The conversation is our main way of expressing our ideas, opinions, goals, and feelings to those we come into contact with. It is also the primary means of beginning and establishing friendships and relationships. Starting a conversation with someone you have never met before can be stressful and difficult unless you have the right mind-set. Start a conversation with a stranger gives you a whole new experience. It can change your perspective. To start a conversation with a stranger just gather enthusiasm, positivity, energy. The key to holding a long conversation is F O R D
F- Family
O- Occupation
R β Recreation
D- Dreams
It is an empowering mindset to be able to create conversation with potentially anyone. The ability to communicate in an informal and friendly manner is essential for every aspect of a personβs business, social, and personal life.
The problem arises when comfort and confidence are replaced by anxiety and fear. This article will help you identify which communication skills should you learn to become more confident. You must have the desire to change, reach out to others, and try some new ideas. Set a goal to connect with others.
Body Language
One of our most important communication skills does not come to form the tongue, but also from our body. Research has shown that over half of face to face conversation is nonverbal. 'Body languages' often communicate our feelings and attitudes before we speak. We are judged quickly by the first signals we give off and if the first impressions are not open and friendly it will be difficult to maintain a good conversation. The following technique will be very much helpful.

Body language + Tone of voice + Words = Total Communication
With practice and greater awareness of body language, you will be able to encourage others to approach you and feel comfortable. When you meet a stranger at a party the easiest way to start the conversation is to introduce yourself.

Risk versus Rejection
It takes a certain amount of risk to begin a conversation with a stranger. Most shy people donβt start conversations because they fear being rejected. This prevents them from reaching out to others. One thing keeps in mind that risk-taking and rejection are part of life. The advantage of being the first to say hello is that it allows you to guide the direction of the conversation, and gives the other person the impression that you are confident, friendly, and open. The more you practice starting a conversation, the better responses you will get. But all the persons are not alike you may be rejected sometimes then use it as a lesson and adjust your approach for next time. If you are rejected donβt automatically assume itβs your fault.
Ask easy-to-answer Ritual questions
Ritual questions are easy to answer requests for information. Ritual questions can be used to overcome with someone you donβt know and wish to speak to. The easiest way to start a conversation with a stranger is to notice something interesting about the person you wish to speak with. Second, you notice something that the person is carrying. Thirdly you start a conversation is to make a comment or ask a question based on the situation. It is best to focus on positive things rather than complaining about the negative. Ritual questions are good for breaking the fear and starting a conversation. Exchanging ritual information also follows you to prepare to introduce yourself to the other person.
There are two types of ritual questions one is closed-ended that asks for a yes, no or short answer and another one is open-minded that asks for a more detailed answer.
Some examples of close-ended ritual questions are listed below:
- Do you live around here?
- Do you like food?
- What time is it?
- Are you going to the park?
- When did you get here?
- Where are you from?
- Are you enjoying your stay here?
- Is this your first visit here?
Some examples of open-minded ritual questions are listed below:
- How did you find your apartment?
- In what ways do you think this country (city, college, etc.)
- has changed?
- How did you get involved in that line of work?
- Why did you decide to move there?
- What brings you to our town?
- What do you like to do on your days off?


Know what to say by Listening
Know what to say next by listening carefully for keywords, facts, opinions, feelings, and most of all free information. Conversation problems include poor listening, memory, and concentration skills. People speak slowly and with lengthy pauses between thoughts. Asking relevant follow-up questions based on what the other person has said shows you are listening. Close-ended-questions help to clarify facts and details. Open-ended questions encourage to the speaker to elaborate and suggest that you are interested in the topic.
A good listener is actively involved in the conversation and can often relate what the speaker is going to say next. This involvement shows concern and interest, and will usually reinforce facts and details. Conversations are more fun when you get actively involved. By participating, you will improve your listening skills. You link your prior knowledge and experience.
More Information based on free Information
By taking advantage of free information, you can guide the direction of the conversation. Ask open-minded questions that refer to the free information. Free information is communicated by a personβs clothing, physical features, body language, personal behavior, and activities, as well as by words. Listen carefully for topics that may wish to avoid discussing.
Disclose free Information
Self-disclosure lets others get to know you on your terms. The information you share with the people you meet determines how they get to know you. Once you take a look at what is being revealed, the details are not secrets that must be kept. After people exchange greetings they usually exchange some basic personal facts. Another self-disclosure provides a background of experiences and information. Revealing personal opinions and preferences on different subjects. In this case, you can reveal your attitudes, values, and concerns. Reveal your goals and struggles.

Some tips to make your conversation more interesting:
- Small talk has a special purpose
- Compliments are valuable in any conversation
- Making people feel good makes a lot of sense
- Ask open questions to move the conversation along
- End a conversation when it is fading
- Donβt mind what strangers think
- Try to discover their core passion
- Imagine that the other person is already your friend