Columnist Jerry Davich tests chit-chat with guests at Delamar Traverse City hotel in Michigan ...

In that hotel elevator, I may have crossed that line more than a dozen times as I intentionally initiated conversations with strangers for this column.

These thrilling disaster movies will put your nerves to the test. Get your emergency kits, evacuation plans and doomsday shelters ready!

Elevator silence is easier for me than elevator speeches, those brief messages or commercials about our jobs, careers or a business pitch. I’ve had to use these well-rehearsed mini speeches to market ...

Elevator silence is easier for me than elevator speeches, those brief messages or commercials about our jobs, careers or a business pitch.