It shouldn’t come as a surprise that when we ask what the most complicated thing about a conversation is, most answer “the beginning” – that is, actually starting a conversation. Even more so if you don’t know anybody. How are you supposed to go up to a complete stranger and just start talking to them?
Luckily, reality is much kinder to us than the scenarios we imagine in our heads. In real life, nobody will turn their back on you if you go up to them and say something along the lines of, “Hello, my name is so-and-so. It’s so nice to meet you!” Let me let you in on a little secret: people feel undoubtedly relieved that you dared to take the first step!
However, this whole process will be much easier if you have some conversation openers ready to go. That’s why I’d like to share some with you that I find particularly useful.
When in doubt, you can always rely on classic conversation starters, such as:
- “Vous êtes bien arrivé(e)? J’ai été dans les bouchons!” ‣ A classic opener, but if you really don’t have any other ideas, you can never go wrong with this one. And there’s always something to say!
- “Qu’est-ce que vous faites comme travail?” ‣ I find this one interesting because it’s a fairly broad question and leaves time for you to find a way to continue the conversation based on the answer or to introduce a possible collaboration.
- “Bonjour, je m’appelle (your name). (Host) est un collègue. C’est la première fois que nous nous rencontrons, n’est-ce pas?” ‣ Some events require a more direct approach, and this is a smooth way to introduce yourself. Don’t forget to include your relation to the host!
- Use compliments! A good compliment goes a long way. I think it might even be better to use a compliment rather than a classic conversation opener since a compliment automatically shifts the conversation to a friendlier tone.
- “Cette couleur vous va à merveille!”
- “J’adore votre coiffure/maquillage! C’est très joli.”
- “Votre parfum sent très bon! Vous avez mis lequel?”
- If you’re on the shy side, I recommend looking around first to see if there are any people sitting alone. Chances are the woman who’s sitting by herself at the edge of the room is just hoping that someone will come talk to her. Be that person! You could start a conversation like so:
- “Ces séances peuvent être fatiguantes! Est-ce que ça vous dérangerait si je m’assois vers vous un moment?”
- “J’adore ces appéritifs! Est-ce que vous les avez déjà essayés?” (if your event has food!)
- “On a reçu tellement d’informations aujourd’hui que je n’arrive même plus à suivre! Est-ce qu’il y a quelque chose qui vous a marqué?”
