We all know the feeling of anxiety that comes with talking to strangers. Whether it’s making small talk with the person next to you on the plane or approaching someone you’d like to get to know better, it can be tough to know what to say. Find out Tips for talking to strangers.
Here are a few tips to help you break the ice and start a conversation with a stranger:
Smile and make eye contact
This is the easiest way to signal that you’re open to talking. Simply smiling and making eye contact with the person you’d like to speak to can go a long way in making them feel comfortable.
Compliment them
Everyone loves a compliment, so start the conversation by giving one. It could be something as simple as, “I like your shoes” or “You have a really great smile.”
Ask an open-ended question
Asking a question that requires more than a yes or no answer will help to keep the conversation going. For example, you could ask, “What brings you here today?” or “How do you know the host?”
Be a good listener
Conversations are a two-way street, so make sure you’re not doing all the talking. Listen to what the other person has to say and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.
Find common ground
Look for things you have in common with the other person. This could be something as simple as a shared interest or experience. For example, if you’re both attending a conference, you could ask what they’re hoping to get out of it.
Be positive
No one wants to talk to a Negative Nancy. Make sure you’re exuding positive energy and you’ll be more likely to attract someone who wants to talk to you.
Don’t be afraid to make the first move
If you see someone you’d like to talk to, don’t be afraid to go up to them and start a conversation. Remember, the worst that can happen is they say no or ignore you. But you’ll never know unless you try!
Talking to strangers doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be chatting away in no time.