You admire a person from a distance. Popular and known, you find it frightening just to be near that
person.Suddenly, this person is in front of you, smiling.How will you start a conversation?
Starting a conversation is a fear experienced by many people.Once in a situation where a person
must start a conversation, he feels like hiding or vanishing into the air. Even though how prepared a
person is, words don't seem coherent(前后一致的)enough. The chance is likely to be lost forever, so
never hesitate to start one.
When you start a conversation with strangers, think that they may be feeling worried too. Being the
first to start, you are the one breaking the ice. All they need to do is respond so start the conversation
on a positive note. Observe your surroundings-the people around you, food, weather, the place
itself-and find a common topic. Be friendly. Give praise sincerely.Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Start with closeended questions so it will be easier to ask for an answer. If a positive reaction is
received then take it as a hint that the person is willing to converse with you.
If at first you get a negative response, do not be blunt(真言的)about it. Act as if you did not notice
it. Some people need time to get accustomed to your presence. They become conditioned to themselves
that you are talking with them and not to the other people around. If the answer is too negative, then let
go of the topic but do not respond rudely. Show that you respect their decision.Give them time to think.
After receiving a positive answer, a few more closeended questions will be fine.Be sensitive.
Observe how the response is being delivered. Show genuine interest in the answers. Listen attentively
and respond accordingly. If you feel that the response is positive, you can start asking openended
questions. Do not start topics about religion or politics. These two subjects are very controversial and
arguments may arise because of conflicting ideas and perceptions.
Talk about some personal information like your favorites but do not monopolize(垄断)the time.
Talking only about you might bore the other person. You should show that you are also interested in
getting to know him better by asking relevant questions. A light and wholesome joke can lighten the
mood but it must be delivered correctly as it may offend the other party.
When in a group, involve in the whole group. Do not isolate a single person but when a person is
speaking, look at him and give soliciting response like a nod or a smile.
Talk with confidence but do not overdo it. You might end up looking boastful(自夸的). Do not
whisper with the people beside you when someone is talking. If you are knowledgeable with the
subject at hand, then speak up. If you have questions, voice them out. These are the chances you
should not pass to start a conversation.
__1__to start a conversation?
| The__2__ of starting a conversation | Many people couldn't express their words even
though they have__4__them because of tension. | | __3__for starting a conversation | | | Dos | Start with a common topic in a __5__way first, with a positive note.
__6__to pay no attention to a negative response and show respect
to the person's decision.
Take an interest in the positive answers, listen attentively and ask
some questions according to the__7__.
Show interest in the others'personal information, if necessary, and
you can__8__an appropriate joke.
Look at the speaker, responding with some gestures while he is
speaking. | | Don'ts | Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Don't start with religious or__9__topics.
Don't monopolize the time when talking.
Don't talk with too much__10__.
Don't whisper with the people beside you when someone is talking. |
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