How to – Talk to Strangers Growing up, you might have been told that you should never talk to strangers. I was taught that too, but I often found that my parents’ behavior was completely different. They could talk to people anywhere and everywhere – in a checkout line at the store, in a waiting room at the dentist’s office, at the bank or in a restaurant. They always seemed to be able to create a conversation in ways that amazed me.

With all of the opportunities to network and create interpersonal connections, it’s a skill that can serve a professional well. Unfortunately, many people are simply terrible at creating conversation. They didn’t grow up learning what people used to refer to as “cocktail party conversation”, and it’s a shame because professional networking events are the “cocktail party” of today’s business environment.

Always look for the welcoming cues: a smile, eye contact, and laughter can be passive invitations. Look welcoming with a smile or a laugh of your own; and hold eye contact for three seconds or more.

If you are hoping to open a door to further conversation and looking for topics to create a connection, try discussing one of these:

• Local places of interest

• The hospitality of those hosting the event

• Aspects of the local culture; museums, food, history

• Accomplishments of the area: new construction project, local park, cultural icons

Sincerity and interest communicated in your opening statement will indicate your hopes and intentions for a connection.  6:49 AM •