Seven Tips for Starting a Conversation With Anyone
Small talk should be about networking and conversations that go beyond “Hello, how are you?” Moving beyond these default start-up capabilities can be tricky, so here are seven tips to help you have more engaging conversations with anyone.
In the video above Malavika, Varadan shares some of the things she learned from talking to guests on her radio show. Here are her tips that can also be used in almost any situation.
- Focus on the first word . Get over your nerves by focusing only on the greeting. Malavika remarks well: “What’s the worst thing that can happen? They won’t talk to you? Well, they’re not talking to you right now.
- Ask a non-standard question . You want to spark an interesting discussion, which means you need to ask an interesting question . It takes you away from the usual boring topics to something that you both have great enthusiasm for talking about.
- Find common ground . Conversation becomes much easier when both of you feel like you are on the same page. Maybe you both love the same music or workout lessons. However, finding common interests helps you connect.
- Give them a unique compliment . Paying someone a sincere compliment is a well-known way to start a conversation. To truly grab someone’s attention, make sure your compliment isn’t the one they hear all the time. For example, tall people know they are tall, and find something to praise them.
- Ask for their opinion . If you ask someone for their opinion, they will easily answer and help you open up to you.
- Give them your full attention . When you check your phone or look around the room to see who else, there are habits that are hard to break, but being in the conversation creates a bond between you and the other person.
- If necessary, provide their personal information . As the other person reveals more about themselves, try to remember personal information. It could be as easy as using their name, or a good way to keep the conversation going. For example, if they mentioned their significant other and there was a lull, you might ask what their significant other is doing or how they met.
Whether you’re online, new to work, or at a friend’s party, chatting with strangers can be a daunting but rewarding experience. Use the tips above to go beyond empty talk and truly get to know the people you are talking to without feeling embarrassed.
7 Ways To Talk To Anyone | Tedx Talks (YouTube)