How To Talk To Strangers

Meeting someone for the first time can be nerve-wracking.?Some folks feel awkward talking to someone they don't know.?However, there are many instances during your career where you will need to know how to talk to strangers.??

• Networking events
• Conferences
• During a meeting
• In an elevator

The more confident you are at communicating , the more comfortable you will be striking up a conversation with a stranger.?

Below are three strategies to help you learn how to talk to strangers.

1. Find Common Ground

One of the easiest ways to talk to a stranger is to find common ground.?This is because when you talk about something that interests both of you, the conversation generally flows more easily. For example, if you both like Sushi, you can talk about your favorite Sushi restaurants in town.?However, first, you need to find common ground.

There are several ways to find common ground with a stranger.

• Ask Questions - Asking questions is a great way to get to know someone and find common ground.?You can ask a variety of questions to find common ground with someone.?
• Make Observations - Another way to find common ground is to make observations.?This means commenting on where you are, the food you are eating, or the weather. Talking about the weather is one of the easiest ways to find common ground with another person.
• Give Compliments - Giving compliments can help you find common ground because you are telling the other person something you like that they like too.?

??We recommend the e-course "How To Build Rapport Quickly" to help you learn more about finding common ground with another person.

When you find common ground with a stranger, it will quickly open up your communication lines.?This will help you connect as your conversation continues.?

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2. Positive Body Language

When you first meet someone, you must practice positive body language. ?This is because your body language can tell someone how you think and feel without speaking. You will want to project confidence and warmth when talking to a stranger.

There are a few things to consider:

• Posture - If you want to project confidence, you will need to sit/stand up straight, with your shoulders back, and your head held high.?A confident posture will help you shake off any nerves you have when talking to a stranger.
• Gestures - When you meet someone for the first time, you will want to be mindful of your gestures.?This means making sure you don't use any accusatory gestures like pointing.?You will also want to make sure your gestures match your message.?This means using appropriate hand motions while speaking.
• Eye Contact - When you make eye contact with the person you are speaking with, you show you are confident and interested.?Be sure you are making eye contact when they speak as well.?If you don't, you may come across as bored.?

In our e-course, Mastering Non-Verbal Communications , you will learn how to command attention and establish your presence without speaking at all.

Practicing positive body language will help you show interest and confidence when meeting a stranger for the first time.

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3. Awkward Pauses

When you meet someone for the first time, you may end up having a few awkward pauses.?Don't let this stop you from continuing the conversation.?In our e-course, The Art Of Communication , you will learn strategies to help you become an effective communicator, even in awkward situations.

There are several things you can do to make these pauses less awkward.

• Previous Topic - When there is a lull in your conversation, you can go back to the previous topic.?Since you were just talking about it, going back won't seem like you are grasping at something to talk about.
• Make "I" Statements - Sometimes awkward pauses come along because both parties, you and the person you are speaking with, don't know what to say next.?Even asking another question won't help continue the conversation. In this case, you can make "I" statements.?This means making a statement about yourself.
• Natural End - If you've been speaking to a stranger and an awkward pause arises, it could be a sign your conversation has naturally come to an end.?And that's okay! Remember, this is your first conversation.?You are building rapport.?It takes time to get to know someone and for them to get to know you.

The truth is, there will be awkward moments when you meet someone for the first time.?Don't panic if an awkward pause arises.?Use the pause to go back to the previous subject, make an "I" statement, or decide the conversation has naturally ended.?

Talking to strangers is a communication skill you can learn.?Finding common ground and practicing positive body language will help you build rapport.?Being okay with awkward pauses will help you become more comfortable in these situations.

To read the full article click here!

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