Conversation Tips

Conversation Tip 1: Before You Launch Into Your Conversation Starter Question…

 …whether your ice-breaker is Where do I get one? It’s for a Gift,  What do you think? or some other question, it goes without saying that you need to start with something like “Excuse me –” or ‘Sorry to bother you, but –’  especially if talking to a total stranger. It’s an acknowledgement that you may be intruding, and a signal that you are polite and respectful. But don’t overdo it

The second tip is to actually build up some interest in the question you’re about to ask. That way you will sound sincere, rather than someone just trying to make smalltalk. One way to do this is to remind yourself that you are about to get some information about a human being and humans are fascinating.

Now you may be thinking but all I’m going to learn is the name of a shop in the case of the first two. That’s where you need follow up questions like Do you shop there a lot? and Do they have a good range? What do you like about that store? and then use the answer from that to jump onto another topic. In this instance, the gift idea list is perfect, because you can ask if, in the other person’s opinion, the store sells other items that would make good gifts.

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Another Effective Conversation Starter: What’s your opinion?

A spin on the where do I get one? ice-breaker is to simply ask for an opinion. Since people love to share advice and give opinions, this too is an effective conversation starter.

As with the where do I get one? question, this conversation technique works with perfect strangers as well as people you are already familiar with.

As always, step one is to notice something the other person has about them, and step two is ask them what they think of it, and would they recommend it.

For example, ‘I noticed you’re reading the latest Stephen King — Is it any good?’ or ‘Your sneakers look great, but before I ask you where you got them, are they comfortable? Are they suitable for running in?’ or ‘I see you’ve ordered the triple chocolate fudge cheesecake. How is it? Would you recommend it?’ 

This is a great conversation starter because you can use it in so many places: book stores, sports shops, even supermarkets (‘I’ve seen those advertised on the television, but they look a little expensive. Are they any good?’) and about so many things: cars, laptops, cameras, magazines, pets, shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, movies, tools, quality of clothing, things to do in a city, places to visit. 

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Another Effective Conversation Starter: It’s A Gift

Another effective conversation starter is to be on the lookout for potential gifts.

Again, it works with people you may already know, but also with complete strangers.

Step one is to notice something the other person is carrying or wearing, and step two is ask them where you can get one, because you are always on the lookout for great gift ideas.

For example, ‘I noticed your watch — it’s cool. I have to get someone a birthday gift soon. Where did you buy it?’ or ‘Your necklace is beautiful. I need to buy someone a gift. Where did you get it?’ or ‘That’s a great bag. I’ve a friend with a birthday coming up. Can I ask you what shop it came from? Was it expensive?’

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An Effective Conversation Starter 

Okay, so maybe this conversation tip won’t lead to any marathon chat sessions by itself , but it’s an effective conversation starter.

It works with people you know, but also with total strangers. In fact it works fantastically with total strangers.

You simply notice something the other person is carrying or wearing, and ask them where they got it.

For example, ‘I noticed your back pack — it’s cool. Where did you buy it?’ or ‘Your earrings are lovely. Where did you get them?’ or ‘That’s a really great sweater. It really suits you. What shop did it come from?’

It’s especially effective if you actually mean what you’re saying!

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