Sure-Fire Conversation Starters!

Use this three step approach to start a conversation with
anyone! Stop fearing meeting people! Apply the three step
approach now. Memorize these and have them in your arsenal
to start a conversation with a customer, stranger, or new
contact.

1. Start by saying some plain statement. "Nice Party."
"Nice weather." "Long stoplight." "Nice airport." Etc.
Just a simple, statement, comment, etc.

2. After breaking the ice and getting them to nod or
verbally agree. Make another plain statement. It may work
to bounce off the first one. "Nice coat you are wearing."
"Interesting car over there." "The weather has been nice
for the past three weeks." Etc. At this point you should
know whether he/she is open at all to talking.


3. Show interest in him by asking something. Use your
discretion in determining which questions to ask. You
should show interest but do not be to nosy at first.

Ask about something they are wearing, holding, etc.
Example: If they are wearing a name tag, ask about it.
Ask for their opinion on the weather, why the bus is late,
politics, etc. Show interest in their child, car, or
something that they are wearing or holding.Ask how their
day is going. "How do you spend most of your time?" Come up
with your own conversation starters.

Throughout these opening questions you are trying to gain
little nuggets of knowledge. You will then use these to
show interest in those areas, or ask his/her opinion about
them. If he/she reveals that s/he is a writer. Ask his/her
opinion on how young writers can get started writing.
Continue the conversation from there using other "Magic-
People-Skills" techniques. Observe and look for an
opportunity to show interest. This will then get them
talking.

You need to realize that there is no one right way to
start a conversation. Use your mind and decide which
phrases to use. If they do not want to talk, do not make
them talk. Also give out some information about yourself
(use discretion) so it does not seem that you are
interrogating them. You know the skills, now apply them.

About the Author

** (C) 2001, Arlen Busenitz. Arlen is a free lance writer
** specializing in people skills and personal improvement.
** Discover the Secret to Making People Like You-- Free
** http://www.Magic-People-Skills.com?SF
** Mailto:Arlen@Magic-People-Skills.com