Have you ever found yourself desperately wanting to start a conversation with a stranger but shying away for fear of humiliating yourself? Fear not!
If speaking, small talk, or strangers are not a part of your interests, learning how to start conversation about your surroundings will help break the ice, relaxing you and your potential date, friend, or quick meet.
Start with a Conversation with Something You Both Share
But how can you know what the two of you share? Anything at all works for this. Why are you both in the same place to begin with?
Start a Conversation by Mentioning Something You Notice About the Other Person
Maybe you've seen this person everyday at the local coffee shop. Approaching him or her while he or she is deep into a novel might be disturbing, but if he or she gets up to get a refill of coffee, scoot your way to the counter and comment on the book he or she is reading or that he or she frequents the coffee shop almost as much as yourself.
If this sounds too intimidating or stalkerish to you, stick to a simple compliment on earrings, hair, the fact that he's wearing your favorite band's T-shirt, anything.
By focusing on the other person, you have eliminated a lot of pressure, and he or she will probably respond favorably, leading to a potential conversation. By noticing small details, you show the person your potential to be a good friend or romantic interest
Start a Conversation with a Simple Hello and How are You?
If subtly isn't your thing, look the person in the eye and say hello with a smile and follow with asking the person how he or she is doing. Most people will respond, and if you can keep up the conversation from there, you might have a potential friend, date, or just know something you didn't know before about a stranger.
After the initial hello, follow up by asking the former stranger how they heard about the event you are both at, how often they frequent the place you are, or what they are buying.
Ask the former stranger if he or she has seen the last movie you saw or read the last book you read. Continue with current events or popular culture
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Remember to always listen to the stranger's response instead of merely inserting sentences and topics. The goal of these suggestions is to spark a conversation; it's up to you to listen and expand upon what he or she says. By listening and responding with a related comment, the conversation will begin to ease and flow smoothly.
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