How to Start a Conversation - Tips, Conversation Starters and Situational Examples

Some are very good at starting a conversation and keeping others engaged and entertained. Some struggle with conversations, especially with strangers. But, a conversation is a crucial thing. The words from your tongue cannot be taken back. Therefore, we are here to guide you with your words and conversation skills.

Having good communication skills is important. It is not just enough that you begin a conversation well. You must be skilled enough to keep the conversation going by making it engaging. You must have come across a lot of people who can talk endlessly but make absolutely no sense, and that is when the conversation becomes boring. Some people know how to start conversations but will never end the conversation. But for effective communication, we need to maintain a balance between both. A conversation can be effective if you are a good speaker and also a good listener at the same time. To communicate effectively and to start a conversation on a positive note, check the simple steps mentioned below.

Table of Contents

• How to Start a Conversation?
• Tricks to Start a Conversation:
  • Note that you’re “in this together.”
  • Notice something nice and interesting.
  • Complimenting the other person
  • Ask for an opinion
  • Lend a helping hand
  • Look for common fields of interest
  • Ask for help or suggestion
• Frequently Asked Questions on Conversation

How to Start a Conversation?

If you find it difficult to start a conversation, just wait and take a deep breath. First, you must know whom you are talking to and what is the purpose of talking. If it is just a casual meeting, then it can be a simple conversation starting with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’. When a group of people are talking, and you stand passively after greeting everyone, you might make yourself sound like a fool. It might look as if you are unaware of whatever is happening or uncomfortable talking to the people around you.

Starting a conversation is not tough, but you must know what you are talking about and who you are talking to. In any casual conversation, you can start by greeting the person and then asking a question related to the topic and keeping them engaged. The best way to engage in a conversation is by showing your interest in the other person. In a conversation, show your interest in the other person and then the conversation will be more effective and engaging.

Tricks to Start a Conversation

If you are not confident about your communication skills but you are interested in talking to others around you to make a nice impression, then we are here with a few simple tricks to start a conversation.

Note that you’re “in this together”

To start a conversation it is ideal to start a conversation by starting with a shared experience that will take the edge off your anxiety and keep the conversation going.

Example: When you are in a queue, and the one in front of you is standing alone, you can start by saying that the line is usually long during lunch.

By making such statements, your conversation can start naturally. If you want to make any negative statement, use the right words so that it does not create a negative image of yours and you are not into any controversies.

Notice something nice and interesting

Instead of starting a conversation with a negative statement, you can also start with a good and pleasant statement. A positive approach to starting a conversation can bring the right start.

Example: Hello. Did you attend the meeting yesterday? I feel we have done a great job.

Are you joining the workshop today? It is a great opportunity, I feel.

Complimenting the other person

To start a conversation, it is a good way to start complimenting the other person so that the person finds you interesting to talk to.

Example: I like the colour of your shirt. It looks perfect on you.

You have done a great presentation. It is really appreciable.

Complimenting someone on something like their hairstyle is a good idea, but make sure you don’t compliment on anything that might make the other person feel uncomfortable.

Ask for an opinion

It is another way of starting a conversation. When you ask for someone’s opinion on anything, it shows that you are interested in the other person’s thoughts and ideas and you value that person.

Example: What do you think should be the keynote of the presentation?

According to you, which is the best place to have coffee?

You can stick to the topic and start asking for opinions. But remember that it would sound weird to directly walk up to the person and start asking about something totally out of context. Stick to something relevant and natural.

Lend a helping hand

This is the best way to start a conversation. Being nice to someone is the best way to start a conversation. You can be nice to anyone and everyone. If you are in a situation where you can be of any help, then do not hesitate to lend a helping hand.

Example: I have been noticing you, and you seem to be confused. Can I help you with anything?

It seems you have a lot to carry. It must be painful for you. Can I help you with it?

Look for common fields of interest

When you meet a person and share your common thoughts, you build an immediate connection. The easiest way to communicate with a person is by discussing common fields of interest.

Example: Did you also join the office in 2016?

How many years have you been in this building?

You can start talking about the things in common but make sure it does not sound creepy and irritating to others.

Ask for help or suggestions

Asking for a little help or guidance, like asking for an opinion, maybe a great way to make someone feel helpful. Simply be sure that whatever you are asking for is something that the other party can provide without putting themselves in trouble.

Example: Can you help me with the registration process?

I want to join a guitar class, can you please suggest some better places in this city?

Make sure that if you are asking for help, you must be humble and polite. Try not to irritate the person by repeating the same thing again and again.

We hope that the above-mentioned tips will be helpful to you. These tips can be really helpful if you are confused about starting a conversation.