| It is not surprising many people do not know how to | | | | on the wall? These are good things to start a |
| start a conversation. As little children we were taught | | | | conversation with. But, if the place is so plain with no |
| the very basic rule for safety: Never talk to | | | | interesting background, try the food or the drinks as |
| strangers. The rule does not apply to us adults | | | | starting point. |
| anymore, yet studies show that the second greatest | | | | 4. Polish up your conversational style. Get updated |
| social fear is starting and carrying a conversation with | | | | with the latest hottest news - they provide good |
| strangers. | | | | conversation starters. Even the latest in celebrity |
| Often times, we find it horrifying to be trapped in | | | | gossip or a piece of sensationalist scandal can break |
| front of a stranger or even to people we have | | | | the ice. It is also still best to have current affairs and |
| already met once or twice or numerous times. It is | | | | general knowledge at hand, because you just do not |
| one of those social horrors and almost all of us have | | | | know the interests of the people that you will meet. |
| been there. We want to start a meaningful | | | | 5.Bring your own conversation piece. Conversation |
| conversation. We want to break the silence. But we | | | | pieces are things you can bring to a gathering or on a |
| find starting a conversation a nerve wracking task. | | | | get-together where you believe you have less or no |
| Here are simple techniques for starting a | | | | acquaintances at all. You could wear eye catching |
| conversation. The following have been tested and | | | | accessories like hats or jewelry that will catch the |
| are found to have brought the first rule of childhood | | | | attention of other people, but make sure you have a |
| to a close. | | | | story that goes with it. Sometimes it pays to be |
| 1. Start with the introduction basics. It is the basic | | | | interesting. |
| conversation starter and we must remember to do it | | | | 6. Weave newcomers into the conversation. |
| right. | | | | Introduce a person who joins in the group as soon as |
| - A younger person is introduced to an older person. | | | | possible. Or allow the person ample opportunity to do |
| - A man is introduced to a woman. | | | | so, as the case maybe. Make a quick review of the |
| - A less important person is introduced to a VIP. | | | | topic of the group for the benefit of the newcomer. |
| Say the name of the person who is older, the | | | | Then ask a comment or an opinion from them. |
| woman and the VIP - in that order. | | | | 7. Ask open-ended questions. Often times we are |
| 2. Make it a skill to remember names. Nothing is more | | | | faced with one-word answers - yes and no. If you |
| embarrassing than getting caught trying to remember | | | | are the kind who is not yet comfortable in starting a |
| a name of a person who had been introduced to you | | | | conversation, this would be very disappointing. |
| several times. Here are some helpful tips to recall | | | | Always have two or three open-ended questions or |
| names:a. Listen as the person gives you his/her | | | | statements reserved at all times. |
| name.b. Study the business card of the person to | | | | 8. Assume responsibility for starting a conversation, a |
| help implant the name in your memory.c. Repeat it | | | | simple hi! or how are you? are simple starters. Make |
| several times during the first few minutes of the | | | | sure that people will remember you after the event |
| conversation.d. Use it when you introduce the person | | | | by their knowledge of fun they have shared with |
| to others.e. On another note, it is vital that you use | | | | you. |
| the name of the person as you make your rounds to | | | | Enjoy, all your efforts will pay off and soon to start |
| say good-bye to everyone you met. | | | | a conversation will be as easy as breathing the air |
| 3. Look around you for things to talk about. Is there | | | | around. |
| something familiar around, a painting, the jar, decors | | | | |
