Easy Ways to Improve Your Ability to Start Conversations

If there are times that you feel awkward about getting people to open up to you try using the techniques applied by many talk show hosts. You have probably noticed that many of them have developed the ability to quickly put their guests at ease. They are masters at getting the conversation rolling and off to a good start. Try to become someone who knows how to successfully start and maintain a good conversation. This will give you a great advantage in personal, business, and professional life. It will also provide you with the added benefit of impressing others with your poise and skill. Get started today in getting people to open up to you.

Here are easy to follow suggestions for engaging others to warm up during conversation:
Imagine you are a talk show figure like Ellen DeGeneres or Jay Leno. Ever notice the way they greet guests as they walk onto the stage? These hosts have mastered the art of letting someone know they want them to be comfortable and that they are going to be nice to them. They put guests at ease and they respond. Similarly if someone is coming to your home for a visit, give them a big welcome, let them know you’re glad to see them--and give them an opening line they can respond to. You might say, “Come on in; sit down in my favorite chair. I’ve been looking forward to getting together for a long while.” This helps put the person at ease so the person can open up more readily to you.

Take responsibility for making the first move in approaching someone. Take the first step and do not rely on the other person to make it happen.
Tell a slightly embarrassing story about yourself. Or, admit that you don’t know some things, or that you’re clumsy. These are just other ways to assure someone you are friendly, have sense of humor, approachable, and not intimidate them.

If a person seems shy or reluctant to open up, try these conversation igniters to break through their resistance—for example, make a compliment that immediately tells the other person you are friendly. Show enthusiasm and sincerity when you give the compliment. Instead of saying, “My, what a nice outfit." Say something like “I love that outfit! I’d never have thought of that combination. It really works on you! How did you put it together?
Another strategy to trigger conversation is to ask a personal question. You can always be safe in asking the other person job. What he or she does for living is a good opener because most people are usually comfortable in talking about their jobs.

Ask a question that shows you value the other person’s opinion. Or ask a question about the other person’s field of expertise. Make sure the questions are open ended in nature, such as: “Tell me more about our trip to Hawaii?” Or, what do you like about your new car?” These types of questions show the other person that you are not a know it all and that you are genuinely interested in hearing about the experience, idea, or opinion.
Prepare ahead of time for the event. For example, if you are invited to a party, find out who is going to be there. If you learn that one guest likes to climb mountains, use the internet to discover more about the subject so you can discuss the person’s hobby intelligently.

Really listen to what others are saying. If you listen attentively asking appropriate questions you’ll make the person feel special. Remember not to pummel questions or you will come across as an interrogator. A well placed, question here and there to show your interest and that you are listening will be greatly appreciated.