Ask HN: How to Be Smarter (In Conversation)

In social situations, as soon as we deviate from the tech I get lost, and often start to feel dumb. After 20 years of being a developer, my role has evolved to a point where I often have to talk to people who aren't as into the tech I am, and more about the business. And this often means dinners and such were other topics always come up.

This is very hard to describe, but I can't be the only geek faced with this. Any pointers to being more grown up in adult conversions given I'm already grown up (pro developer for 20 years, you do the math).

Thanks!