Starting a Memorable Conversation

Framework

Read –> Comment –> Engage

Example:

Observe, listen to environment
- Does person look open to engage with?
- What comment can I make?
- How can I engage them?
Wait for a queue to comment with a person (eye contact, smile), comment on environment
Engage with an open ended question related to the environment or situation

Freezing - Practice in a familiar situation (like work, check how people are doing or plans for a weekend)
Oversharing about yourself - Focus on the other person (I appreciate you …)
Share meaningless content - Focus on immediate environment (what brought you here, I love the food here)

Use your natural strengths and practice:
- Introverts tend to make more insightful comments
- Power distance: example: East Asian (formal, hierarchy in corporate environment) vs Western (more casual)
  - Add appropriate questions

Imagine a situation

Make eye contact
Comment on situation or person relevant to context, ask open ended question.
Example situations
- e.g. in an airport, that suitcase will be easy to spot! are you travelling far?
- e.g. its raining and in elevator, wow it is raining hard, did you have to walk far?
- e.g. shopping, I’m the glad lines are moving well today, do you find it easy to find things here?, do you shop how often?
- e.g. cafeteria, I love how the entrées here always change, do you eat lunch often here?
Tips:
- Connect on the human level (weather, environmental architecture, event)
- Look for commonalities (e.g. clothing, interests, likes)
- It is ok to have a quick conversation and not overstay your welcome