Whether you’re looking to make a new friend, get a date or recruit someone into that cool new cult you just joined, it probably means that you’re going to have to talk to a stranger.

Here's how to start and maintain a conversation with someone you don’t know.

Step One: Break the ice.

One simple way to accomplish this is by giving a compliment.

Hey, cool shirt!

Oh, thanks!

But don’t be weird about it.

Step Two: Keep the conversation going by adding information to what was just said.

Hey cool shirt!

Oh, thanks!

I stole it from a hobo.

By adding new information, you’ve given the other person something new to respond to.

Step Three: Continue adding information until you find a common interest.

I love stealing stuff from hobos.

Really?

Yeah! The other day I just stole this whole shopping cart from this guy.

At this point you should be off to the races and the conversation should start flowing naturally.

Step Four: If you ever find yourself at a loss for what to say next, try asking a question.

So where do you work?

Have you always hated hobos?

What’s your least favourite thing about hobos?

Have you ever killed a hobo?

Hey what’s your social security number?

Who let the dogs out?

Do you ever feel like a unicorn trapped in a human body?

Do my nipples feel hard?

Questions help to re-kickstart a conversation and take it to new places.

Step Five: To solidify the success of your interaction, make sure to let the other person know that you’re having a good time.

Easy ways to do this include smiling and leaning in when the other person speaks.

But again, don’t be weird about it.

Congratulations! You’re doing it!

You’re having a conversation!

Doesn’t it feel exhilarating?

I mean, not as exhilarating as stealing a pair of shoes of a sleeping hobo.

But still, pretty great!

Hurray! You did it!

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