It’s important you master the ability to initiate conversations. It makes you sociable thereby attracting people to you. A friend or acquaintance who had a great conversation would want to come again. This is because it earns you the reputation of an ‘interesting companion’ and a killer of awkward silences, especially if you have a terrific sense of humour.
So, here are tips on how to initiate conversations and become a reputable killer of awkward silences:
- Talk about a shared experience or knowledge
Talk about something that affects both of you. It could be the weather, a venue, a queue, a seminar etc. Talking about a situation that both of you share in that very moment will definitely get you and your companion talking.
For example, talk about the weather, about how nice it is or how harsh it is. Definitely, your companion would make a reply because he or she is also experiencing the weather.
Eg. It’s sunny today. O gosh am hot. Wish I wasn’t wearing my jacket…
The above statement will get you a response, maybe a lengthy one or a short one depending on the person, but already you have initiated a verbal exchange which will lead to more things to talk about.
- Notice something interesting or nice
This is all about noticing something you think your companion will find interesting. For instance, both of you are in a waiting room and hanging on the wall is a nice painting. You can draw your companion’s attention to the painting by asking him what he or she thinks about it or you can say something about it like that painting reminds me of…
Eg.a. Isn’t that painting awesome?
- That painting is so beautiful. It brings to my mind the thought of having a vacation.
- Pay a complement
This is a strong measure to initiating a conversation. People like to hear good things about themselves, it can get them listening and talking endlessly. Therefore, if you want to initiate a conversation with him or her say something nice about them. It could be an outfit, hair, voice, face etc. However, be careful not to come across as a flirt except if that’s your intention.
Eg. a. You look good
- Your hairstyle is great
- I like your shoes. They are nice
Such complements won’t just make you conversations but friends as well.
- Offer a helping hand
Nothing beats being a nice guy. It gives you an approachable and friendly image thus making it easier for people to give you audience. For instance, helping someone with his or her luggage will make him or her want to talk to you or say something nice out of courtesy or a need to become friends with you. And this is all because you offered help.
Eg. You: Let me help you with those boxes.
Him/Her: O thank you. How nice of you. I’m Paul/Susan. You?
Now you can see from the example above that using a given opportunity to offer a helping hand helps initiate a conversation easily as well as make friends.
- Seek for opinion:
This is all about the; ‘what do you think question’ This very question can get people talking. It means that their opinions matter or is needed. For instance, asking a stranger or your companion about which colour of sneakers you should opt for or what he or she thinks about the latest movie.
Eg. a. I think the new Joker movie is somewhat boring. What do you think?
- Which colour of the Rolls-Royce will you prefer?
However, be mindful of the opinions you seek, especially when trying to initiate conversation with a stranger. Be careful of bringing up sensitive issues except if necessary and safe.
- Ask for a favour:
Asking for help is a good conversation starter. It makes the person aware of you and available to you. Also, it makes the person feel he or she is useful to you. However, make sure the favour you are asking for is not inconveniencing. Ask for favours like directions to a place, where you can get something, what the time says etc.
Eg. a. Please what is the time?
- When does the office close?
- Please where can I get the book you are reading?
Asking someone for help brings about a connection with that person making them available to you.
Conclusion:
The tips above are not exhaustive but they are major tips for starting a conversation with someone. However, in your desire to converse with someone don’t try to be interesting all the time, rather pick interest in your companion. Let your words revolve around your companion and other things of common interest. That will keep them talking.
