Tips for starting a conversation for socially awkward people

There are lots of easy wasy to strike up a conversation with someone! Try:

• Commenting on your surroundings. Mention the weather, the long line at the coffee shop, or how busy the gym is. It's an easy way to start a conversation with anyone, anywhere.
• Introducing yourself. This can be super casual. Just say, "Hey, I'm [your name]." They're almost guaranteed to tell you their own name and you can take it from there.
• Giving a compliment. If you notice something cool or admirable about a person, tell them! You could say, "I love your shoes." "Neat watch!" or "Great job with your presentation." Not only will you start a conversation, but you will also make them feel good.
• Asking them about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, so this is sure to get them chatting. If you're at a party, ask how they know the host. If you're at a cafe, ask if they have a favorite dish or drink. If you're at the bus stop and they have a yoga mat in their bag, ask where their favorite yoga studio is.

Something like 70% of people have anxiety when it comes to talking to someone new, so you aren’t unique here. The first step is identifying the root cause of your fear so that you can release it. Are you scared of not being cool or saying the wrong thing? Is it anxiety about rejection? Working on that underlying problem will fix a lot. Then, how do you just practically improve at talking to people? I think one of the best things you can do is make eye contact. Make a lot of eye contact when you talk to someone new. It puts you in the moment and makes it easier to express yourself efficiently. Beyond that, it’s all about body language and practice. Just be open, don’t shy away from people, and practice!