Starting Conversation with Anyone Anywhere

If you want to become a Master-Communicator – then you have to constantly work on sharpening the finer aspects of communication* like –

1.   Asking-questions*

2.   Empathy*

3.   Listening* [with intent to understand and not reply]

4.   Resolving-conflicts* through open-dialogue*

5.   Courage-to-express*-yourself, Assertiveness*

6.   Having-Discussions*[rather than arguments to prove yourself right and also to show-off how smart you are] etc.

 {all the *marked ones have detailed DIY blogs in "from the heart of Subhashis" in "Success Unlimited Mantra"}

 If you have polished refined the subtle art of the aforesaid finesse – then

1.   The world will look up to you

2.   You would attain an enviable and unparalleled Personal-power*.

3.   You would attract and build relationship* with right type of powerful* people

4.   You would get help from the right people

5.   You would have meaningful relationship with those who matters and are power-to-be You will be yourself*[this is the best gift you can give to yourself as well people closer to you

6.   You will also have lesser degree of anxiety* and stress*

7.   Your personality will that be of Sophisticated-Classy-Sassy one

 On the other hand, if you don't focus on polishing your communication and conversational-intelligence – you would not be able to build trust, rapport and connectivity with people.

 It is possible that You are already a natural conversation-starter and being and extrovert you love meeting and connecting with new people -BUT – are you comfortable with walking up to someone powerful at an event—and start talking and leave a lasting-impression.

 The process of starting a conversation in any of the meeting, gathering, event or even with a stranger starts with breaking-ice to make both parties comfortable with each-other.

 And if you are an introvert and shy – it is definitely advisable if you have a collection of [well-thought of + practiced + tested] – icebreakers.

 Most introverts are misunderstood, ignored or not considered weighty – as far as their abilities, skills and competencies are concerned.

 This article is about creating a bouquet of situational questions as well as conversational topics – you must create your own – these are just example starters.

 The best ones are those which are spontaneous and directly from your heart.

 A big misconception among the masses about introverts and Shy's is – that they don't enjoy the company of people.

 They enjoy the company of people as extrovert do – but they need me-time* to re-energize themselves.

 The challenge for introverts is not having a conversation – BUT - initiating the interaction.

 Whether we are an introvert or an extrovert - all of us can remember and recall awkward moments in initiating and maintaining conversations.

 Pre-requisite of a great conversation starter

 1.   Curiosity element

2.   A topic that is non-threatening or non-judgmental [to involve the insecured/ low-self-esteem people]

3.   A subject – where all can participate

4.   Element of controversy – are – good conversational starters – as long as they don't hurt or attack anyone in anyway

5.   Should have broad scope of answering to solicit engaging responses

6.   Non-routine, non-conventional topics

 Sample Conversation Topics - Professional Networking Events

 1.   The Global Scenario Affecting That Particular Industries

2.   Technological Changes

3.   The disruptive trends

4.   The cultural in various organization

5.   The challenges you are facing

 Questions/Topics for DATING and/or with Strangers

[Just don't mix the dating questions with the other people]

 1.   Your date has probably figured out you are an introvert and has agreed to go out with you - so you should never try speak all the time out of sheer nervousness

2.   Practice Classy Pick-up lines*

3.   Read my blog Master-Pillow-talks*

4.   Don't try to impress but to express yourself*

5.   Read my blog on Humor* and making-others-laugh*

6.   Talk about your nervousness

7.   Turn your weakness into your strength* by having a conversation around it

8.   Assume that your date is an old friend and start conversing as if you have known him/her since ages

9.   Say the things you normally say, not what you think she expects to hear

10. On your initial dates – take walk in park, visit places of interest like galleries and museum or zoo etc

 Questions/Topics to talk - When ice is broken

 1.   Their biggest dreams

2.   What makes them come alive

3.   What makes them feel bored

4.   What makes them go out of their ways

5.   Their struggles past and current

6.   Their most

7.   Embarrassing moments

8.   Happiest moments

9.   Proudest moments

10. Successful moments

11. Memorable moments

12. Heart-break moments

13. Their hobbies and interests

14. Their Most Annoying pet-peeves

15. A tricky problem that needs solving

16. The parts of you that you don’t share with just anyone

17. An event that changed your life

18. Books, Music, Movies

19. Anything genuine and intelligent

20. Make a statement to express your opinion or views – the seek theirs by asking a question

21. Being honest and being yourself

22. Some classy jokes – these you have to master the art of delivery

23. Something that you feel many of them or that particular person may agree – like These networking events are so crazy and start a conversation about your mutual distaste

24. Something about your own what you might be feeling awkward with like - I can’t believe how under-dressed I am for this event OR The only person I know here is myself and the person serving drinks and I just met him two minutes ago

25. Ask about something that the other person would be happy to share with you Like Any chance you know a great sushi place around here

26. Their turn offs

27. What countries have you traveled to - What was your worst vacation experience – which one was the best ad most memorable

28. Compliment something other than someone’s looks

29. Ask for their honest opinion on a topic you are really interested in

 Few Interesting Questions – taken from Internet - for full read "How to Start Conversation" in Success Unlimited Mantra's DIY Blog "from the heart of Subhashis"