During our lifetime, we meet innumerable people and starting a conversation with them, sometimes becomes very difficult and painful. We do not know how to begin, we hesitate and sometimes feel uncomfortable in such situations. 

However do not feel shy and apprehensive. In this article we are going to stress on how to start a good conversation.

Steps for starting a conversation

1.Break the ice

Break the ice means getting comfortable with someone. You can choose a topic which is easy for you and use this to initiate your conversation with a new person. One of the easiest way is to say hello, your name and give a firm handshake. You can even start by greeting or asking the basic information like the time or address. Another great ice breaker is a compliment. Find something you like about them and tell them.

Examples:

· Excuse me, do you know what time is it?
· Sorry to bother you, but where is the St. Lousia point?
· Excuse me, are you going to the restaurant?
· Your dog is very cute.

2. Add a follow up question

For the conservation to keep going, you need to prepare  some follow up questions as well. Questions are always better than comments, because they make the other person talk, and this also gives you time to think of new things to say.

Examples:

· How are you?
· Where are you from?
· What are you doing here?
· Are you having a good time?



3. Ask some more questions

Just pay attention to the answers from your first questions and ask for some more details. It is a normal tendency that people like talking about themselves. Below are some sample conversations.

Neetu – How are you?
Lola – I am a little exhausted.
Neetu – Oh! Why so?
Lola - I didn’t sleep well last night.
Neetu – That’s sad. What went wrong?
Lola – I was in Office till 2.30 am and came home late.

The above conversations show us how a question gives us a start.

4. Prepare about yourself

Just like the way you asked the questions, the other person will also ask the same questions. Conversation isn’t always about asking questions. Keep your answers short and simple so that you don’t make mistakes and answer them confidently.

5. Have an exit response

Lastly, it’s important to have an exit response as not all conversations are going to be good. When you have nothing to say you can politely exit the conversation by saying

Excuse me, I need to (find my friend/go to a meeting)

· Well, it’s been lovely talking to you.
· Best of luck.
· Nice to meet you, XYZ.
· Enjoy your time here!

Keep smiling and be confident. As people mostly remember your smile and confidence more than any errors. Keep practicing the above-mentioned steps to help develop confidence and improve your English communication skills as well as increase your English speaking fluency.

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- By Shailja Varma

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