How to make conversation with almost anyone

Conversations are links. If you can imagine conversations being a metal link then every conversation you have with a stranger forms a metal link. And every conversation you have with that person after will strengthen your link with that person. We create links with every conversation.

A conversation is a fascinating thing.

A conversation is an adventure.
A conversation can give you a whole new perceptive.
A conversation can make war.
A conversation can make peace.

Conversations define who we are as a human race. 

Every single person you have in your life was once a stranger to you and you knew nothing about them until you had that first conversation.

So, talk to strangers, and have a conversation. How? Here is an insightful speech by Malavika Varadan on this. 7 simple ways to start a conversation with almost anyone.

First way:

Just say it. The first word floodgates

We have all have that moment when you see a stranger and feel like talking to them but something's stopping you.

Just say it. What's the worse can happen? 

Once you are through with your first word others will flow naturally. Just make it simple with a Hi or Hello and of course a good smile.

Second way:

Skip the small talk

Don't waste time with the usuals.

Skip the small talk and ask personal questions that drive conversations. 

You will be surprised to know that people are willing to converse personal stuff and were just waiting for you to ask.

Don't make it too personal but ask things like about their family, hometown, about their first day in the new place etc. Answers to these questions are often unique.

Third way:

Find the Me-Toos

Debates kill a conversation.

Eg:
Person 1: I like this place. 
Person 2: I hate this place. 
End of the conversation, most probably.

Find that one thing that is common between you both. 

Conversations become a lot easier when you start by finding the common interests.

Fourth way:

Pay a unique compliment

People will forget what you do and forget what you say but will never forget how you made them feel.

Try and construct a conversation that is unique and genuine.

You don't have to lie. Be generous. Go out and give someone a good compliment.

Fifth way:

As for an opinion

All of us have opinions and we all want them to be heard.
Go and ask for their opinions. That's when real conversations start. You get to know the person more by getting to know their opinions.

Ask something simple and make it generic.

Sixth way:

Be present

When someone is talking to you the least you can do is 'Be' in that conversation.
Be wholeheartedly present, be there.

Make eye contact.

This way you can feel the conversation, and when you do the other person will not dare to look away. Try it.

Seventh way:

Remember their Name, Place, Animal, Thing

Remember the little things about the person like their Name, Place, Things etc., Try to remember not just these but things like their family, kids names, places they have been, places they like to be, pet name etc and repeat it back to them.

You have no idea how important you are making them feel.

They feel responsible for keeping the conversation going.

Ending with an Analogy:
A conversation is like reading a book. You can turn to any page you want. You can flip to your favorite chapter, You can read as long as you want and what you want.
Every person is a real good book, a great story. And that way the whole world is a library.

Are we gonna walk around the library and browse just the titles and cover of the book, or are you gonna actually reach for a book, open a page and start reading a story?

• Check out her TED Talk.