Any thoughts or suggestions for conversation starters?

[RN3]

I often have trouble starting conversations. When I am successful at doing so it usually lasts a few minutes. Heres a conversation starter that is so redundant "How was your weekend?". (annoying yes, but it really does work).

 

[HeadFace]

Hmm...
What kind of music do you listen to? (Favorite bands/genre as followups?)
Watch any good movies recently?
Have any pets?
uh...
How do you like *name of city/school*?
Most people generally like talking about themselves (Which is untrue about me though)

 

[Minty]

The few conversations I get into outside of my house are usually with college students, so I talk about my classes and ask about theirs. Find someone who has good conversational skills as it takes two to hold a conversation. Usually, with that kind of person, no matter how lamely you start the conversation, it takes on a life of its own... Asking a lot of questions helps too and shows you're interested in the other person, which makes them feel good.

 

[RN3]

thanks headface for those great ideas for starting conversations. I haven't tried them yet but today I had a pretty good conversation with a person that usually causes me a great deal of anxiety when its just she and myself break room. I just began with asking about her son although I was uncomfortable at the time (I read somewhere that if you want to do something and your afraid, then do it affraid). I was determined not to give up on having a productive conversation. I felt that it was a great accomplishment.

 

[UnOccupied]

I go with the usually, "Hi, how are you?"

 

[GoBlue72]

I've become quite confident in making conversation with people, and even did it for my job previously. It can become difficult to maintain the conversation when the person seems disinterested or something. But for the most part, I've found it pretty easy when doing it for a few minutes or less. I'm more stumped by talking with someone I'm attracted to, where I think it becomes even more important to get them talking about themselves and listen/ask questions. This has been my sticking point, and hopefully i'm going about it in the right manner.

 

[fadedteal]

I find starting conversations online rather easier than real life, though I'm still not good at it.

 

[Kiwong]

"Hello," I said.