You will not be able to see the Chat Box until you have made five or six posts.
After that, you won't be able to get away from it.
Do nothing, and the first six lines of it shows at the top of your screen when you are inside a thread.
Click the "Live Chat" button and you will see about fifteen lines of it.

To make LIve Chat work your way, click “Your Options” and then “Edit Options.”
Then scroll down to the bottom of the page. (Not the Miscellaneous. Go up a notch. There.)

Chat Box Options:
This allows you to turn the Chat Box on and off.
It also allows you to pick a Font, Size and Color.
Please do.
Following the conversation is easier if every body's voice is in a different color.