How to start a conversation with strangers: Things to do

How to Start a Conversation with Strangers: Things to Do and Not Do

In everyday life, it is always helpful to learn how to start a conversation with people you don’t already know. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time in a social setting or starting a conversation with a stranger at the store, there are certain tips and tricks to make sure your conversation is successful. Follow these rules of thumb, and you’ll be able to start any conversation with ease and cheer.

Basic Conversation Tips

Before we get into the specifics of starting a conversation with strangers, let’s review some basic conversation tips that apply to all our conversations, no matter the context.

• Smile – Smiling is often the first step to disarm someone in a good way. Everyone loves a friendly and welcoming expression.
• Posture – Body language speaks louder than words. Make sure you avoid negative expressions like sticking your hands in your pockets or crossing your arms.
• Maintain Eye Contact – Eye contact shows someone you are interested in the conversation and establishes the beginning of trust.
• Listen – Conversations are a two-way street. Make sure to listen to the other person and avoid dominating the conversation.

Things to Do When Starting a Conversation with Strangers

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, here are some specific tips to help you start a conversation with a stranger.

• Be Genuine – Being genuine goes a long way when starting conversations with strangers. Approach conversation topics that you actually have an interest in, and allow your curiosity to shine through.

• Keep it Light and Positive – When starting a conversation, it is best to keep it light and positive. Steer clear of overly-serious topics and focus instead on interests you have in common.

• Pay Attention to the Environment – Pay attention to where you are and what you are doing. If you are at a supermarket, start by asking the other person about a product they are looking at. If you are in a professional setting, inquire about the company they work for.

• Build on Non-Verbal Cues – Pay attention to the other person and their non-verbal cues. If you sense they don’t want to talk, politely excuse yourself. Conversely, if you sense the other person is open to talking, build on their cues with small talk.

• Ask Questions – Start off the conversation by asking open-ended questions. Questions are the best way to draw out the conversation and get the other person talking.

• Be Prepared – Before you start the conversation, it helps to come prepared with some topics to talk about. If you’re not sure how to start, you can use small talk topics such as sports, the weather, and recent news.

• Respect Boundaries – It’s important to respect the boundaries of the person you are speaking to. If you sense they are uncomfortable, check in with them and move the conversation in a different direction.

Things to Avoid when Starting a Conversation with Strangers

Starting a conversation with a stranger is an art, and there are a few things to avoid in order to make the conversation successful.

• Don’t Overdo the Compliments – Compliments come off as insincere and can make the conversation seem forced and awkward. Use compliments sparingly and make sure to follow up with questions so the conversation doesn’t end abruptly.

• Avoid Negative Topics – No one likes a conversation that starts with negative topics. Negative topics can come across as complaining, which will take away from the conversation. Stick to positive topics instead.

• Avoid Asking Personal Questions – It is best to avoid asking too many personal questions. If you do need to ask a question that could be seen as intrusive, make sure to couch it in a context that shows respect for their privacy.

• Don’t Overstay Your Welcome – Conversations, like all good things, must come to an end. Make sure to signal the end of the conversation by slowly wrapping it up while still allowing the other person to respond.

Starting a conversation with a stranger doesn’t have to be challenging or nerve-wracking. With a few basic tips, you can make any conversation successful by following the things to do and avoid when speaking to someone you don’t know. From basics like smiling and maintaining eye contact to specific topics like asking questions and respecting boundaries, following these steps will ensure your conversations are successful and meaningful.

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