How to Start and Exit Conversations PDF

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How to Start and Exit Conversations...

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Starting and Exiting Conversations at Events, at the Gym, Conferences, House Parties, or even Cafés The second hardest thing in a conversation is to start it, so the following are ideas for how to begin a conversation: 1. Ask someone something they can easily answer; once the person answers you, don’t rush, but instead take a breath and continue the conversation. Example: • “Do you know where the washrooms are?” • ::Hear answer:: • “Thanks – I’ve never been here before. How about you? Is this a place/area of the city that you know well?” Other things you can ask: • “Is the such-and-such game/fight/match on tonight? Do you know of a good place to watch it?” • “If you were new to Toronto, what would you do or see to decide if you wanted to stay?” Tap into how people feel about things/events. Most of us are very willing and even excited to share our feelings about sporting events, our city, etc. Avoid politics in these initial conversations. 2. Ask what brought the person to this place or event. A version of this, which I use often is, “So who do you know here?” OR “How did you hear about this event/party/café (if it’s new)?” OR “How do you know ________ (the host)?” 3. Compliment a person on/ask a person about something he/she/they is wearing or using: scarf, glasses, piece of clothing, phone. Tell the person why you like it (ex: the colours are striking). People love compliments, and most people tend to immediately drop their guard when they get a compliment. Watch though – most people can pick up false flattery easily, and that can be a conversation killer. 4. Instead of asking how someone’s day was or has been going, invite them into a conversation by asking, “What was the best part of your day (or week if it’s a Friday/weekend event)? 5. Introduce yourself. “Hi, I don’t think I’ve met you. I’m Heather.” This is bold, but it sends a message that you’re looking to connect and interested in meeting people.

Sources: “7 Great Conversation Starters that Actually Work.” AWxinc. YouTube. 21 Mar 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019. “5 Ways to End a Conversation.” AWxinc. YouTube. 18 Apr 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019. “3 Easy Ways to Start a Conversation with Anyone.” Charisma on Command. YouTube. 4 Sep 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019.

I’ve used all of these conversation starters, and if the person is at all interested in conversing with someone, he/she/they will happily jump into the conversation with you, because by asking a question that requires more than a yes/no or short answer response, you’ve opened the door for the person to talk about self, and people love talking about themselves. Once they begin talking, listen attentively, and ask follow-up questions, until you want to exit the conversation. Then begin to wind it down. Here are some suggestions for how to gracefully exit a conversation. Some would argue that the hardest part of conversing with someone you’ve just met is ending it. The following are tips for exiting the conversation: 1. “It was really nice to meet you.” OR “It was really nice chatting with you.” This is most effective when the conversation is clearly winding down or there is a lull in the conversation. This allows the conversation to end on a positive note, and it also opens up a natural opportunity to connect again in a more formal meeting (Information Interview) if you want to do so: “It’s been really nice chatting with you. I’d love to chat with you again, and find out more about your job/career path/work at such-and-such. Could I follow up with an email?” If the answer’s yes, then get the email address. • Note: This also works if you get stuck in a one-sided conversation with someone who is endlessly talking about a topic you have no interest in/or an inappropriate topic. At the first split-second lull, thrust your hand forwards and say, “It was great chatting with you.” Smile, shake hands and exit without apology. 2. “I need to say hello to the host.” “I need to catch so-and-so before she leaves. It was great chatting with you.” If you feel you need a buffer between the conversation and your exit, this is it. You need to speak to someone else, something that’s common and expected at any event. 3. Introduce the person to someone else: “Have you met so-and-so?” Introduce them, and then tell them that you’ll leave them to chat, and move along. 4. “I’m going to go grab a drink.” OR “I’m going to grab a bite to eat, but it was really nice chatting with you.” As you can see, the latter phrase is your best friend when it comes to exiting conversations.

Sources: “7 Great Conversation Starters that Actually Work.” AWxinc. YouTube. 21 Mar 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019. “5 Ways to End a Conversation.” AWxinc. YouTube. 18 Apr 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019. “3 Easy Ways to Start a Conversation with Anyone.” Charisma on Command. YouTube. 4 Sep 2017. Web. 21 Jan 2019....