The ability to start a conversation might seem easy. However, some people find it difficult to break the ice with someone new.
Are you one of those that struggle to talk to a new person or reconnect with someone you have not seen in a while? Then, this article is for you. We have put together some things you can do to make talking to people easier.
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What to start a conversation with matters because it can determine how far the conversation will go. However, how a conversation begins might differ based on relationship and occasion. For example, starting a conversation with your class crush will be different from starting a conversation with someone you are meeting for the first time.
Here are some of the ways you can kick off a conversation on a great foot in different situations:
Complimenting a person is a fantastic and easy way to start a conversation. Everyone loves to be praised, so you can make someone’s day better by pointing out something nice about them. The benefit of a compliment as a conversation starter is that it boosts the other party’s confidence and makes them want to relate with you more.
The great old trick of starting a conversation by introducing yourself is still as relevant as always. Introducing yourself gives the other party insight into who you are and makes them want to tell you about themselves too. This, in turn, can serve as a basis for an insightful conversation.
Asking for information is a trick that will work when you start a conversation with someone you have met or are meeting for the first time. This is a tactic that can work almost in every situation.
You can also ask about something related to a topic you can bring on. This style of conversation, when well nurtured, can have you sharing information fast enough.
Another way that you can start a conversation is by bringing your sense of humor into play. A good joke helps relax the atmosphere and can make everyone comfortable so that you can begin your talks from there. However, when starting a conversation with a joke, do not try to force the humor. Also, avoid jokes on disputed topics, spicy or dark jokes, or those targeted at someone. This may not go well with the person you are trying to talk to and may end up doing more bad than good.
Do you know an event that just broke the headlines recently? Then, start your conversation with them, especially if the person you are trying to have a conversation with is interested. The tip is to not spill all the juicy details yourself, all at once. Instead, start in a way that will interest them, keep the conversation open, and you will be talking about it all in no time.
Everyone loves a helper. One of the best ways to get someone to relate with you fast is by offering them your help. Showing your support can aid you in earning the trust of a person.
Another way to start a conversation with someone is by asking for their help. Asking for the other party’s help makes them feel trusting of you. This is because it makes you seem within reach and approachable. However, when asking for help to start a conversation, ensure that your request is convenient for the other party.
It doesn’t have to be complex when getting to know someone. ‘Can I meet you?’ is also a good conversation starter. Asking people about them will nudge you towards the person saying the first few sentences. You can pick up the conversation from there. When you ask about a person, you should be interested in them. Also, please do not force them.
Commenting about the weather may be cliché, but it is still an excellent way to start a discussion with someone. A benefit of opening a conversation with talks about weather is that it gives you the platform to talk about a wide range of things.
You will find yourself moving from talks about particular weather to weather in a specific location to discussions about another demographic area. You might even know a few things the other person likes during that conversation.
Now that you have started a conversation, you must keep the conversation going. Starting a conversation to end in two minutes will not serve the purpose of beginning it in the first place.
Remember, you started that talk to make a new friend, network, and improve your social circle, among other reasons. To ensure you achieved your purpose when you started the tete-a-tete, we have put together a few tips that might help.
Even if your result is to use the person you are currently talking to as a bridge to another person, you should still pay genuine interest to them. If you don’t, the other party may believe you have another hidden agenda and cut you off. That is why this present step is as important as the last step. Remember, no one gets to the other side if they burn the bridge.
The sense of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing is just as important as your words. You can use these smells to make your communication further better. Of course, you can’t go about licking people or being touchy, except you want to appear weird and chase people off. However, noticing the scent of someone’s perfume and complimenting it might just be the right thing to make the conversation prosper.
Paying attention to people also includes paying attention to their non-verbal communication. Paying attention to people’s body language may help you avoid some mistakes when talking to them. A raised eyebrow may mean the topic is unwelcome. An impatient tap of the feet may be enough to tell you that it is time to end the talk till the next time.
Your confidence goes a long way in the success of your conversation. Letting the person you are talking to know you are sure of yourself will also boost their confidence in you. You should be careful, though, not to come off as arrogant.
What you say is as important as how you say it. If you want to achieve the desired result with your conversation, you should be careful about your choice of words and tone. For example, using vulgar language with a prospective client in the business world may not be a good idea. You would also want to avoid using adult words with a child.
In the same way, there are some things you must not do during a conversation. These things can kill a conversation or even destroy your relationship with the person.
Enumerated below are the things you should avoid doing when talking to a person:
A lot of good conversations start with questions. Questions and answers tend to keep discussions going. However, you want to avoid interrogating the person you are talking to. A conversation may seem interrogatory when you are already being forceful and invasive. This will make the other person uncomfortable, and they may shout you out.
Remember, the goal is to build relationships with them, not make them feel exposed.
Your funny side can play a significant role in keeping a conversation flow. It can help both you and the other party feel relaxed and calm. However, doing everything to make the other party laugh may lead to you doing something unhealthy. It will give the other party the motive that you are forcing yourself on them or have a hidden agenda. Nobody likes forced things, and they may stop enjoying the conversation.
Having a conversation with someone does not necessarily mean that you both are of like minds. There may be some disparity between you and the person you are talking to. Judging them for their opinions is a sure way to kill the conversation quickly. It might even slay the relationship.
You should avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion, politics, income, age, and gossip, among others, especially with someone you are just meeting.
It takes two to tango. You should have it in your mind and consider that you are not alone in the conversation. Avoid making the conversation all about yourself. Give the other party the space to express themselves. Also, avoid being the only one talking. If you tend to make a conversation about yourself, you might end up just conversing with yourself alone.
Taking your attention away from the conversation for too long or too often means you are not interested in the tete-a-tete. Avoid things that can cause diversions like phones, chats, and side-talks. If you must pick up a call or talk to another person, seek permission.
Do you want to start a conversation? We have made a list of examples of sentences you can start with. Some of these sentences work fine for any situation, while others are meant to be used only on specific occasions.
Starting a conversation may seem challenging, but maintaining it may be more difficult. However, it all becomes easier when you put some things into place. We have simplified the things you need to do to have a great talk with someone. Take note of the tips highlighted in this article, and you will have a seamless conversation.
