Questions to Ask People: Conversation Starters
Talking to someone is probably the best way to make friends and start relationships. When you don`t know somebody, starting a conversation is awkward but it can be done. What other way to meet new people than start talking to them. Conversation starters help you have some idea about what to say. You can start by introducing yourself and then you can give a compliment. If you are confident then it`s not such a big deal. People like a person who is happy and joyful and it`s a good idea to smile and be kind. Here are some examples of conversation starters : if you are in a library then you can ask a question about a book. If you are in a restaurant then asking about the menu or about food can also start a really interesting conversation.
At parties or in clubs people are more relaxed and willing to talk to each other. Here you can start by saying something funny or ask for an opinion . A more simple way is to smile and keep eye contact. You would be surprised , but it really works. A direct approach is good for people who are sure of themselves. All these techniques to start a conversation can work only if you are confident and relaxed. Nervousness can be seen a mile away and when starting a conversation you have to make the other person open up and feel comfortable.
Asking questions when starting a conversation helps you to keep the conversation going. It would help to ask open ended question, meaning questions that are more complex and so need a complex answer not a yes or no one. Don`t ask too many questions though, because the other person will end up feeling interviewed. The topics you can approach are endless. Usually they are common, like weather, work, hobbies, movies, music etc. Asking questions related to these topics allows you to get to know someone better. A tip to have a good conversation is to listen more. Say something about you, a few details, and then let the other person talk. It shows that you are interested and it`s a plus.
In general funny and cheerful people attract the most. So starting with a funny remark can make you look good. But don`t exaggerate, you don`t want to be the party clown. You can ask questions that make people think , especially in a crowd. For example : if you won a million dollar prize what would you do? Or if you had only a few days to live, what would you do? . The attention will be on you and in this way you can talk with any of the people in that room.
In conclusion, people like talking about everything. Finding a topic is the least of your problems. Conversation starters and questions are all you need to have a conversation. The rest it`s up to you.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
Top 10 Conversation Starters
There is nothing worse, when meeting someone for the first time, than that awkward silence after the initial greeting. You can pass the silence with some conversation starters. At a party , in a club, at a bookstore or at work, conversation starters can help you initiate a conversation with someone you like. It`s difficult to think of something to say, because you worst thought is being rejected. Well you are starting with the wrong foot. Think positive and be confident, what`s the worst thing than can happen? You don`t have nothing to lose. The good news is that breaking the ice with people is something that gets easier with practice, and once you get in the habit then it will become second nature.
Here are the top 10 conversation starters that can make your job more easy:
1) be direct! Confidence is attractive to both sexes. So you can go right ahead and say something like : i`m the cutest guy or girl in here, what are you gonna do to impress me? This is a fun and playful way to start a conversation.
2). teasing someone can be a fantastic way to start things up. If you are in a group of friends were there are people you don`t know but you like then this is a great way to make yourself noticed.
3.) Introduce yourself. As simple as it sounds, just introducing yourself with a “Hi, my name is (your name)” is a great and effective way to meet someone. If they respond with a smile then you’re on the right way.
4 ). asking for an advice or an opinion works all the time. People love to give their opinions. You can ask something like : if you are in a restaurant then this is perfect- What’s good on the menu in here? If you’re out shopping at the mall, Hey quick question, do these sunglasses (or whatever item you are trying on) make me look more or less sexy? You can ask questions from your head, the idea is to just relate them to the surroundings.
5). It`s in close relationship with 4. Commenting about surroundings. For example if you are at a bookstore then you can ask something related to the book that person chose “ that book is great I read it a couple of days ago”.
6). sometimes a long smile can start a conversation. Also eye contact is good but just make sure you don`t stare too much because it can become weird.
7). Making a compliment out of the blue. This is a tip for people who feel more confident on their powers. You can relate to the person`s clothing, eyes, shoes, necklace or hair. Any compliment is welcomed.
8 ) No 8 in our top 10 conversation starters is dancing. If you are at a party or in a club then dancing is a great alternative.
9) Looking for similarities between the two of you, can easily start a conversation. You can ask something like : “hey, do you work at X company? I`m pretty sure I’ve seen you there.”
And the last but not least no 10 is your own choice. Say whatever comes on your mind, just be yourself and see what happens.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
Conversation Starters for Old People
Conversation starters help you dive in a discussion with a more confident attitude. Knowing some conversation starters helps you stay relax and sure of yourself that the discussion will go accordingly. But conversation starters for old people is another thing. Old people usually talk about food, house chores, illnesses and old age. For teenagers , old people are plain boring. Going to grandma when you were a child was the best thing that could ever happen to you. But growing up , your interests change and talking with somebody elder is torture.
Old people should be respected for their age and for their life experience. If you really talk to older people, you will be surprised to see that they are quite interesting. Everybody has a story to tell, old people have once been young so their stories are maybe more fun and interesting than yours. They lived in different times and only this detail should start up an appetite for discussion. Here are some examples of conversation starters for old people.: first be kind and gentile with them, smile a lot and ask something like : do you need a help with that? Or hy my name is X and i think your nephew is a friend of mine.
Old people would talk to anyone who wants to listen. They don`t care who hears their story, the important thing is that they relive those moments. Now when they are old there`s not much they can do but only remembering those days. You can ask about what they did when they were young, if they went to army, if they loved many girls etc. They will be more than glad to satisfy your curiosity. Old people have a young soul but trapped in an old body. They want to do so many things but the body doesn`t help them. It`s sad to see old people in pain, because they used to be like each one of you . Maybe the next time you have the chance to talk to your grandma or any other old person, you will take it and enjoy the stories. You can learn a lot from their experience. There are so many things that we don`t know and the advice of an old man is better than any other advice you get.
Conversations between old people are all about, life, their children and grandchildren and their pain and struggle with one or another disease. They complain a lot to each other and brag about their family that is doing just fine. They are not to blame, after a while we will be like them and talk about our children in the same way. A child is a parent`s jewelry and at an age they are all yo’ve got. So, give elders a chance and appreciate them while they are still here.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
Conversation Starters for Pragmatic Language
Pragmatics means the ability of natural language speakers to communicate more than that which is explicitly stated. The ability to understand what other people messages is called pragmatic competence. Pragmatics deals with the ways we reach our goal in communication. For example let`s say that somebody wants to ask someone else to stop smoking. They can ask in 2 different ways : first. The person could say : ‘Stop smoking, please! This is a very direct phrase or Oh, this room could use an air purifier’ saying the same thing but indirectly and so it requires a pragmatic inference. People can say words clearly and use complex sentences correctly grammatical but still have a communication problem.
Pragmatic language involves communication skills like :using language for different purposes ( informing, greeting, promising, requesting), following rules such as taking turns in a conversation, talking about one topic at a time, rephrasing when doesn`t understand., using verbal and nonverbal signs. Body language is very important so one needs to be very careful at his reactions.
Conversation starters for pragmatic language is more difficult. You have to follow all the rules and have a perfect conversation. Firstly when starting a conversation you need to use greetings like : hello how are you? Introducing yourself is very good and then starting a conversation on a certain topic. Smiling and being kind is also required. Say something about you and then let the other person continue. Listening is the key in using pragmatic language. Also transmitting a message successfully is a challenge. The way you talk and the words you use as well as the gestures , all contribute at a clear message.
Here are some examples of conversation starters for pragmatic language : you can start with a remark about the place you are in, or about the host party you are at. Starting a conversation about the weather is acceptable but make it more personal like : i can`t stand the cold outside, i`m used to warm temperatures, you? There are people who have pragmatic problems, and this is seen when they say inappropriate or unrelated things during a conversation, they have little variety in language use or they can even tell stories in a disorganized way. For children is usual but if after the years pass, this doesn`t change then you have to seek a counselor. Pragmatic disorders can often have also slow vocabulary development or grammar.
