By Jonathan Boyd

We all have to do it at some point, and for some of us, talking to strangers is a walk in the park, while for others of us it's absolutely terrifying. Some of us have skill and others are left floundering. Being social is something that never hurts in any part of our lives, and if we do it well it can have a positive impact on our careers, social life, home life and the connections we keep therein. Here are a few pointers on how to talk to strangers:

Timing is key. Trying to stop someone as they're running to catch a train, getting up to leave, in the middle of a transaction or in any private situation is always the wrong time to try to strike up a conversation. Instead, look for opportunities where there is a lull in the everyday world, like while seated on the bus, waiting in line, or engaging in a leisurely activity like shopping. Chatting at a bar, a party or a club is for the most part always okay, whereas at other restaurants or coffee shops discretion should be used.

Keep it light. A first meeting is no time to talk about politics, religion or death unless circumstances suggest it. Keep conversation on light topics and engage your partner with more questions than answers. Avoid asking overly personal questions such as age, family situation, or home life and focus instead on hobbies, interests and work.

Compliments are a great start, but be careful. Complimenting a scarf, necklace or a pair of shoes is a fantastic way to start a conversation, but even when talking to parties of the same sex (and especially of the opposite) talking about a person's appearance will certainly imply the conversation is meant for a singles hook-up and not to improve your business networking! Even if your intention is to meet singles, young women especially often don't respond kindly to men who immediately focus on appearance.

Don't force the conversation. If it's not happening, be prepared to let it go. Not every conversation you enter into leads to more friends, and not everyone will appreciate your attempt at conversation. Closed body language and short answers are both big signs your conversation partner doesn't want to talk and when you pick up on that, make your exit gracefully. Being courteous and reading the signs now, may make them more open to you in the future.

Smile. Just like you should respond to body language with your conversation partner, they will respond to you. Smiling is the smallest thing we can do with the biggest impact. Keeping your body open and relaxed, as well, will help avoid an unwanted bad first impression. Also keep in mind that displays of emotion such as nervousness or shyness can often be seen as being cold, distant and anti-social, all of which turn off a potential business contact for conversation as well as any future dealings.

Keep these things in mind and you'll be establishing social groups locally in no time!

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