Opening Sweet conversation
"Do we even know what these are?" I asked no one in particular, referring to an array of large cookies alongside cheese, salami, crackers, fruits, and vegetables spread on a table. A woman pointed to the printed names on butcher paper: Strawberry cheesecake, Chocolate chip, coconut, pecan, and Chai Snickerdoodles. She replied, "What could be bad about that? Chai is my favorite."
And so the conversation began.
That moment happened at an art gallery opening event. I had arrived to find many people mingling—some engaged in focused conversation, others wandering alone. I was among the latter without intention to self-isolate. I don't readily label quiet people as shy or introverted.
Interacting with someone new gets awkward, but breaking the ice has become almost a game. I don't time myself or set goals around conversations. From experience, I know that without effort to start talking, I'll miss opportunities not worth losing.
Outreach isn't only for salespeople. Anyone in a helping role often must initiate conversations, typically with an inquiry about how they can assist.
Taking chances
Weather serves as a neutral, inoffensive opener for casual conversation. Life happens with people—even puncturing elevator silence with weather remarks can build rapport with strangers.
In the case of the chai lover, I chose a different approach that led to making a new acquaintance. Varying conversational starting points turns them into wonderful experiences. Simple remarks about common moments are easy and often welcome.
The more we seize small moments, the more we distinguish our lives. These moments become micro stories useful in presentations and new conversations.
Leave a Comment