Your Mom Was Wrong…Here Are 7 Ways To Talk To Strangers

December 04, 2016

  1. Make eye contact, smile, and say “hello”

  2. Pay them a sincere compliment

  3. Ask them a question they’re not expecting

    1. What’s the farthest you’ve driven / longest you’ve waited for a cup of coffee?

    3. Small talk is for small minds and does not engage the mind so avoid chatting about the weather, the traffic, or similar simple topics.

  4. Ask for their opinion

  5. Help them continue the dialogue

    1. Really?

    2. How did that work out?

  6. Find your common ground

    1. Air Force asked West Point for help (we’re both veterans)

    2. LSU Tiger asked Alabama Crimson Tide for help (we’re SEC fans living outside the SEC)