How do you connect with someone new?

When meeting someone for the first time - it is the warmth that does the big job of making spontaneous connection. This gives instant comfort to the person and a trusted space to open up. Once that happens it's all about listening and responding.

There is a whole world of communication skills that are worthy of more attention than they receive. Skill, expertise and experience can be diminished through below average expression. I enjoy being in the room with actors who show us how it should be done. And acting and improv courses are a great way to improve!

A sure way to achieve connection is to make the other your focal point. Don’t think of yourself as much as of the other to get to know them, to empathize with them, to aim at affecting them. Be aware of yourself but focus and be interested in the other.

Incorporating humor is another valuable technique to establish a connection with someone. A shared laugh can break the ice and make the conversation more relaxed and enjoyable. For example, if you're talking about a shared interest like movies, you might playfully debate the merits of a popular film or laugh about a memorable scene. Using humor not only lightens the mood but also creates a shared experience that can bond two individuals. However, it's important to gauge the other person's comfort level and ensure the humor is appropriate for the context and relationship.

Connecting with someone new can be a rewarding experience, and one effective approach is to be curious and attentive. Show interest in the other person by asking open-ended questions about their expectations, interests, experiences, and opinions. Listen actively and attentively to their responses, demonstrating that you value their perspective and act accordingly.

I would agree to some of this, but most importantly it has to be real. Do not try to fake your interest in something just to connect. This could kill the trust

I do believe that common hobbies do not invite connection. Common areas of interest can be easily identified and determined from the "Talks about" available on the profile page of LinkedIn. eg. I am an environmentalist. So I requested a connection from an individual who talks about the environment, naturalism, sustainability, climate change, afforestation, habitat conservation, global warming etc.

Agreed. It makes a conversation much easier if there is a common interest to talk about and share stories. It can put everyone at ease as well before getting to a more serious business topic. Yet it should take over the whole conversation.

In every interaction, be it cultural, ideological, or personal, the quest to connect starts with acknowledging shared experiences, values, or aspirations. This process demands an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a genuine curiosity to explore perspectives beyond our own. By identifying the threads that bind us together, we lay the foundation for meaningful conversations and harmonious relationships. It's through this shared foundation that we can bridge gaps, dissolve misunderstandings, and foster a sense of empathy that transcends our differences. In essence, the pursuit of common ground acts as a compass guiding us towards a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Sharing something about yourself as a way to connect with someone new is a valuable approach. Sharing personal information demonstrates a willingness to be open and vulnerable. It can foster a sense of trust and intimacy, potentially making the other person more inclined to reciprocate. In the right context, sharing personal stories, opinions, or feelings can also serve as conversation starters and help bridge gaps in understanding between individuals. It can create common ground or areas of shared interest that can lead to deeper discussions.

There are pros and cons and cons to that and it will depend how well you may know the person and to what extent to separate personal and work information. However, there may also be work topic, ie also having worked in a certain industry or abroad that provides that balance of work but also something personal to other person can relate to.

Sharing something about yourself can help create a sense of mutual understanding and relatability. Choose a personal experience, hobby, or interest that you think might resonate with the other person. By revealing a bit about your own life, you encourage them to open up as well. This reciprocal sharing fosters a sense of trust and allows for a deeper connection to form.

To connect respectfully and be adaptable, engage in active listening. Show genuine interest, ask open-ended questions, and mirror their body language. Adapt your tone and style to match theirs, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Respect their preferences. If they're formal, maintain professionalism; if informal, be more relaxed. Be open to various conversation topics, focusing on their interests. Embrace their opinions, even if different, and find common ground. Empathize with their emotions and respond supportively. This fosters understanding. In essence, respectful connection involves active listening, adapting tone, and valuing their perspective. Adapting helps bridge gaps and cultivate meaningful interactions.

I would say respect is the base of any conversation / interaction. This ranges from the time you take, to tone used, how you address the person, listening and not just talking, giving them their space and above all not judging. We all have our own opinions based on our culture and upbringing. Having lived in 10 countries taught me that my values and opinions do not apply to everyone. Always have an open mind.

Respect their opinions, boundaries, and cultural differences. Approach conversations with an open mind, acknowledging that they might have perspectives different from your own. Adapt your communication style to match theirs, whether it's through tone, pace, or language, to create a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere. By showing respect and adaptability, you demonstrate empathy and a willingness to connect on their terms, which paves the way for a smoother and more meaningful interaction.

A quick note after a conversation with some details as to the value it brought to you, any action and or next call / meeting. If there are actions, give some time line and suggestion for follow up. Do not over do it either. For example, after a sales call or job interview sending regular follow ups without adding value to the conversation.

I 100% with finding different social circles to connect with people. This helps ease the anxiety about meeting new people. I’ve found some of the most valuable connections came from networks outside of my place of employment that extended into other areas of personal interest. Don’t be afraid, you never know who you will meet that can be a valuable investment into your future.

Remember the silver rule: The golden rule “treat others the way you wish to be treated” appears to be outdated. Not everyone will want to be treated the way you expect or want to be treated. The silver rule goes: treat others how THEY wish to be treated. Ask questions. Explore what styles work best for them. Meet the client where they’re at and guide them to a space where they can be their authentic selves. We also cannot assume clients are fully ready to engage in the process simply because they initiate therapy. Change and newness can be scary, and one way to make it less scary for the client is to remember the therapeutic process is individualized and therefore needs to be adjusted client to client based on a client’s need.

If you’re really trying to create a connection, be yourself. All the previously mentioned communication skills might create an “artificial” good first impression. But if two humans want to actually connect, they both need to be raw, vulnerable and unmasked.

In addition to the previously mentioned aspects, consider the following: - Finding common ground and displaying positivity. - Identifying shared interests or shared values. - Maintaining a positive attitude to make interactions more enjoyable. - Expressing enthusiasm and optimism to create an inviting environment for the other person. - Maintaining an open conversation to engage more freely and understand their expectations.