How to start a conversation with friends or strangers: 5 Proven Ways
Relations / / December 19, 2019
Not everyone likes small talk about anything. In fact, such talk perform a very useful function: to help defuse the situation, to get out of an awkward situation or start communicating in an unfamiliar company and unobtrusively start a conversation and get to know the new interlocutor.
To be honest, before I thought that the ability to unobtrusively start a conversation - an innate talent exclusively. With these people in a couple of minutes you feel as if you talk to the old good friend. And I personally know of - in my environment not so much.
Apart from these, there are friends that are as easy to start conversations with strangers, but a minute later They are similar to the representatives of the Canadian company trying to sell you another set of knives, utensils or a vacuum cleaner. Between the first and the second there is a huge difference. How do you know that you have too skidded and how to start a conversation? Here are five simple tips on Seles, blog author Personal Excellence.
1. Ask a question
The most simple and standard way to start a new conversation, many of them enjoy.
"What do you do?"
This is a great question to start a conversation in countries with cult workSuch as Singapore or Hong Kong. People there are used to identify themselves with their occupation. If you know that this man loves his job and devotes her a lot of time, feel free to ask. You will get quite long and detailed answer, so that the conversation does not end after a short phrase and then an awkward pause. Also, the method is well suited to talk at conferences, seminars and business events. After you select a still a huge number of operational issues: "How long has he been doing this business up and running in this company? "," Do it like this work? "," what prompted him to join the company? "and so Further. Questions about customers, business trips, career and amusing cases at work - the possibilities are endless.
"What brings you here?"
This question is particularly useful for a variety of activities, whether it is a home party or a business meeting. Use your answer to continue the conversation. For example, the phrase in the style of "I'm here to meet new people" means that this person is to communicate and make new acquaintances. Perhaps you share interesting events that are included in your calendar.
"What did you do today?"
Sometimes the answer to this question is a standard and uninteresting. And sometimes they can reveal fascinating details about the interlocutor.
"How did the event (event)?"
If you know where a person has visited before, use it for conversation. For example, some of your friends or colleagues have recently returned from travels or was an interesting conference. Ask him about the event.
"What are you doing this week?"
Since the question of the future, set it close to the end of the conversation, to then politely say goodbye.
Do not forget that you can ask counter-questions, so be prepared to answer them.
2. Make a Gift
For example, the option that works best in women's company: "What a beautiful dress! It is so wonderful to sit on you. Where have you bought it? "And all questions relating to the accessories, hairstyles and appearance. Start a chat in the style of "You look great! Rested / sat diet/ I began to play sports? "And so on and also works well with men.
Compliments regarding the work done will be pleasing to everyone. They work especially well with the public and emotional people.
3. Use surrounding objects as a hook to talk
Met at a conference, tell me what you liked the performance opredolennogo speaker specify exactly which moments have made a good impression and ask his interlocutor that he this He thinks.
Use what's around you for the conversation, thus creating a comfortable atmosphere. After the ice melts, you can move on to more personal topics.
4. Ask for advice or ask for help
Often a simple question or request for assistance may result in a long, exciting and fruitful conversation.
Why does it work? Because people like to help. This gives them a sense of importance, a feeling that they have done something useful. And admiring reaction to answers allow them to feel in the role of senior mentor.
These may be questions on the work items. For example, you can say that at the moment occupied by a new project and would like to know the opinion of a man as he is an expert in this field.
Even if in fact you do not really need help, you still ask about her. The advice given by another person, you can open up interesting prospects before unnoticed.
The most interesting thing is that usually silent and unassuming man can break his standard model behavior and be seen from a totally different side. Some people just thrive when someone is interested in their hobbies.
5. Tell me something about yourself
What were you doing in the last few months? What is new and interesting to learn? What goals do you want to achieve in the near future? Tell us about it.
This method is the opposite of the method number 1: you take the initiative themselves and tell some information about yourself, which can be interesting.
It is better to use, if your counterpart is very shy and hardly begin to talk first. Or if the person does not respond to your question or comment. Then you can begin by first telling about ourselves and thus showing the sincerity. When a person sees your willingness to evaluate and discuss, he will be able to relax and open up in response.
How do you start a conversation with strangers?
see also
- How to become a master of small talk →
- 5 tips to a novice new job →
- 10 qualities of a person who is not afraid to be themselves →