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