Introduction
Starting a conversation can be intimidating. Whether you’re in a professional or social setting, the fear of saying something awkward or inappropriate can be hard to shake off. But having the ability to strike up conversations and make meaningful connections with those around you is an invaluable skill that can help you in all aspects of life. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to starting conversations, here are nine tips to help you master the art of conversation.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Asking open-ended questions is one of the best ways to get a conversation started. Open-ended questions require more than a yes or no answer, which encourages the other person to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. It also shows that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say. Examples of open-ended questions include: “What do you like to do in your free time?”, “What inspired you to pursue this career?”, and “What was the last book you read?”
Find Common Ground
Finding common ground is another great way to start a conversation. This can be anything from shared interests and hobbies to shared experiences. According to research from Cigna, “feeling connected to others is critical to our mental health and well-being.” If you find something you have in common with the other person, use it as an opportunity to start a conversation. For example, if you both love to travel, you might ask them where their favorite destination is.
Talk About Current Events
Talking about current events is another great way to start a conversation. Even if you don’t agree on the topic, discussing current events can lead to productive conversations. When bringing up current events, try to focus on topics that won’t be too polarizing. According to a study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, “discussing current events can increase feelings of closeness and understanding between two people.”
Share Your Experiences
Sharing your experiences is a great way to start a conversation. People love to talk about themselves, so telling stories about yourself can be a great way to break the ice. When sharing your experiences, try to focus on positive stories that will engage the other person in the conversation. You could talk about a fun vacation you took, a funny experience you had at work, or a special moment you shared with a family member.
Compliment the Other Person
Giving someone a genuine compliment is a great way to start a conversation. Compliments show that you appreciate the other person and make them feel good about themselves. However, it’s important to make sure your compliments are sincere. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, “genuine compliments lead to increased interpersonal attraction, whereas insincere compliments can backfire.”
Make a Joke
Making a joke is a great way to lighten the mood and start a conversation. Just make sure your joke is appropriate and not offensive. According to a study published in the journal Human Communication Research, “telling humorous jokes can increase feelings of connection between two people.” Try to focus on jokes that are relevant to the situation and avoid jokes that could be seen as insensitive.
Ask for Advice
Asking for advice is a great way to start a conversation. People love to feel needed and offering advice can make them feel valued. When asking for advice, make sure to be specific about what you need help with and be prepared to listen to the other person’s response. According to the American Psychological Association, “seeking advice can increase feelings of connection between two people.”
Conclusion
Starting a conversation can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips on asking open-ended questions, finding common ground, talking about current events, sharing experiences, giving compliments, making jokes, and asking for advice, you can become a master of conversation. So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to start a conversation, remember these tips and you’ll be off to a great start.
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