How to Talk to Strangers

No one tells you it's going to be easy for you, because you're afraid to tell anything to a person you meet for the first time. Your fear is unnecessary, because people are not poisonous snakes and they are not going to bite you. Also you don't have to be afraid to say something wrong, because people care more about the way how you say something, rather than what you say.

Don't forget to smile, because people are more likely to talk to a smiling person. It doesn't mean that you have to grin like mad. Use a relaxed smile during the conversation, unless it's not about the funeral of beloved great-grandfather or divorce.

There are many ways to start a conversation with strangers. Let's look at all of them, so you can choose the best variant for you.

Say “Hi”. This is a good starter for reserved persons. Start making eye contact with people you might talk to and smile to them. Then you can say “Hi” out of the blue. Think about some starters of the conversation you can use. The starters don't have to be the questions that require “Yes” or “No” answers. People have to give you detailed responses, only then you will be able to talk to them.

Comment on something. If you have something to say, then do it. May be someone is wearing something interesting or that you really like. Or you know a good joke that would fit the situation, then tell it. It will be great if someone laughs, you automatically know that this is an open person for conversation with you. By the way, this trick works great for opening a dialog with attractive people of opposite sex.

Show interest in people. There are many people you're interested in, and you would like to ask them several questions. They will be happy to answer them, but don't act like they are at the exam. Be gentle and ask people about themselves. People love talking about their own hobbies and interests, things they've achieved, you just have to listen. You've discovered their core passion and now people think that you're a very interesting person to talk to!

Never rely on booze. Yes, you're afraid to talk to strangers, and you can use alcohol to overcome this fear. Have a bit of wine or beer just to lift the block inside of your head. But don't drink too much, because being drunk doesn't mean that you're socially adept.

Treat strangers as your friends. You will find this tip very useful, if you're afraid to say something awkward. When you treat strangers as your friends, you're more relaxed and comfortable around them. It increases your chances to become real friends with these people.