This is the subject that splits the poker world down the middle.
Many pros think you should just keep your mouth shut, while others say that table talk is a great tool that should most certainly be included in your poker arsenal.
The goal in talking at the table is to divulge information from your opponents at the same time as keeping your information safe.
If you are just starting out, table talk is not a basic skill so stay away! Instead of trying to engage your enemies and trying to get in their head, stay safe and stick to the fundamentals.
Just like any special skill set, you always start at the bottom and work your way to the top.
Try to focus on the strength of your hand and what your opponent can have based on other factors.
Then when you get more experience, you can think about chatting it up with them.
Even if you think you are experienced enough to participate in the table conversation, avoid the pros.
Chances are when you talk to them they will be able to tell your hand before you even know your name.
Try talking to the weaker players that are the same as you.
With table talk there is a right time and a wrong time.
Do not start a chat when everyone is trying to study you! When everyone's eyes are on you, just keep it shut and become a stone statue unless you are absolutely sure you can manipulate your opponents.
If you want to chat, do it when you're studying your competition.
This way you can accomplish two things.
First off you can take their concentration off their decision at hand and induce a dumb call or fold.
Second you might get a lot of information with an irrelevant question like "What was work like?" If he answers with something that doesn't make sense or is a clear lie, chances are something fishy is going on.
Now your parents might have coached you to always tell the truth throughout your childhood, but at the poker table this rule goes out the window because lying is an important characteristic of table talk.
In fact if you cannot lie, then it is most likely better to not engage in table talk whatsoever.
On the other hand by mixing up your responses between the truth and a lie you can add another level of deception to your game.
But don't just worry about what information your mouth is giving off.
There are two parts to talking at the table that you have to be aware of.
The first is what comes out of your mouth.
Make sure it's not any juicy information about your hand or you're playing style.
On top of that you have to worry about your image when you're talking.
If you talk like a mad man when you have the nuts but could hear a pin drop when you're bluffing, chances are that someone at the table is going to notice.
Then your cover is blown and if you don't notice this yourself you can say goodbye to your poker chips.
This is also true for other players as well.
When you're at the table pay attention to when other players talk.
A lot of beginning players fall victim to what I just told you not to do! They will talk it up when they look down at the nuts, but when they are bluffing they just become a mute.
However this could also be the opposite, so the first time someone is quiet don't automatically assume they are bluffing.
The bottom line is to have a good time, and make sure your opponents are having one too! When they are, your opponents will often be less aware of what information they are giving about their hand.
This might be cruel, taking advantage of everyone's happiness and all but it is well worth it in the end.
Just remember about who you're talking to.
Try to prey on the weaker poker players, at the same time avoiding the strong players.
This way you tend to get more information than you give which is always a best practice when it comes to poker.
Then before you know it, you'll be picking up on tells all over the table after a simple conversation.