Reach out and meet someone – take a chance!
Connecting with strangers is difficult for most of us but the possibility of meeting a new friend should overcome your trepidations about taking the risk. It might be a random encounter in a grocery store line, or a connection at an event where you know there are people like you, but there are some things you can do to ease an initial conversation with anyone.
Some things that might help:
A smile and friendly greeting works well along with good eye contact. Someone knowing you are a friendly is going to help even if they have no interest.
Find a connection – it might be a logo on a hat, a book that person is carrying or a million other things that might make an intro about the other person versus a generic “how you doing?”.
Fit the situation: A humorous comment may be great in some cases as an icebreaker, but likely not at a funeral or memorial service.
Keep it light – likely no need to dive into deep philosophical conversation from the outset.
Be good listener. Pay attention to the reaction and adjust accordingly. Being respectful an important element to whether a conversation evolves.
Some things to avoid:
Ear buds, phone, distractions – if the person is clearly tied up with something else, move along.
Interrupting – if you get the other person talking, listen and absorb what they are saying versus immediately butting in.
Don’t make it about you: Always tempting to share, but you are the one reaching out. Wait for them to ask you a question.
Touching – touching is a very personal thing, best reserved for some later point.
Glancing around/not listening – why did you start if you weren’t going to listen?
Some people are good at meeting others, but with a little practice, you can enhance your skills at reaching out and starting conversations. You never know where a conversation might lead.
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash