[ChrisBanner]

Semantically speaking, I don't think you have to disagree with this. Small talk and trifling conversation are not necessarily one in the same. "Trifling" implies that there is little value. Small talk may in fact have great value if it helps to forge connections that pay off later.

[tomrod]

Sure, you have a point here. How does one know whether the talk will be small or trifling beforehand?

[Evbn]

Contrast talking about your work or sharing knowledge against gossip and undirected repetitive venting.