Conversation Starters -
What do you say after “hello”?
You've just been introduced to someone new, or you've decided to initiate a conversation with someone you'd like to get to know. So, what do you say after “Hello, nice to meet you?”
A lot of us draw a blank and squirm during an uncomfortable silence. But it doesn't have to be that way. All you need is a great
conversation starter. Having a few really great conversation starters in mind is essential if you want to be an expert in the art of conversation.
What is a great conversation starter?
A great conversation starter is a question or statement that elicits more than a yes, no, or any other one-word response. It also causes the potential
conversation partner to think, at least a little bit.
“Do you have the time?” is not a great conversation starter because your conversation partner can simply say “no” or “its 12:30” and that’s the end of the conversation.
What does a great conversation starter consist of?
A great conversation starter would be “That’s a beautiful watch, can I ask where you got it?”
That questions serves three purposes. One, it causes your conversation partner
to think about the question. Most people don't have where they purchased an item on the tip of their tongue, so some thought will have to go into the question. Two, saying “can I ask” makes
you sound less pushy. Three, paying someone a compliment is a good way to create instant rapport. After all, who doesn't like a good compliment, and by default, the person who gave it?
Another great way to construct a conversation starter is by giving a little bit of personal information. A good example would be “I met the bride in college. Where did you meet her?”
This conversation starter also serves three purposes. Now that the person you are talking to knows a little bit of personal information about you, he will feel more comfortable divulging personal
information about himself. Also, the answer to the question “Where did you meet her?” can elicit quiet a lengthy response. Third, you've kindly given your conversation partner a “free bee” conversation
starter to use on you. Once she is finished responding to your question, she can ask, “So, what college did you and the bride attend?” That’s a great way to keep a conversation going.
It’s easy to do, so why not get started
As you can see, coming up with great conversation starters is not all that difficult. Simply take the time to think about a situation where you might want to engage in a conversation, and tailor a
conversation starter for it. Are you going to be standing on a long line at the supermarket this afternoon? You might say to someone, “The lines in this place are ridiculous. Is it always this crowded?” Who knows where the conversation can go from there.
After a while, you'll become so good at it that you'll be able to come up with great conversations starters on the fly. Then you'll never again be at a loss after saying, “Hello, nice to meet you.”
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