How to Start a Conversation

The definition of 'conversation' classifies it as an informal exchange of views or ideas etc. There are times however, when someone expects to talk to you. You don't have to be an expert in the art of talking to start a simple chat.

The Perfect Icebreakers

If you attend a dinner or lunch party and end up at a table occupied by the strangers, then you have landed in a situation, I just referred to. Now, what you are going to do? Just extend your hand towards the first person at the table to make eye contact with you and introduce yourself. Quite easy, isn't it. With this act of yours, you have implemented three important points of starting a good talk.

• First: Establishing a contact with the other individual or individuals.
• Second: Getting him or her interested enough to go through your introduction.
• Third: Speaking with each other.
• Fourth: End the conversation with or without future plans to meet or get in touch.

By introducing yourself, you have started a chain of introductions around the table. What next? How do you proceed with the third step listed above? Well, you can tell them about how fate has landed you among strangers and "how unlucky" you feel you are? Sorry, just kidding. Have you thought about the other side of the coin, that the rest of the people sitting at the table might be the strangers to each other as well. It means that there are two factors which characterizes your group. First, you all are perfect strangers and, secondly, are invited by the same host for the occasion. How about shooting a question about the host or the occasion to get the flow going. It is essential that you take part, but there is no need to get aggressive and monopolize the situation. Be honest, and say what you feel, however, resist the temptation of making controversial remarks.

Talking to a Guy You Like

This is a pretty tough cookie and more so, if the person is the object of your affection, and if some form of romance is brewing.

• A conversation flows from step to step, as mentioned earlier.
• Your personal involvement in the person makes this situation unique and a bit difficult.
• It might be the underlying cause of your hesitation in approaching the person. If both of you are acquainted with each other, it helps the situation.
• Approach him with a greeting such as "Hi", "Hello" and call the person by the name, if you know it, or "Haven't we met at Jim's party".
• When he stops and makes eye contact with you, introduce yourself with an engaging smile on your lips.
• This will break the ice and the chat may start rolling.
• If the person still remembers Jim's party then it would serve as a good topic in the initial stage.
• If you are strangers to each other, then greet him and introduce yourself, and then mention where and when you first noticed him.
• This will start the conversation. Allow it to bounce from topic to topic, if it is possible.
• While speaking make eye contact with the person, but do not stare.
• One easy way of making eye contact is to use the triangle method. Look into the person's right eye for 4-5 seconds then into the left eye and then at the chin for the same duration of time.
• Do you think, you can manage to do this?
• Yes, very good. Now that you know how to get his attention, go ahead and "Best of Luck!" to you.
• if your answer is, "No", then you must be brave and do it.
• Soon, you will know how interested the person is in you.
• If he is not darting furtive glances at his watch to know the time then suggest a coke or coffee. However, it is a good idea to let him come up with the suggestion.
• This will indicate that he is interested in you.
• At the end of the conversation you may find, that both of you love and enjoy the same topics or subjects.
• If you are still interested in pursuing the acquaintance, a suggestion such as "Let us meet again", will take care of the future plans.

Conversations With a Shy Guy

Questions are very good conversation starters. In fact, among all the icebreaker activities you can think of, it is not a bad idea to have a collection of funny icebreaker questions under your hat. A question directed at a shy guy, will surely draw him in. The problem whilst striking a conversation with a shy guy is to ask a neutral question which will put him at ease.

Starting a Business Conversation

There are many situations where you feel the need to talk to others. Some situations may demand a strategy that can help you in driving the talks in a particular direction. Business conversations are such an example. The following describes few tips on how to start a formal meet. Formulating a strategy for it means you dig for facts about your business associate and the topic as well. Knowing facts about latest business trends, technologies used in the business help the situation. After exchanging the social greetings, a question such as "Have you heard about 'XYZ' technology?" will surely start the ball rolling.

Conversations are as important for us as food as human beings feel the need to socialize immensely. We make them in order to exchange information, emotions and opinions but, not all of us can break the ice as easily as others can. It is nothing to worry about. Be brave, feel the confidence flow through you, shed the hesitation and get yourself involved in one. If you can transmit your willingness to start or get drawn into a conversation with others, then, your worry will hardly be a bother to you.