What does this sentence mean?
Many of us dismiss talk that does not convey important information as worthless-- meaningless small talk if it's a social setting or "empty rhetoric" if it's public.

if what? what are the "social setting" and "empty rhetoric" things?

Question

What does this sentence mean?
Many of us dismiss talk that does not convey important information as worthless-- meaningless small talk if it's a social setting or "empty rhetoric" if it's public.

if what? what are the "social setting" and "empty rhetoric" things?

Answer

social settings:
parties, hanging out in a bar, going to a restaurant with friends, going to a sports games, etc.

empty rhetoric:
when people say things (rhetoric) with no real deep meaning.  You're just saying routine things that are empty of substance,  devoid of content,  etc.

Answer

Thanks a lot.