Today, let's talk about "How to start a conversation."

Okay. I'm still in Japan right now. And you know when you're in a strange place,

or a foreign country, you want to know a person, you have to start with a

conversation. So exactly how do you do that? In this channel, we have already

talked about how to end a conversation If you really want to get away. If you

want to know more about this, you can check the video here. So in this video

we're gonna talk about how to start a conversation either with a stranger or

maybe a co-worker you've always wanted to talk to. And today we're gonna

cover four methods that you can use to talk to people. In each method we will

give you two examples sentences. Maybe it's going to be very useful the next time

when you want to meet a new person. And here we go. Method number one. Give

compliments. People like to hear something nice about themselves, and

therefore it's a very good way for you to start a conversation with someone

When that person is happy, the conversation can keep going. Let's just

take a look at the two example sentences. Number One.

When you see someone very early in the morning or for the first time in a day, you try to

notice something new or something fancy on that person. And you point it out.

Especially when you say "Where did you get it?" You're inviting more information

into the conversation. So that person will start talking about where he or she

gets it and then you keep talking. And example number two.

Usually after a meeting or after a speech, you go to that person you really

want to talk to, and then you compliment about their performance on stage. Not

only that, you're asking about the secrets. If that person is a very nice

person, he or she will share how they prepared. Of course the purpose is for

the conversation to keep going, and your job is done. Just remember, in this group

when you are giving compliments, be sincere.

You cannot go too far. If you do, it'll sound really fake.

(Hey, