05/16/2024

Eleven Foolproof Ways to Start a Conversation

Networking is never easy

Striking up a conversation, especially with a stranger, is a lot like adding kindling to a fire pit and hoping it ignites. Choose the wrong starter, and the flame will fizzle out. But when you get it right, conversation and connection can spark.

Conversations play an essential role in our well-being. Having just one quality talk a day, especially face-to-face, can increase happiness and lower stress levels by the end of the day, research has found. You don’t even have to know the person. In one study, people overestimated how awkward deep, meaningful talks with strangers would be, and found that instead, these conversations uplifted them and made them feel more connected than they expected. Plus, asking questions makes people like us more, which can be a boon to self-esteem.

But what should you say to get more than a one-word answer in response? We asked people who excel at small talk to share their favorite conversation-starters.

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.