I skim Ben Stein's articles in the New York Times on Sundays, and I never find them very interesting. He was so much more likable as a game show host :) This article had some merit, though I can't tell if he's trying to be funny or serious when he keeps coming back to "compliment, compliment, compliment."

I'd recommend Conversationally Speaking for the conversationally challenged. I tend to struggle with conversation until I really get to know people, and I've picked up some good tips from that book.

Joe