” The next day, they brought in a cassette, probably Snap! or a Greatest Hits, and that opened up a whole new world for me. I loved all of it, and that’s really where my journey as a fan began." What was it like when you first had the chance to meet him and talk to him? Did he act the way you imagined? "My first encounter with Paul Weller was in 2008, and it was, frankly, surreal. I was working at a promotional event in Sainsbury’s, handing out chocolate for Nectar, when Paul turned up to do his shopping. My friend, Olivia, managed to coax him over to our van, and all I could muster was “big fan, big fan.” That was it. She chatted to him for a while whilst everything I had ever wanted to say disappeared from my brain. Then the woman from Nectar came over and asked if she could get a photo of Paul in front of their logo … “Nah, thanks” and off he went." "Fast forward to the podcast and then the book, and I’ve had the privilege of spending real time with him, interviewing him in depth. What struck me most is how grounded and generous he is with his time and thoughts. He’s direct, no-nonsense, but also open and reflective. Super funny too. No question has been off limits. He’s also deeply engaged when it comes to music and creativity. In many ways, he’s exactly as you’d hope - passionate, honest, and still driven by that same work ethic." What was the best thing for you, as a fan, about the process of writing the book and doing the podcast? "The best thing, without question, has been the chance to connect with so many people who are part of Paul’s story - not just the musicians, but also his friends, family, and the wider circle that’s surrounded him over the years. There’s something very special about hearing from people like his tour manager Kenny Wheeler, who’s been with him for over 50 years, or getting to episode 100 of the podcast and having Paul’s mum, Ann, as the guest. Those moments are unforgettable." "It’s also been a privilege to speak to band members like Bruce Foxton, Rick Buckler, Mick Talbot, and Dee C. Lee, as well as people like Steve White, who I interviewed in Brighton for Nicky Weller’s exhibition event. Even though Steve didn’t want to do the podcast or the book, having that conversation as part of the wider process was a thrill. The podcast and book have allowed me to bring together these different voices and stories, and as a fan, it’s been amazing to help build a fuller, more human picture of Paul Weller’s life and career." What was the most difficult part of writing the book? How long did it take? "The most challenging aspect was weaving together hundreds of hours of interviews into a coherent, compelling narrative. The book isn’t just a collection of transcripts - it’s a living document, built from the voices of over 250 contributors. Like a massive jigsaw puzzle of memories pieced together. Balancing those perspectives, ensuring the story flowed, and honouring the unique insights of each person took real care. Fact-checking, editing, and structuring the content was a huge undertaking, but ultimately incredibly rewarding." What do you think makes Paul’s songwriting so special? "It’s a funny one, because if you could truly pin down what makes Paul’s songwriting so special - if there was a formula - you’d be able to bottle it and sell it, wouldn’t you? The truth is, it’s almost impossible to define, and I think even Paul himself would struggle to explain it. What’s clear from both the book and the podcast is that his songs capture something deeply human and relatable, but they do it in ways that are always evolving." "If you look back at some of those Jam songs – ‘Down in the Tube Station at Midnight,’ ‘Private Hell,’ ‘Thick as Thieves’ - they’re like little plays, snapshots of British life, full of detail and atmosphere. But then you’ve got songs like ‘Village’ from On Sunset, which Paul described to me as being about a man who’s simply happy with his lot, strolling through Greenwich or Portobello Market, content and grounded. There’s a continuity there, but also a real progression in how he approaches storytelling." "Some of my favourite Weller songs, like ‘Frightened’ from Heliocentric or ‘Invisible’ from 22 Dreams, tap into something much more introspective - a sense of vulnerability or even despair. That’s really hard to do in a song that you want to sing along to, but that’s what great songwriters do: they find ways to express universal emotions in words and music that feel both personal and profound. Paul Weller has that knack, and it’s why he stands alongside the very best - he’s able to write songs that speak to different generations, moods, and moments, always with honesty and craft. For me, he’s up there with the truly exceptional songwriters, those who can make you feel seen and understood, even in just a few lines." What’s your favourite part of his career? "It’s impossible to pick just one era, because I dip into so much of his work. In recent years, albums like On Sunset and Fat Pop have really connected with me - perhaps because they coincided with the start of the podcast, but also because the songs are simply brilliant. I’ve also found myself revisiting Heavy Soul, and Heliocentric - albums that sometimes get overlooked but are full of depth and invention. Paul can be dismissive of certain periods, but I think there’s greatness in all of them." "His willingness to keep moving forward, experimenting, and (whilst he would call it this), reinventing himself is what makes his career so fascinating. Of course, I have a deep connection to that early ‘90s period because I was 16, I’d just discovered the music, he then created some incredible singles and albums that have