This will make them reluctant to open up. If you think you might have something in common with someone, such as an interest or a similar background, mention it and see how they react. If it turns out that you have something in common, the conversation will be more engaging for both of you. You might come across mutual interests more often than you think. From that piece of information alone, what are some assumptions we can make about her interests? But I do enjoy talking about environmental issues, and I hypothesize that she might too.
I guess they have less of an impact on the environment than books, even though I prefer the feeling of a real book. If she is, we can now segway into talking about that. For example, I could talk about cycling, ask if she bikes to work, and what bike she would recommend. You meet this woman, and she tells you that she works as a manager at a capital management firm. What assumptions can we make about her?
This guy tells you that he works in IT security. What would you say about him? As you can see, our brains are really good at coming up with assumptions about people. What is interesting to us that we also might have in common with them? It just needs to be something that you enjoy talking about. Once you have established that you have at least one thing in common, you have a reason to follow up with them later and ask them to hang out. Humans love stories. We might even be hardwired to like them; our eyes dilate as soon as someone starts telling a story.
You can use storytelling to connect with people and be seen as more social. People who are good at telling stories are often admired by others. Other studies show that stories also will make people feel closer to you by being able to relate to you. They just present their lives in an interesting way. When he starts telling a story, people give him their full attention.
So a few days ago, I woke up with a day of important exams and meetings ahead of me. I feel totally exhausted and prepare myself for the day, taking a shower and shaving. However, this guy succeeds in turning it into an interesting story. Through these stories, he makes people feel good and makes them want to be around him. Storytelling is why people see him as an outgoing person. Read this guide on how to tell a good story. How can I move from superficial stuff to something more exciting? This opening starts the conversation on a simple note.
This is how to make a conversation flow from the outset. There are fewer pauses and awkward silences. A common mistake people make is to try and come with something clever and interesting to say at the beginning of the conversation. This question can be used in most situations where you meet strangers. Let them explain how they know people and ask relevant follow-up questions.
Read more: How to start a conversation. Whatever they say, you can now ask my favorite question of all:. Click here to read a list of good small talk questions. These include:. However, these subjects are interesting and affect most of us. As you get to know someone better, they can inspire good conversations. So when is it OK to talk about them? Memorize a useful phrase to redirect a conversation that has become tense or difficult.
Maybe we should talk about something a bit more neutral, like [insert uncontroversial topic here]. David Morin is the founder of SocialPro. He's been writing about social skills since Follow on Twitter or read more.
This is so educational and worth praising due to the stating if words and hardwork. Great job I would like to learn more about most things. This way, you can follow up explaining that it was a pleasure to meet them and that you are happy to continue the conversation as it makes sense.
Draw on specific details from your chat to let them know you paid attention and valued meeting them. Indeed Home. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. How to start a conversation. Ask for information. Pay a compliment. Comment on something pleasant. Introduce yourself.
Offer help. Ask for help. Mention a shared experience. Ask for an opinion. Praise the person. Show genuine interest. Ask about them. Make an observation. Comment on the weather. Ask an opinion. Ice-breakers to start a conversation. What are you currently reading?
If you could meet any historical figure, either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? What did you like or dislike about it? If you could pick up a certain skill instantly, what would it be? What is your favorite movie? What superpower would you like to have? Do you collect anything? If you had 25 hours in a day, what would you do with the extra hour? If you could be an animal, what would you be and why? Is there a certain person that has inspired your work? Where would you most like to travel next?
What is the best topic for starting a conversation? Topics to avoid. Tips for starting a conversation. Use open body language. Actively listen. You can pick something about the person you like and mention why you like it. The cut suits you.
There are several follow-up questions you can ask to keep the conversation going, such as where they go to get their hair cut or how they chose the style. You can usually find something positive to say about an event or situation. The occasion could have been the last office happy hour or a game that was on the night before.
If the person shares your views, you are on your way to an engaging conversation. I think our team finally hit their stride. From there, the conversation can go deeper in the game, or a tangential subject, such as a different sports team.
While this may not be suitable for every situation, it is a straightforward way of showing you are interested in meeting someone. If you just started a new job and have not met someone in another department yet, you can approach them and introduce yourself.
You can then ask follow-up questions about their position or how long they have been with the company. Related: How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview. If you find yourself in a position to assist a person you want to talk to, seize the moment and offer them help.
Offering help can make you likable and earn the trust of the other person, especially when you show a genuine concern.
From there, you can lead into conversation related to the task, such as what is in the contents of the binders.
Requesting help is another effective conversation starter. If someone does you a favor, they may be more likely to think of you in a favorable light and trust you.
Asking for help can help you start a friendly conversation, but make sure your request is convenient for the other party. If you want to talk to someone who you know shares something in common with you, you can always find a topic as a talking point. Your shared experiences make getting along easier, and that aids the flow of the conversation and building of the relationship. If they are familiar with the topic, many people will happily respond to your questions, and it is a perfect way to get a conversation started.
When asking an opinion, choose topics relevant to the moment. Are they comfortable? When you meet an executive or prominent person in your organization for the first time, a great way to hold a conversation with them is to praise their work. You made some really good points.
See if you can find a topic you know the person is passionate about. Passions can get your coworkers talking, and you can learn something new. Remember to keep the conversation friendly and positive.
Have you ever been to one of their shows? What is it like there? People naturally like talking about themselves. Try finding a topic that will allow the person to speak about their interests, family or experiences. Commenting on the building, temperature or artwork can all be great ways to get a person talking with you.
If all else fails, you can always comment on the weather. It is one of the easiest ways to get someone talking and can segue into multiple other topics.
See examples of ice-breakers below:. Since you now know how to start a conversation, it helps to know the best topics to talk about. The following topics rank among the most popular among people:. You can ask questions on relationships, siblings, children or even pets. So long as your communication skills are good and the questions are not too intimate, people will often feel proud to talk freely about their families.
This is a perfect topic for a work happy hour or a team function.
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