He chatted cheerfully with the foreign guests, not the least bit constrained.
Tips
history
From Xin Qiji's Song-dynasty ci 《念奴娇·赠夏成玉》: 谈笑风生颊 — literally 'talking and laughing, the wind rises at one's cheeks.' 风生 paints how animated conversation seems to stir a breeze.
usage
Subject is almost always people, describing relaxed, flowing, witty talk. Don't confuse with 谈笑风声 — a common 错别字 (wrong character) error: 生 not 声. See common_mistakes-style usage notes in 风生 vs 风声.