stand up today… but I adore a heap for songs from The Style Council and The Jam too… impossible question!" Please correct me if I’m wrong, but the American market has always been the biggest goal for most British musicians, because of its size - offering greater record sales and touring opportunities. But from what I’ve read over the years, there were many bands that were more essentially British, especially due to their lyrics and themes - like The Kinks, for example. Many people say that Ray Davies’ songwriting is deeply connected to British culture, which didn’t appeal as much to American audiences. I believe Weller is a much bigger star in the UK compared to the U.S. and the rest of the world - am I right? Do you think that’s connected to his songwriting? "You’re absolutely right - his career has always been deeply rooted in British culture, and that’s reflected in a lot of his lyrics and themes. From The Jam onwards, his music has spoken to British life in a way that’s direct and unfiltered. There’s a sense of place and identity in his work that resonates strongly here, but can be harder to translate internationally, especially in the US. "In the book, several contributors touch on this – the idea that Weller’s songwriting is “essentially British,” much like Ray Davies as you mention. There was a moment in 1991 when Paul talks about a lifeline coming from Japan with a record deal, but also from the US market with a live dates in LA, but ultimately, his biggest impact has always been at home. That’s not to say he hasn’t had international success, but his appeal is closely tied to the lived experience of Britain." "Paul also talked to me about how early on his career, record bosses in the US talked about how if he wanted to make it there, he needed to spend months touring around everywhere - and that just wasn’t for him." As someone whose first language is Portuguese, when I listen to a song written in another language, the first thing I notice and focus on is the melody and the chords. But I believe that the lyrics might be equally important as those things for a native speaker who’s hearing the songs. "That’s a really interesting observation, and it’s something that comes up in the book as well. For many fans, especially in the UK, his lyrics are central to the experience - they’re sharp, evocative, and often loaded with meaning. But the music itself is just as important. His ability to craft memorable melodies and inventive arrangements means his songs connect on multiple levels, regardless of language. Contributors to the book talk about how his music can move you even if you don’t catch every word, but for those who do, the lyrics add another layer of depth," Dan Jennings said.The post New book about Paul Weller: Exclusive interview with author Dan Jennings appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

The Moody Blues co-founder, bassist and singer John Lodge sadly passed away at the age of 82. The news was shared by his family, who said he died "suddenly and unexpectedly" but didn't specify the cause. Born in Erdington, Birmingham, England, he was one of the most important musicians of all time. The co-founder, bassist and co-lead singer of The Moody Blues, he inspired countless generations of musicians who had his music as an example of the kind of music they wanted to make. Besides his long career with the British Progressive Rock group, he also released four solo studio albums. The final one was "Days of Future Passed - My Sojourn" (2023) and in the beginning of 2025 he released his final EP "Love Conquers All". John Lodge's family message about his passing "It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us. As anyone who knew this massive hearted man knows, it was his enduring love of his wife, Kirsten, and his family, that was the most important thing to him, followed by his passion for music, and his faith." "He was never happier than being on stage - he was ‘Just a ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ and he adored performing with his band and son-in-law, Jon (vocalist with YES), and being able to continue sharing this music with his fans. It gave him even more joy to be able to work with his daughter Emily and son Kristian and spend time watching his grandson John-Henry play football and dream of him playing for Birmingham City one day!" "John peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved-ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. We will forever miss his love, smile, kindness, and his absolute and never-ending support. We are heartbroken, but will walk forwards into peace surrounded by the love he had for each of us. As John would always say at the end of the show, thank you for keeping the faith. Please understand that we are not making any further comments, however we would like to leave you with John’s song ’Whispering Angels’ whilst we take a moment to reflect on this incredible man who touched so many lives," John Lodge's family said. Rock and Roll Garage had the pleasure to interview Lodge in 2020, asking him which were some of his favorites songs and albums of all time. He also revealed which were his favorite Moody Blues songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMUElXW3nyEThe post The Moody Blues bassist and singer John Lodge dies at 82 appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

During the past six decades since The Rolling Stones were formed, Keith Richards has been one of the most important artists in Rock and Roll, not only for his incredible guitar riffs but also for his songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger. Influenced by American Blues musicians, they incorporated that style into Rock and Roll, showing especially to American fans that the music they loved so much came actually from their own country and deserved more appreciation. Keith considers himself an artist who truly cares about the music, with fame and success being secondary. Over the years, he has talked about many other artists and mentioned three who, according to him, also shared his same passion for music and songwriting. The 3 only artists Keith Richards said really cared about music Keith Richards said in his autobiography "Life", that the only three musicians he knew that had the same attitude towards music and really cared about what they were doing were Otis Redding (who he didn't have the chance to meet) and other two he had the chance to be a good friend of: John Lennon and Gram Parsons (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers). "Of the musicians I know personally (although Otis Redding, who I didn’t know, fits this too), the two who had an attitude towards music that was the same as mine were Gram Parsons and John Lennon. And that was: whatever bag the business wants to put you in is immaterial. That’s just a selling point, a tool that makes it easier. You’re going to get chowed into this pocket or that pocket because it makes it easier for them to make charts up and figure out who’s selling. But Gram and John were really pure musicians. All they liked was music, and then they got thrown into the game." "And when that happens, you either start to go for it or you fight it. Some people don’t even realize how the game works. And Gram was a bold man. This guy never had a hit record. Some good sellers, but nothing to point to, yet his influence is stronger now than ever. Basically, you wouldn’t have had Waylon Jennings, you wouldn’t have had all of that outlaw movement without Gram Parsons." Keith Richards continued: "He showed them a new approach, that country music isn’t just this narrow thing that appeals to rednecks, he did it single-handed. He wasn’t a crusader or anything like that. (Gram) loved country music, but he really didn’t like the country music business and didn’t think it should be angled just at Nashville. The music’s bigger than that. It should touch everybody. Gram wrote great songs. “A Song for You,” “Hickory Wind,” “Thousand Dollar Wedding,” great ideas. He could write you a song that came right round the corner and straight in the front, up the back, with a little curve on it," Keith Richards said in his book released in 2010. He listed Gram Parsons and Otis Redding among the 20 best singers of all time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZHJajD6T-M&list=RDLZHJajD6T-M&start_radio=1 When Rolling Stone asked Keith to list the 20 best singers of all time in 2008, he placed Otis Redding at number 13. He was ahead of names like Smokey Robinson, Little Richard and Elvis Presley. Gram Parsons was ranked higher, at number 10. He was in front of singers such as Mavis Staples and Ronnie Spector, both of whom Richards is a huge fan of. In an interview with Guitar World in 2005, Richards said that his favorite "Satisfaction" version was the one made by Otis Redding. “When I wrote the song, I didn’t think of that particular riff as the big guitar riff. That all fell into place at RCA when Gibson dumped on me one of those first Fuzz-Tone pedals. I actually thought of that guitar line as a horn riff.” “The way Otis Redding ended up doing it is probably closer to my original conception for the song. It’s an obvious horn riff. And when this new Fuzz Tone pedal arrived in the studio from the local dealership or something. I said, “Oh, this is good. It’s got a bit of sustain, so I can use it to sketch out the horn line.” “So we left the track and went back out on the road. And two weeks later I hear it on the radio. I said, “No, that was just a demo!” They said, “No, it’s a hit.” At least Otis got it right. Our version was a demo for Otis,” Keith Richards said. The guitarist already revealed that one of his favorite songs by Otis is "These Arms of Mine". The track was written and recorded by the late musician in 1962. He tragically passed away in an airplane crash in 1967 at the age of 26. Keith Richards said Lennon was a "beautiful spirit" and they were good friends Keith Richards and John Lennon were close although they didn't used to see each other that much in the 1970s. In an interview for Ask Keith, a special serieS of questions and answers he had on his website back in 2004, the Stones guitarist talked about that friendship. “I used to hang out with John quite a bit. He was outrageous. I mean, he was just a beautiful spirit, he certainly didn’t deserve that (being killed). I guess the older it gets, the more we are gonna go through of this saying like Gram Parsons, George and John, ‘What the hell am I doing here. You know what I mean?'” “As I say, the good die young. John, I think he used to come and see me just to be sort of one of The Stones for a night and not be one of The Beatles. Like to get outrageous, you know (laughs). ‘Ok, so you just sleep in front of the toilet, John. You will be alright!’ It was kind of like that, you know. We were just great mates and he is a free sprit,” Keith Richards said (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage). Although the press and fans created the idea of a rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, there was no animosity between them. Lennon and McCartney even helped them to get their first hit. They gave them them the song “I Wanna Be Your Man” in the early 60s. The post The 3 only artists Keith Richards said really cared about music appeared first on Rock and Roll Garage.

The English language has so many words and grammar rules that make it unique. Growing up taking English classes, kids are taught the basics like synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning), antonyms (words with opposite meanings), and idioms (a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words). But there is another grammar term to describe words and their meaning that you might have missed during your school years: contronyms. As defined by Merriam Webster, a contronym is "is a word that is its own opposite—like 'fast', which can describe both quick movement, and lack of movement."Contronyms are referred to as 'Janus words' after the Roman God Janus who is depicted with a double faced head, notes Britannica—a fitting symbol for contronyms that have double and opposite meanings within one singular word. @iamthatenglishteacher Have you ever heard of contronym? They’re words that contradict themselves depending on context or form! I introduced my students to this fascinating concept by listing words like ‘fine’ (meaning both ‘good’ and ‘a penalty’) and ‘backup’ (as one word vs. two words). My students guessed terms like #synonym, #antonym, and #homonym but were shocked to discover a new category: contradicts! Watch to learn more about this mind-blowing language quirk and see how I made this lesson fun and engaging for my class! #contranym #FunWithWords #GrammarLesson #grammar #LanguageLearning #Antonym #MiddleSchoolTeacher #ESLLesson #WordPlay #EnglishTeacher #CreativeTeaching #ViralLesson #WordOfTheDay #English #HomonymVsAntonym #GrammarFun #TeachersOfTikTok #EducationalContent Contronyms are words that have "developed contradictory meanings," and continue to make English a complex and mind-blowing language to speak and learn. As one person noted in an Reddit subforum r/words,, "And this is what makes English as a second language so challenging. That, and idioms."These are 26 contronyms you should know for your next grammar challenge or discussion.DustDust: To sprinkle fine particlesDust: To remove fine particlesModelModel: An excellent exampleModel: A copyBuckle Buckle: To fasten something with a buckleBuckle: To collapse from pressurePuzzlePuzzle: A problem Puzzle: Trying to solve a problemTripTrip: To go to a place Trip: To stumble or fallLeaseLease: To rent a property Lease: To make property available for rentHandicapHandicap: An advantage provided to ensure equality Handicap: A disadvantage that prevents equal treatmentOverlookOverlook: To supervise Overlook: To neglect - YouTube www.youtube.com Clip Clip: To attach something with a clipClip: To remove somethingStrike Strike: To hit Strike: To miss hitting somethingGarnishGarnish: to enhance (as in food)Garnish: to reduce (as in wages)Wind up Wind up: To come to a conclusion Wind up: To start somethingCleaveCleave: To split Cleave: To adhereBoltBolt: To secure something using a boltBolt: To run awayTrim Trim: To decorate Trim: To take off excessRentRent: To pay for the use of something Rent: To accept payment for the use of somethingFineFine: Of excellent quality Fine: Acceptable or good enough See on Instagram BillBill: Money Bill: An invoice for paymentSanctionSanction: To approve Sanction: To boycottCustomCustom: A common practiceCustom: A special treatmentFast Fast: Secured in one placeFast: Moving quicklyWeather Weather: To withstand Weather: To slowly deteriorateRockRock: A shaking or unsettling movement Rock: Something that projects strength and serenityOut Out: Visible, as with stars showing in the sky Out: Invisible, in reference to lightsLeftLeft: The state of having departed Left: What remains after something or someone is removedFirst degree First degree: Most severe in the case of a murder chargeFirst degree: Least severe in reference to a burn

It started like any ordinary pharmacy errand. A Michigan woman named Sarah was waiting at CVS to pick up a prescription for her “son.” When another woman waiting in line overheard the name of her “son,” she apparently couldn’t help but let out an unsolicited opinion.“You’ll really name your son anything, huh?” the woman said with a sigh.The name in question? Whiskey. At least it wasn't Bubbles. Photo credit: CanvaNow, if you’re picturing a tiny human in a onesie named after your dad’s favorite Friday-night drink, and feeling a little baffled in the process, don’t worry. So was everyone else.Except Whiskey isn’t a little boy. He’s a red golden retriever.Yep. Sarah’s “son” is of the four-legged variety, currently undergoing cancer treatments and racking up a pharmacy bill that could rival a small country’s GDP. She and her husband get his prescriptions filled at their local CVS because (fun fact) many human and animal meds are the same, just at different doses. You just know there's a person named Whiskey out there getting a kick out of this. media4.giphy.com As Sarah explained to Newsweek, this strategy saves them a few bucks, but can certainly lead to some incredible misunderstandings.In