Use this three step approach to start a conversation with anyone! Stop fearing meeting people! Apply the three step approach now. Memorize these and have them in your arsenal to start a conversation with a customer, stranger, or new contact. 1. Start by saying some plain statement. "Nice Party." "Nice weather." "Long stoplight." "Nice airport." Etc. Just a simple, statement, comment, etc. 2. After breaking the ice and getting them to nod or verbally agree. Make another plain statement. It may work to bounce off the first one. "Nice coat you are wearing." "Interesting car over there." "The weather has been nice for the past three weeks." Etc. At this point you should know whether he/she is open at all to talking. 3. Show interest in him by asking something. Use your discretion in determining which questions to ask. You should show interest but do not be to nosy at first. Ask about something they are wearing, holding, etc. Example: If they are wearing a name tag, ask about it. Ask for their opinion on the weather, why the bus is late, politics, etc. Show interest in their child, car, or something that they are wearing or holding.Ask how their day is going. "How do you spend most of your time?" Come up with your own conversation starters. Throughout these opening questions you are trying to gain little nuggets of knowledge. You will then use these to show interest in those areas, or ask his/her opinion about them. If he/she reveals that s/he is a writer. Ask his/her opinion on how young writers can get started writing. Continue the conversation from there using other "Magic- People-Skills" techniques. Observe and look for an opportunity to show interest. This will then get them talking. You need to realize that there is no one right way to start a conversation. Use your mind and decide which phrases to use. If they do not want to talk, do not make them talk. Also give out some information about yourself (use discretion) so it does not seem that you are interrogating them. You know the skills, now apply them.