Pragmatic problems can lower social acceptance. This disorder can be fixed with help of special trained people who know how to teach children how to talk and send a correct message. This problem has to be solved from an early age, so that when growing old , it doesn`t affect that person`s life. Conversation starters for pragmatic language requires conversation skills and especially following the rules of a good conversation. people nowadays should pay more attention at the way they are interacting with others because this determines our status in society.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
Conversation Starters On The Web
Starting a conversation is most of the times difficult. Everyone has experienced some silent and awkward moments. To end this uncomfortable situation you have to keep in mind some tips and conversation starters. For example if you are at a party you can ask something like : How do you know the host?” What do you think of the party? It turned out nice.. Asking for an opinion always works because people love to give them. You can also start by saying something like : I can’t stand this cold weather because I grew up near the beach, how about you?. These kind of questions can start a pleasant conversation. A tip is to always ask open ended questions. In this way the answer is not a yes or no one and from the answer you get you can ask related questions.
Nowadays internet has become a necessity. Everyone knows how to use the internet and a computer. Through internet you can make new friends and talk constantly. Conversation starters on the web are more challenging. On the web it`s easy to refuse a conversation if you don`t wanna talk with that particular person. Nobody sees you and this can be a two way “street”. For some web is very helpful because in a normal situation they wouldn`t be able to talk to someone, because they are either shy or very frustrated about their appearance. So, talking on the web is comfortable. You talk with someone about everything that crosses your mind and you can do many things in the same thing. It doesn`t matter what you are doing on the other side of the glass. What matters is only the words put down and if you are a good conversationalist then this is the perfect opportunity to widen your group of friends. Conversation starters on the web are maybe the best way to knowing somebody really well.
Starting with a genuine hello, my name is X , am I disturbing? can make the virtual person answer nicely. From this point on it`s up to you. You can ask questions about family, work, hobbies, friends, movies, music or pets. For example you can ask something like : “so, do you have any brothers or sisters? or “ I live in Bucharest , you? Do you work? Where? Oh i heard about that company, good for you. A tip is to give few details about yourself and then let the other person talk. People love to talk about themselves, especially women. Giving some details about you makes people open up more quickly and build trust.
Doesn`t matter what topic you choose to talk about, the important thing is to keep the conversation going with open ended questions. But don`t exaggerate, because the other person will feel like being at an interview. A conversation on the web is based only on words. Body language gestures and face are not required. So talk casual, don`t put too many questions, and don`t be very insistent. Be yourself, it`s the best way to go.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
Conversation Starters With Your Crush
Every conversation has similar outlines: making first contact, introductions, speaking with each other, and then ending the conversation – hopefully with plans to meet again. It`s a known fact that all first dates can be awkward. The main reason is the lack of communication, that doesn`t come easy between two strangers. Conversation starters are those first words that can generate a discussion or can fall from the beginning.These conversation starters can save a date from begin a total disaster. Conversation starters with your crush , are the most nerve-raking ones. If you like someone and you need to start talking, then this is a great challenge. A tip is to relax yourself and be confident. Being nervous is very easily seen through body language, tone of voice etc and so you have to act casual. In the end, you don`t have nothing to lose. Another tip to make things go smoothly is giving a compliment. This can be helpful, you can say : “ you look fantastic “ or you can make a compliment regarding the clothes or the car.
Another tip is not to talk about you too much, because it can become boring for the other person. Give 2 or 3 details about you and then try to relate to your partner. Keep in mind that a conversation is a two-way process that involves 2 people and so you have to include your date also. Try to be funny but not in an obvious and disturbing way. Don`t say bad jokes or nasty ones , try to be funny about the situation and most of all try to be honest. There are many topics you can approach for your conversation starters with your crush. For example you can start by saying something like :“so.. “What interesting things did you do this week-end”? or a statement like „ I have never been to this restaurant before , i heard they have also chinese food”. This way you can start a conversation about food, and you can find out what he/she likes. From this topic you can approach many other topics like places you have visited , locations, trips you have made and things you both have in common.
A helpful thing to relate to is the surrounding you are in. Starting a conversation in this way can generate other subjects. If the one you have a crush on, likes you back then they will start talking. To keep the conversation going should be best to ask open ended questions. These questions require complex answers and not a yes or no ones Always smiling and having a relaxed attitude leaves a good impression for future dates you might have. If you both click then it`s more easy to make conversation. Sometimes a look is all that’s needed to break the ice. When faced with a person you find attractive, a smile is all you need. So be yourself and be confident, the rest will follow.
Published by admin, on Apr 03 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized