5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger - Introvert Whisperer 5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger Dorothy May 18, 2016 Communication, Problem-Solving 2 responses There is a hierarchy of cringe-worthy activities and high on the list is networking.   If you peel back networking, there are few things worse for many people (like my fellow socially reluctant) than approaching and speaking with a stranger. The problem you face is the fact that you have little or no “frame of reference” with this other person.   Where do you begin when starting a conversation?   Even if you can muster up the courage to go near the stranger, it makes you feel like a deer in the headlights. Do you run away as fast as possible or hope for the fire alarm to goes off? I have found that rather than stop in your tracks, it’s good to have some conversation tactics that I have found to work well.   With a bit of planning, you can seriously reduce the fear and loathing of networking. Tactic #1 â€" What do you have in common RIGHT NOW? There is something you do have in common with this stranger and that is whatever the event is you are attending.   If it is a party you were invited to, you have that person in common.   If it is a group associated with a profession or interest, you have the focus of the group as a place to start. Possible openers: How do you and Jane know each other? How long have you been part of the project management group? What is your profession that brings you to this group? Tactic #2 â€" Look for a “point of entry”. “Point of entry” is my little term for a conversation starter.   It could be something the person is snacking on all the way to an article of clothing.   It may not become the topic for a full-blown 15-minute conversation but it’s a place to start.   Your questions will have to fill in the rest of the conversation. Possible openers: I see you’re munching on the egg rolls, do you recommend them? I noticed your lapel pin, what is the pin associated with? Tactic #3 â€" Ask for an introduction. An often overlooked tactic is to ask someone like the event organizer or a person you do know, to introduce you to someone you don’t know.   Usually, this person will have some knowledge about the person they are introducing you to and will mention the insight during the introduction.   Pay attention as this can help you launch your conversation. Tactic #4 â€" Be transparent. So often, we think we have to be the perfect, glossy version of a human when we meet someone new.   It’s really ok to admit you are there to get acquainted with new people and would like to have a chat with them.   People love people who are open and friendly.   Go ahead and admit you have no cleaver way of knowing where to start the conversation and introduce yourself. Possible openers: I’m new to this group and really don’t know anyone.   Is it ok for me to join you and your friends? (I’ve done this a number of times and people are remarkably hospitable) Hi, I don’t think you and I have met before.   I’m Dorothy and you are?   (Response) What brings you here today? Tactic #5 â€" The classic. We are all very accustomed to the question: “What kind of work do you do?”   Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask that classic question.   Once we know the kind of work someone does, it helps frame the next part of the conversation. One of the things you rarely hear discussed when it comes to networking is the idea of preparing for it.   I’m a big advocate of doing just that.   Not all of us are big social butterflies who can easily come into a setting and begin a gabfest with anyone they encounter.   I have discovered that you can think through various parts of the process and develop good tactics to help you get the most out of the next event.   Isn’t that worth the cringe reduction? Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective. But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential. www.introvertwhisperer.com