Whatever comes out of your mouth should arouse curiosity. It
doesn’t have to blow their minds, but it does have to get the group
talking.
- Say something that leads to more conversation.
Conversation has to move forward. Generally making a statement
doesn’t lead to more conversation, so try using a question. Questions
like, “What's the time?” or “Where’s the bathroom?” generally don’t
work because the group simply answers them expecting you to move on.
In addition, they’re not interesting. - Say something that expresses a little about yourself.
Everything you say and do when you’re with someone reveals
something about yourself. Be aware that the way you start a conversation
says something about you. By using an opening line you can actually
start to control the assumptions people make about you when you
approach. Think about what the things you’re asking say about you.
4. Make sure they know that you can’t stay long.
This may sound counter-intuitive, but when you approach, you
should always say something to the effect of, “I can’t stay long.” The
reason for this is when a stranger approaches a person or group, that
person or group has a moment of anxiety that makes them feel
uncomfortable. Especially if they think that they are going to be stuck
with the new person talking their ear off. To alleviate this anxiety, it’s
important to let them know, right away, that you’re leaving soon.
Now, obviously, we approached because we want to continue
conversation. Don’t worry; you don’t actually have to leave. You just
have to say that you can’t stay long. If you’re able to make them
comfortable they won’t bring up that you said you had to leave. In fact,
in all the approaches I’ve ever done, I’ve never had anyone bring it up.
5. Make sure you give them a reason for whatever you’re saying.