How to Talk to Someone You've Just Met Hülya Misir
Jul 13, 2015
How to Talk to Someone You've Just MetHülya Misir
Easy or Difficult?
take a deep breath
think of a good opening
and go for it!
It's really not that hard.
Conversation Starters
Hello, how are you?
Nice day, isn’t it?
Is this seat free?
take a look at the person, find something to
comment such as;
Those are nice shoes. They look great on you.
asking for direction or time
Look around and see if there is
anything worth pointing out.
"This is a gorgeous room!",
”Such incredible food!",
"I love this view!",
"Great dog!
What do you do? (talking about jobs)
Where did you grow up? Did you grow up around
here?(talking about hometown)
What was the city/place you grew up in like?
(talking about places)
What do you like to do in your free time? (talking
about interesting or exciting hobbies, sharing
different experiences or stories)
Closed questions:
"Do you like books?",
"Have you ever been to this
university?",
"Is spring your favorite season?",
"Am I intruding?",
"Do you come here often?"
Open questions:
"What sort of books do you like?",
"What did you study here at this university?",
"Which is your favorite season? Oh really,
why?",
"What are you doing right now?",
“What kind of music are you interested in?”
That's a nice camera, where did you get it?
I like your handbag!
What an amazing necklace!
Fantastic hair!
Which of the football teams is your favorite?
I love your costume.
Ask questions that are
easy to answer. Don’t
make people
uncomfortable.
Don’t ask hard questions. Just ask ‘What are
you up to today? or Is school killing you these
days?’
Do’s
YOU CAN TALK ABOUT
your blog or website,
the purchase of a new car,
house renovations,
your kids' artwork prize,
vacation plans,
your newly planted garden,
a good book you've just read
Don’t talk about yourself all the
time.
It is annoying and boring.
‘I’ more than ‘You’
"I'm fascinated. Really."
Ask them questions about what they're
talking about.
Change topics when there is a pause in
the conversation.
Show you are listening
Nod,
Say “ah-ha” or “wow’ or “oh” or “hmm,’
"Is that so?”
"Goodness!",
"What did you do/say then?”
"That's amazing!",
Don’t be afraid of pauses. It is
OK to rest and not talk for a
while.
“I have to talk, yes I have to. OMG I am stressful now. What should
I say or do? Well, I am a freak now.”