How to Easily Start a Conversation with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere

Do you struggle with small talk? Do you often run out of things to say or feel awkward and self-conscious in social situations? If starting a conversation feels awkward or even terrifying to you, you’re not alone.

Most of us have chosen isolation over connection. Texting and emailing can feel safer and just plain easier, and finding folks who know how to start a conversation is becoming harder.

How to communicate with confidence and start a conversation naturally.

If you want to have great natural conversations with everyone you meet, these are some tips that lead to amazing and memorable conversations.

1. Relax.

Don't overthink it. We often obsess with how we look, how we are standing or what people are going to think about us. Don't worry about that stuff, often times most people are thinking about themselves and not you. Be confident like you are approaching an old friend.

2. Make Eye Contact and Smile

This is big! The eyes receive way more information than the ears. Especially when we first meet someone face to face, we are creating a human connection that goes deeper than a verbal conversation. Just make sure that your making a quick glance and not an awkward stare!

3. Introduce yourself

Example: Hi, I'm Jason... Give them time to respond and then follow up with a conversation starter.

4. Ask Open Ended Questions to Start the Conversation

Examples: How's your day going?

What's your story? Tell me about you.

What was the highlight of your day?

Working on anything exciting?

How did you become interested in [topic]?

How do you know the host?

What are your favorite restaurants around here?

How's that [drink/food]?

Having fun?

5. Make them feel important by truly listening

In many of our conversations we are quick to speak and don't take the time to truly listen. When we slow down and truly listen to someone, it helps them feel appreciated, known and loved.

People will pay more attention to what you have to say if they truly feel you care about them. Take opportunities to turn the conversation back on the other person with open-ended and follow-up questions

" My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,.” — James 1:19 CSB

6. Ask Follow Up Questions to Keep the Conversation Going

Examples: Wow, what was that like?

That sounds interesting, tell me more about that.

Why is that your favorite?

What's you favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Have you been here before?

How long have you worked/lived/vacationed here?

What's the best thing about [working/living/visiting] here?

7. Remember...Don't sweat it

The goal here is to connect with another human being. Most of the time, people will appreciate the effort you’re making to get to know them—even if it’s unexpected or even slightly awkward.

At the biological, psychological and spiritual levels, we’re starving for human connection. Remember God said "It is not good for man to be alone."

" Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; ” — Genesis 2:18 NASB

You can provide a much-needed gift by smiling, listening, relaxing your body position, being confident, asking them questions, and being genuinely interested in their answers. You might even make a new friend.

CONCLUSION

Don't continue to live without making new human connections. We have to connect with real people through real conversations. Our lives depend on it. Thankfully, it’s a skill we can all practice. How else can we make Heaven crowded?