Wanted: Chief small talk officers. Awkward applicants welcome

RiseGuide is hiring up to three Chief Small Talk Officers for a monthlong gig paying $2,000 each to approach strangers in parks, bookstores, and fitness classes. Officers will rate their small talk skills before and after, track conversation lengths, and log strangers' receptiveness. Brand manager Anastasia Sliusarenko says awkward applicants are welcome, as their improvement may be more noticeable.