her TikTok video, which has now been watched over 3 million times, Sarah retold this CVS name-shaming incident, and viewers collectively lost it. @sarahwithscrubs I should’ve thrown in I was picking up his cancer meds too lol ?? #fyp #foryoupage #storytime #dogs #smallcreator ♬ original sound - sarah renee One commenter shared, “I was shaming you too until you said dog!” Another wrote, “I mean, Whiskey is a horrible name for a child ? But for a dog? Okay lol.”However, a few folks came to Sarah’s defense. One person noted, “There are women named Brandi—what’s wrong with Whiskey?” Another admitted, “in my 49 years I didn't know CVS filled pet meds!"It’s the kind of mix-up that reminds us how funny life can be when the human and animal worlds collide. Because let’s face it: Whiskey the dog? Adorable. Whiskey the toddler? Maybe… less so. It might be a mostly unspoken rule, but a rule nonetheless.As for what became of that misunderstanding, Sarah shared that when the other woman called Whiskey a "horrible" name for a child to grow up with that could lead to getting bullied in school, Sarah quipped back with "Well, he's a dog. So I don't think so." Upon that realization, Sarah told Newsweek that she “apologized very nicely” once she learned that Whiskey was, in fact, a dog.As Sarah put it, the stranger “just left in a hurry, probably to think about her actions later.”Meanwhile, TikTok is still chuckling, and celebrating one very good boy with a name that fits him perfectly.Moral of the story: some names are meant for baby humans, like Zach or Emma. Others are for the fur babies who greet you at the door with a wagging tail and oodles of love…like Whiskey. ??

Is there someone in your life that you see often, but your interactions are merely surface-level small talk? You either talk about the weather, what you watched on television last night, or the people you know in common? It could be a coworker you run across in the kitchen, your brother’s new girlfriend that you’ve never really connected with, or that neighbor you always see at other people’s parties that you never have much to say to. To build a deeper bond and cut through the veneer of small talk, communications expert Vinh Giang suggests you invite them for a round of an old theater game: High, Low, Buffalo. Giang, a keynote speaker who teaches communication and presentation skills, also performs magic.“Here's a powerful game I love to play when I want to instantly deepen my relationship with someone,” he writes on Instagram. “It's called High, Low, Buffalo, a game commonly played in the world of theatre, and it allows you to discover three topics of conversation. High is something going great, low is something challenging you're going through, and buffalo is something interesting about you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vinh Quang Giang (@askvinh)High, Low, Buffalo questions:1. What is something that’s going great for you right now?2. What is a challenge you’re facing these days?3. What’s something unique about you?Giang says you should invite the person to the game, which may take a little courage. But anyone you work with, live near, or has just joined your family would probably never say no. He starts the game with a little script: “This might seem a little bit strange, but I really want to get to know you. I love this game called High Low Buffalo. Could I quickly play this game with you? Is that okay?”At first, it may seem like a big ask in order to build a deeper connection. However, the game is predicated on one of the basic rules that all communications experts know: just about everyone loves to talk about themselves. Studies show that one of the easiest ways to become more likable is to ask people multiple questions and let them talk for most of the time.The three-word trick to build rapport fast - YouTube www.youtube.com The High, Low, Buffalo game is also handy because it creates multiple potential conversation threads and topics for you and your conversation partner to expand on. “The moment you do this, you build instant rapport, and then when you're in rapport, they will then ask you about your threads," Giang says in a YouTube video explaining the game. "This is the power and and if they don't ask you about your threads, then you bring your threads in." Two women enjoying a coffee.via Canva/PhotosFor those who are a little reluctant to ask their new friend or coworker to play the game, the basic questions are still great for elevating your small talk. The questions are open-ended, which allows your conversation partner to go beyond a simple yes-or-no answer and to open up and talk about themselves. Ultimately, building your conversational skills is a great way to improve your career, social life, or romantic relationships. For those who feel they’re just not a natural at conversation, Giang's methods show that just about anyone can become a great conversationalist by learning a few simple tools and a bit about human nature.