Have you been invited to a social event? Or maybe you are going to a professional meeting.
In either case, you will get more out of it if you talk to strangers there.
Many people fear talking to strangers.
They assume others will not be interested in them, or that they themselves are not competent in social skills needed for these events.
They wait for someone else to assume the responsibility for conversing with them.
Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen.
You have to assume responsibility for starting, continuing and ending the conversation.
Here are some techniques to make these happen.
Here are two tips to get you started successfully.
Before going to the event, start by deciding what you and any other person there have in common.
Maybe you all are in the same occupation, neighborhood or company.
Maybe you all know the person giving the party.
Then craft 2 sets of statements + follow-up questions relating to that commonality.
For example, "This is a wonderful party! How do you know (the people who are giving the party)?" Another option is "I saw you at the X session at the conference.
What did you think of the speaker?" Listen for "free" information and follow it up with questions.
If the other person says, "From my perspective as a resident of X neighborhood, this plan doesn't make sense, " ask about how the person likes living in that community.
To keep a conversation going, show interest.
Maintain eye contact and use comments such as "That's fascinating!" or "interesting!".
While you are with that person.
give him or her your full attention.
When it's time to leave, give a reason you need to go.
For example, "This has been great! I have really enjoyed talking with you.
However, I do need to meet some others here.
Thanks for chatting with me!"