Some people canstrike up a conversationwith anyoneeven complete strangers.
But many others find it difficult to talk to a stranger.
This can be particularly stressful if you havesocial anxiety disorder (SAD).
Strangers can be excellent potential conversation partners.Getty / Franek Strzeszewsk
The best way to do this is to practice.
Your initial goal is to make an introductory statement, which does not have to be complex.
These tell a story about a person.
When younotice and complimentthem, it can give you a starting point for conversation.
or “Wow, you must work out a lot!”
After you receive a response, see to it you have something else to say.
Offer a follow-up story that reveals a bit of personal information about you.
Ask If You’ve Met Before
This classic conversation starter can work in the right circumstances.
If you say to someone, “You seem really familiar, do I know you from somewhere?”
it makes it easier to gather and give information and keep a conversation going.
Did you play an instrument?"
A little humor works great here.
Keep your commentary positivenever mean-spirited or judgmental.
You want the other person to feel comfortable getting in on the joke with you.
If you don’t receive a positive response from one person, the method might work with someone else.
The more you practice, the easier it will be to talk to a person you don’t know.
But a 2016 study showed that people with social anxiety tend not to contribute equally to conversations.
As a result, they are less well-liked than others.
So it’s important to hold up your end of a conversation once you start it.
Many people can do this with people they know, but they areself-conscious with strangers.
Their anxiety holds them back and prevents them from being their true selves.
For example, research shows that people with social anxiety tend to make less eye contact during conversation.
Working onmaking and keeping eye contactwhen you are talking to others will help you appear more approachable and friendly.
This will make it more likely people will respond to your attempts to start a conversation.
While it’s importantnot to avoidconversations with strangers because they make you feel anxious, your safety also matters.
Practice talking to strangers in safe, public environments where the stakes are low.
And if you arechatting with someone online, always protect your personal information.
