💯 The Power of Starting a Conversation With a Complete Stranger
Meeting new people can be intimidating, but with a bit of practice and confidence, talking to strangers can be an enlightening and fun activity. With the right approach, connecting with people you don't know can act as a creative exercise or bring unexpected insight or joy into your life.
Understand the rules of the online chat room. #
Before jumping into a chatroom and building relationships with other people, it's important to understand the rules associated with talking to strangers. Whatever platform you decide to use for interacting with strangers, be sure to familiarize yourself with the do’s and don'ts. Respect boundaries, stay civil and courteous, and try not to ask too personal of questions from the start. Doing your part in understanding the expectations of online interactions will put everyone at ease and make for a great conversation.
Respect Your Fellow Chatters. #
In every conversation, it is important to show respect. Before striking up a conversation with someone, take a moment to research if certain topics or phrases may be offensive. In the same vein, it is wise to always remain polite and exercise control over your words. Speak truthfully and remember that behind each screen there is a person who deserves your respect.
Learn to Recognize Irrelevant Discussions and Move On. #
It is important to be able to recognize when a conversation is no longer productive or relevant. Learning to end conversations respectfully and on good terms can go a long way towards creating positive relationships with other people, which can be beneficial in the future. If the conversation starts veering off course, politely assert yourself and bring it back on track - or if needed, gently move it towards ending in the most respectful manner possible.
Stay on Topic As Much As Possible. #
To make the most out of conversations with new people, try to stay on topic as much as possible. While it is perfectly fine to make small talk, try to spend most of your conversation centered around the initial topic you discussed or something directly related. Asking questions and sharing stories help keep the conversation going, but avoid getting off into unrelated topics that may derail it entirely.