how do you start conversations with people? i don't mean walking up to someone and saying "hi"...but when you meet someone new, what do you say? this sort of thing just doesn't come naturally to me. if i don't know you...i have nothing to ask because i don't know about your life, and nothing to say about myself because you don't know anything about my life. i have friends, but i'm trying to becamore more outgoing so i can meet new different people. any advice?
2007-12-28 17:49:33 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
It really depends where you are and what you are doing when there are people around who you would like to meet.
A conversation usually starts with a lot of questions until you know that person a bit better to really "talk" with them.
A good conversation starter is to talk about the weather.
If you at a party where you know nobody, then find something visual about them that is interesting. Maybe a tattoo or a piece of jewellery or something they are wearing. Try and include something about yourself when you talk with someone.
Start with something like "It's a bit cold in here and I couldn't believe I forgot to bring my jacket. Are you feeling a bit cold as well?"
"That's an interesting watch, is it an antique piece?"
Always avoid cheesy pick up lines or anything that sounds like a pick up line.
Be a bit creative when you meet someone for the first time and smile a bit as it attracts people's attention.
For example at a business function, maintain some eye contact and find something similar or familiar workwise to talk about. "These meetings could be a bit shorter, but I love some of the food they serve here. What do you think?"
The more you practice and do it, the easier it gets. So just get out there and start meeting and greeting.
2007-12-28 18:06:39 · answer #1 · answered by ChameleonGirl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, stop stressing over it and just let it flow. Take the conversation as it comes. If you seem nervous, you won't make a good first impression. So take a deep breath and try to act confident even if your not. People always flock to confident seeming people because they admire them. Don't spend the whole time worrying about what you'll say next. Just start by asking a question. For example, you can start with, "What are you doing for New Year's (or the next holiday)." After you initially begin the conversation, you'll get over the awkwardness and you'll surprise yourself with how far the conversation goes and how many topics son arise. Just be yourself. Good luck!!!
2007-12-29 02:00:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wish I knew! I am a shy guy and I usually wait for the other person to speak first. Lately I have been trying to adopt the attitude that it really does not matter what I say-that even if I say something goofy, no one cares. No one is sitting up at night thinking about the thing that stranger said-unless it is super offensive. Think about the people you meet and how most of what they have said just rolls off and does not sink in at all-unless there is something special about them. So--have faith that you are special and put yourself out there if others don't respond then the moment is lost-and if they connect it won't matter WHAT you said the ice will be broken and a bond will start to form. GOOD LUCK!!!
2007-12-29 01:58:00 · answer #3 · answered by matman 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are at a friends party (for example) and lets say your friends name is Joe. You could simply state a phrase like "nice party" or "So, where do you know Joe from anyway?" if this individual says that they do not like the party or if they say they don't know Joe (or anyone at the party for that matter) then this gives you the opportunity to make their day a little brighter. Tell them your name and ask theirs. Asking simple questions are the easiest. Even if its something corny like "do you have the time by chance?" or if you see them in a coffee shop and notice that they ordered the flavor of the month...ask them how they like it and wondered whether its worth ordering? A lot of times when you ask an opinion, people tend to give honest answers so word it carefully. I hope this helps to break the ice. Happy new year.
2007-12-29 02:08:06 · answer #4 · answered by SoAZ Gal 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I introduced myself to every new or unknown employee I ran into at work(there were over 250 employees on 5 floors; there's always someone you don't know): "Hey, I'm John, I'm a marketing assistant on the 4th Floor. In which area do you work?"
In class, I would say something about the teacher or the class like, "This is way too much work" or "You think she's gonna fail everybody?" At least one person in every class has something to say about that.
At a party, I would introduce myself and tell people what my relationship to the host of the party is, and then ask them how they him/her: "Hey, I'm Joe, I'm in Maria's bio class. What classes do you have with her?"
And, don't forget that simply listening to others talk about themselves takes the pressure off you and gives you valuable info to start or continue a conversation with them.
2007-12-29 02:25:10 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find people usually like someone to listen to them, so I try to prompt people with questions that will get them doing the talking because it doesnt come naturally for me either to start a convo. Usuallly i try to observe them and make a nice comment on something they own or do to get them talking about themselves. With women you can comment on their jewelry or what they are wearing, and with men you can comment on their watch or vehicle. You can think of a holiday coming up and ask what they are doing for that holiday. I usually agree to what they say so they talk more about what i'm agreeing with. Let them do the talking, and that will help you be more outgoing.
2007-12-29 02:02:00 · answer #6 · answered by Miffy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I always try and find something common to talk about. A good ice breaker for me is simply talking about the weather and then try and pick up clues as to what that person seems tinterested in when you start talking...Rember when you talk to someone new... make sure you call him/her by their name. I've found that there is nothing more important than using a persons name in a conversation.
2007-12-29 01:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by Mike 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
comment people is a great start it might not be a conversation starter but it will help people like you more, if you can be some one who compliments people your way ahead but never ever be fake, DONT compliment someone if you dont mean it. you can start a conversation by making a comment on a piece of clothing or on some accessories they are are wearing.
example
you: wow i like you top (thats a compliment) where did you get if from?
them: aww thanks i got it from target (or some shop etc)
you: (you then say a little story about that shop) oh really i used to work there i quit because...etc
2007-12-29 01:58:22 · answer #8 · answered by eden 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sit down and right out a list of things that that you would want others to know about you, or that interest you. and just view the list whenever. It should help you to remember some things to ask or talk about when you meet others. Most importantly though,
Relax, and let yourself go,..... the conversation WILL flow.
Godspeed young'n
2007-12-29 02:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by 1Junebugfan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's a small gathering, say an elevator, I open with "I suppose you're wondering why I called this meeting," and I smile. If it's a talking elevator, after it announces "going up," I wipe my brow and say "whew." If we're going down, I turn to the person next to me and say, "Well, at least we had fun..." There is no pat answer as to how to open a conversation, so relax, introduce yourself, and ask who they are. It works.
2007-12-29 01:59:54 · answer #10 · answered by jelesais2000 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