Do you feel like starting a conversation is next to impossible? Well, even though it may seem that way, that is far from the truth. Talking to a new person can sometimes be the simplest thing you do all day. Don’t believe me? Read these tips and you’ll see how easy it can be to make a new friend.
1. Say hello.
While this seems obvious, saying hello is a big step that some people aren’t willing to take. By putting yourself out there and showing others you are open to talking to them, it will really get the ball rolling. Even a small “Hi” can turn a total stranger into a new friend.
2. Don't set expectations.
When you start talking to someone, don’t do it for any particular reason. Not to make them your new friend, not with the end goal of dating them, and not because you need something. Just treat them like a- wait for it- human. By just having an open conversation with someone with no ultimatum, it will open you up to a honest human experience.
3. Understand that sometimes people just don't want to talk.
And that’s okay. Rejection will happen no matter how friendly and kind you try to be to someone, so don’t take it personally. Everyone has those days where they mentally can’t handling talking to anyone new.
4. Don't worry about what they think.
They second you start to worry about what they think of you, the conversation will start to unravel. This is because instead of focusing on the conversation and enjoying it, you will spend every second distracted by your own self-doubt. That doesn’t make for a good or fulfilling conversation. Just be yourself and things will turn out for the best.
5. If you are scared, that's all the more of a reason to do it.
The more you try talking to people, the better you will get at it. If you think you’re awkward now, you should have seen me in middle school. It was rough. But I kept putting myself out there and getting over that fear, and now I feel like I can have a real conversation with anyone. And speaking from experience, that is totally worth it.
6. Practice makes perfect.
No one came into this world just knowing how to speak to anyone. Some of us just started practicing earlier than others. This goes right back into the aspect of fear and why getting over it is important. Take the time and talk to a new person once a week to start with. By the end of the year, you will be a master of starting conversations.
7. Focus on them.
No one wants to feel ignored in a conversation. Try helping the other person feel more engaged in the conversation by bringing up topics they are familiar with. And what could they be more familiar with than their self?
8. Laughter is the best medicine.
They say polar bears are great at breaking the ice. I personally think laughter is the best way. A little silly humor goes a long way in furthering the conversation. Try a simple joke or pun. If worst comes to worse they don’t laugh and you get to laugh even harder at your own awful joke.
9. Find what they are passionate about.
When you see their eyes light up when you start a new topic, talk more about it! That means they will actually care about what is being said in the conversation, which means they will invest in it!
10. Smile!
Nothing makes people feel more at ease that a warm smile. Try just smiling when you say hello to someone, they will be more likely to continue on from there.
11. Listen to them.
You would be surprised at how many people can hear you without listening. This is a key part of a good conversation. Practice your listening skills and your conversation skills will be sure to follow.
12. Imagine they are already your friend.
How do you make someone feel like your friend? Treat them like one! Be comfortable around them and all the awkwardness will fade away.
Talk to someone new today and take a chance. Starting the conversation is the hardest part, but if you make a new friend out of the whole deal it will be more than worth it.
