How to Begin a Conversation

Conversation Topic Talk about common experiences

Description If there’s a class you have together, ask them what they think of it or if they’re interested in whatever you’re studying right now. Even better, if you’re having trouble in that class, ask them to help you out sometime! Tell them you’d like advice on something, whether it’s your outfit or what you should do over the weekend. Capture their attention by giving her another reason to be interested. For example, you could mention a party you’re going to be attending, and maybe they’ll want to come with you. Think about any encounters you’ve had in the past and try to draw on those. If you can think of an inside joke to make about a crazy teacher you both had last year or the time there was a food fight in the cafeteria, bring it up again and try to make them laugh. Don’t do this more than a couple times, though, or she’ll think you’re a broken record. Play it straight, and ask what they’ve been up to lately. “How are you doing today?” never fails, and with a little bit of prompting they’ll likely give you more details, which you can comment on and sympathize with in order to make them feel closer to you. Give them something profound to contemplate. Querying them about the meaning of life can be risky, especially if this is literally the first time you’ve ever spoken to the person, but if you get going on a good talking point the conversation could last for hours.

Ask for help

Tell a funny story

Break the ice

Make them think

Bring up any old subject Worst case, talk about the weather. You can’t go wrong with a harmless observation on how sunny/windy/rainy/etc. it is today, and if you’re lucky it will lead into slightly more engaging dialogue.