Daily Halacha - Morning Rising, 26th of Tishrei 5778

Is it permissible to engage in mundane conversation before the morning prayer?

It is good and proper, if possible, for a person not to speak idle words upon waking, and that his first words upon rising from sleep should be devoted to a mitzvah - blessing his Creator with the morning blessings and Torah blessings first, and then proceeding with the prayer service [Yalkut Yosef Siman 46].

"A little with proper intention is better than much without intention" - does this principle have practical implications?

A few supplications with proper intention are better than many without intention. Therefore, during the supplication prayers of Monday and Thursday, when the cantor reads quickly and there isn't enough time to say everything, it's preferable to recite a little with proper intention rather than rushing through all the supplications.

Similarly, regarding Torah study, it's better to learn a little with understanding than to cover much material without comprehension [Mishnah Berurah 1:32].

Goodness and Kindness - Daily Halacha