Need some advice?

Question

Okay I'm shy and I want to improve my conversation skills. Basically I want to be able to confidently approach anyone (mostly women but this is because I get along easier with them). For example, if I go to a bus stop and there's a woman there I want to be able to say hello and then start a conversation.

My problem is that I don't say hi because I don't know what to talk about. I mean I know there are staples like movies, eating, etc but it just feels weird to talk to a stranger about one of these topics.

Any ideas? Guys, what would you normally say to start a conversation? Ladies, please give me some ideas on what to say, or what you would want a guy to say??

Thanks

Answer 1

how come u want to talk to a stranger at a bus stop?
well, u can always start by saying hi, are u here alone? are u from here? which u school u go to, or where do u work.. urm.. im a lady n i think i wont be annoyed if someone ask me those questions. simple questions can lead to a great conversation. remember to smile but sincere smile. dont do the sarcastic smile okay. make it obvious that u have no bad attention in talking to them. well, its just a thought but maybe u could try...

Answer 2

I would say... picking up a woman at a bus stop is a little odd... they may not want to talk to you thinking you are some lunatic.

Get involved with social things that you enjoy... get into hobby clubs.. go to internet cafes, go to fundraising or charity events - get involved in things that you enjoy doing.. thus you will find a person that will have common interests with you, making starting a conversation something easy and enjoyable.

Answer 3

Don't be afraid...but, I will say, sometimes I get shy like the rest of them...and sometimes I am NOT in that mood to really talk aloud to another..even if I would like to make friends maybe...I sort of use my "gut instincts" when checking out people to talk with...sometimes you can tell....but, basically, I have met some really nice people going to places.,..and waiting for a bus..and just hanging out....be friendly,and maybe ask them about the area..like "how can I find such and such" and where would you go to shop for ya know, whatever? questions like that, are really opening..and or ask about what movies would you suggest for a person to go and see? Or have you seen any great movies lately? really general questions ...that works well, even for me....(i am trying to meet new friends where I live...now!) It doesn't frighten too many people...and people are generally interested in getting involved in a conversation...you can even meet others in say grocery stores, coffee shops, libraries...etc..

there are also "meet-ups" online..that you can meet nice people!

and or bookstores...too! etc..you can do this...You already sound like you are doing a great job!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Begin by talking about something that you both can immediately relate to. Like for instance, if it's at a bus stand, maybe there's an interesting ad you can just kinda talk about, half to yourself, half to the person. So if she doesnt respond, at least you can kinda shrug it off like you really were talking to yourself. Maybe just an observation, if it's something clever or funny. Or a better chance at a response is if you pose a question, like "hey, isn't that.. oh what's his name.. that actor? I didn't realise he was doing ads now.. " If she knows it, she'll respond. People are often dying to show off how much they know.

Answer 5

dude, just be yourself ... talk about what is going on around you. talk about the weather, the area you are in. it doesn't matter. If you have something in common with this person it will come out. I spent my entire youth being shy. I know exactly how you feel right now and i still sometimes find myself wondering what to say or to talk about. even with my girlfriend but we always end up talking. it will flow you just have to let it.