Knowing how to start a conversation is a valuable social skill.
If you want to get better at starting a conversation, explore some tips to improve your communication.
Preparing ahead, avoiding communication killers, and using simple conversation starters can be helpful.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell.
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These social situations can be challenging if you areintroverted,shy, orsocially anxious.
One way to ease anxiety is to prepare in advance.
Mentally review what you want to discuss and even consider practicing with a friend.
The first step toward becoming an amazing conversationalist is to be prepared.
As you initiate conversations, anything offensive, controversial, or uncomfortable should be avoided.
Women tended to prefer innocuous questions (“What’s your favorite team?
Keep It Positive
give a shot to start your conversation on an upbeat note.
Stay away from launching into complaints or making negative observations.
No matter what the situation is, you might find something positive to say.
Comment on the weather, the food, the company, or the event itself.
Even if the situation itself is not perfect, attempt to put a positive spin on it.
It helps show that you are a pleasant person who pays attention to whats going on.
Staying positive also helps put others at ease.
As a result, people will be more interested in continuing a conversation with you.
Learning how to start a conversation can help lead you into these more consequential social connections.
Ask for Help
Asking a question is a great way to start a conversation.
When using this approach, start with something simple that can be accomplished without a great deal of effort.
As you strike up a new conversation, it is important topay attention to your nonverbal communication.
Body languagecan be used to convey interest and emotion.
Start simple and ask a question, preferably something that requires more than a yes or no response.
Keep it positive, and show interest in what the other person says.
Strike a Balance
A good conversation does not rely on just one approach.
For example, you might ask “How did you like the speaker?”
instead of “Did you like the speaker?”
make a run at think of every one of these interactions as a practice session.
The more often you initiate discussions with others, the stronger your conversational skills will become.
2010;51(Suppl):S54-S66.
