3 Stupid Simple Ways To Start Any Conversation
Only a couple of days ago, you told yourself this year will be different. But will it be?
Do you want to expand your network?
Do you want to make new friends?
And do you finally want to strike up a conversation?
Then, here, you’re right because I’ll show you 3 stupid simple ways to start ANY conversation:
Introduce yourself
It doesn’t get much easier than this.
No matter whom you want to start talking to, introducing yourself always works. It could be your new best friend, your new partner, your boss, and your parents-in-law.
Why? Because most people are as insecure as you are. And they appreciate someone taking the initiative. Most of the time, they even want someone to take the initiative.
That’s what you do when you introduce yourself.
You strike up a conversation before the silence is too awkward. You ease the situation. And by introducing yourself, you give the other person an easy way to do the same.
Do you need to have an elevator pitch ready?
No, you don’t. Of course, you should have a certain backstory ready. But don’t start telling them right away. Wait for the cues.
If they seem interested, you can start by talking about the reason you are at this place. If they don’t, ask them a question to let them talk.
Introducing yourself is simple and breaks the ice. If you have no idea what to do, introduce yourself and see where it goes.
You can’t go wrong with that.
Ask a simple question
Asking a question doesn’t cost a penny, but has the potential to be worth a fortune.
Questions can go a very long way:
- You can learn
- You show interest
- You open the door for further interaction
In 2021, I traveled to Budapest on my own to explore the city, but also to meet new like-minded people. I knew no one there, so I set the goal to meet people and have a good time.
I went to a place called Nomad Travelers Bar to join a pub crawl because, as you probably know, alcohol and partying are always good ways to meet people. I was too late. The crawlers were gone already.
What did I do?
I couldn’t give up just yet. I told myself I came to meet people, but I didn’t meet others. I overheard some people speaking German, which posed a great opportunity to start talking to them.
But, I didn’t because I was too shy.
Instead, I went to the counter. The bartender was polishing glasses and I simply asked him how it goes. He told me about the bar and the pub crawl, and we spoke about the most popular drinks.
People saw us speaking.
Soon, others came over, starting to join the conversation. Not only because they wanted something to drink, but because they saw we’d been talking for a while.
What happened? I ended up meeting guys from India, Pakistan, and Italy to get a cab, go to a random place, buy weed (I didn’t smoke), and hit the biggest club in Europe afterward. It’s been awesome.
Asking a simple question can go a long way. It breaks the ice and can build the base of future trust. Don’t shy away from asking a question, be curious, and ask.
Asking a question shows genuine interest, which is the best way to break the ice.
Give a compliment
This one builds rapport.
People like being appreciated. No matter if it’s their hair, outfit, smile, or their talents like writing and singing. But be careful.
I know people from the US and UK are quick to make compliments. And on the positive side, it’s amazing. On the negative side, it’s shallow and destroys any base for trust.
Why?
Because people are good at spotting the intentions behind a compliment. If you only give a compliment with the intention to get her in your bed, get a raise, or do a favor, people will feel that.
Don’t do it.
Give a compliment, if you want to. Not because you feel an urge to.
Not sure what to compliment?
Don’t worry, life shows you many things you’d actually like if you’d be mindful enough to recognize them. But you need to open your eyes and ears to appreciate what’s around you.
It can be the simplest thing, like someone wearing a nice outfit in the streets. But it can also be the pretty eyes of your crush.
Hint: Please don’t compliment the body shape of another person, right away.
If you genuinely like something, give a compliment. Let the other person know you appreciate her. This will go a long way and set you apart from all the people giving compliments only for the sake of it.
Giving a compliment starts a conversation, builds rapport, and is charming to hear for the other person.
Starting a conversation is easier than you think by:
- introduce yourself
- asking a question
- giving a compliment
But, no matter what you choose in the end, be genuine because that’s even more important.
