How can you start a conversation when you have nothing to talk
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The document provides tips for starting a conversation when you have nothing to talk about. It suggests introducing yourself if needed, remarking on the location or occasion, and asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Open-ended questions tend to start with who, what, when, where, why and how rather than closed questions that start with do, have, is. It also recommends combining remarks with questions and keeping the conversation light with small talk while actively listening and synchronizing with the other person's cues. Sensory words that encourage description and responding thoughtfully if the other seems uncomfortable are also suggested.
How can you start a conversation when you have nothing to talk
- 1. Conversational Openings Convention
- 2. How can you start a conversation when you have nothing to talk? Starting a conversation to get to know someone or break an awkward silence can be very stressful. To start a conversation when you have nothing to talk about use these guidelines
- 3. 1.Introduce yourself if necessary • If you don't know the person, breaking the ice is very simple: – look approachable, tell the new person your name, offer your hand to shake, and smile.
- 4. 2. Remark on the location or occasion • Look around and see if there is anything worth pointing out. Examples or location or occasion comments: "This is a gorgeous room!", " such an incredible place", " I love this view".
- 5. 3. Ask an open ended question • Most people love to talk about themselves; it's your place as the conversation starter to get them going. An open ended question requires an explanation for an answer rather than just a simple yes or no. Open questions tend to begin with " who, when, where and how" whereas closed questions tend to start with "do, have and is/am/are". – Closed questions:" Do you like books?", " Have you been to the university?", " Is spring your favorite season?", " am I intruding?", and " Do you come here often?" – Open-ended questions: "what sort of books do you like?", " what did you study at university?", " Which is your favorite season? why?," what are you doing right now" and " where's your usual watering hole?"
- 6. 4.Know how to combine general remarks with open-ended questions. • Since other one of these might be awkward or out-of-place on its own .combine them for maximum effect. For example: – "This is a nice hand bag, where did you get it?" – This lets the handbag owner talk about the day – that he went shopping .
- 7. 5.Keep the conversation going with small talk • This keeps the conversation light and simple, which is specifically useful for people who are still getting to know one another better.
- 8. 6.Synchronize • If your partner in a conversation has started talking, follow his or her cues to keep the conversation going smoothly. Use active listening to reflect what they're saying and to summarize their possible feelings.
- 9. 7.Use words of sensory nature. • These words are such as " see", " imagine", " feel", "tell", "sense" etc. which encourage the other person to keep painting a descriptive picture as part of their conversation – For example: what are your new plans for renewing downtown?
- 10. 8.Respond thoughtfully • Respond thoughtfully to someone who remains awkward or uncomfortable in your presence, If your conversation partner appears withdrawn and uninterested in sharing information with you, don't persist too much ; try a little more than before