5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger

5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a Stranger5 Tactics for Starting a Conversation with a StrangerThere is a hierarchy of cringe-worthy activities and high on the list is starting a conversation for networking. If you peel back networking, there are few things worse for many people (like my fellow socially reluctant) than approaching and speaking with a stranger.The problem you face is the fact that you have little or no frame of reference with this other person. Where do you start a conversation? Even if you can muster up the courage to go near the stranger, it makes you feel like a deer in the headlights.Do you run away as fast as possible or hope for the fire alarm to goes off?I have found that rather than stopping in your tracks, its good to have tactics for starting a conversation. With a bit of planning, you can seriously reduce the fear and loathing of networking.Tactic 1. What do you have in common RIGHT NOW?There is something you do have in common with this stranger and that is whatever the event is you are attending. If it is a party you were invited to, you have that person in common. If it is a group associated with a profession or interest, you have the focus of the group as a place to start.Possible openersHow do you and Jane know each other?How long have you been part of the project management group?What is your profession that brings you to this group?Tactic 2. Look for a point of entry.Point of entry is my little term for a conversation starter. It could be something the person is snacking on, all the way to an article of clothing. It may not become the topic for a full-blown 15-minute conversation, but its a place to start. Your questions will have to fill in the rest of the conversation.Possible openersI binnensee youre munching on the egg rolls, do you recommend them?I noticed your lapel pin, what is the pin associated with?Tactic 3. Ask for an introduction.An often over-looked tactic is to ask someone like the event organizer or a p erson you do know to introduce you to someone you dont know. Usually this person will have some knowledge about the person they are introducing you to and will mention the insight during the introduction. Pay attention as this can help you launch your conversation.Tactic 4. Be transparent.So often, we think we have to be the perfect, glossy version of a human when we meet someone new. Its really ok to admit you are there to get acquainted with new people and would like to have a chat with them. People love people who are open and friendly. Go ahead and admit you have no cleaver way of knowing where to start the conversation and introduce yourself.Possible openersIm new to this group and really dont know anyone. Is it ok for me to join you and your friends? (Ive done this a number of times and people are remarkably hospitable.)Hi, I dont think you and I have met before. Im Dorothy and you are? (Response) What brings you here today?Tactic 5. The classic.We are all very accustomed to t he question What kind of work do you do? Dont be afraid to introduce yourself and ask that classic question. Once we know the kind of work someone does, it helps frame the next part of the conversation.One of the things you rarely hear discussed when it comes to networking is the idea of preparing for it. Im a big advocate of doing just that. Not all of us are big social butterflies who can easily come into a schauplatz and begin a gabfest with anyone they encounter. I have discovered that you can think through various parts of the process and develop good tactics to help you get the most out of the next event. Isnt that worth the cringe reduction?Bottom-line I want to help you accelerate your career- to achieve what you want by connecting you with free instant access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships ebook- the backbone to your networking success and fantastic work relationships.Readers, is starting a conversation easy or challenging for you? How do you approach networking? Share with us belowBrought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran- dedicated to unleashing your professional potential at Introvert Whisperer.photo credits istockphoto.com (featured image), Dorothy Tannahill-Moran (second image)