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Have you ever been to a party where the person you went with has left you alone and you just can't think how to start talking to the complete strangers sitting next to you. Fear not, help is at hand...
Conversation starters are simply comments or questions that help break the ice with another person. Their purpose is not to overwhelm a stranger with cleverness or bedazzling charm. It’s simply to make them feel comfortable, so that they can easily respond. One of the best ways to begin is to relate to something you both have in common. For example, you’re in the same place at the same time probably doing the same thing. So you can simply get things going by commenting on where you are and what’s going on. These are non-threatening comments and questions that most people would feel comfortable enough to respond to freely. Another method is to use so called “cliché” subjects - like the weather, sports and movies. Most people have opinions about these subjects that they’re willing to talk about. Making a sincere compliment about where you are or who you’re with is also a good way to open a conversation. It makes people feel good about themselves and about you. Once you get going you can try something a bit deeper but be ready with an answer for when the question is turned back on to you: What was the funniest moment in your life? Which Monopoly piece are you? What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Which animal would you leave out of the ark? What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
One last thing - always keep your conversations positive. Never tell stories about accidents, illness, death and divorce. And, definitely avoid controversial subjects like religion and politics. Now go out there and practice...
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