American Politics  » Sure-Fire Conversation Starters!

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

opinion on how young writers can get started writing....

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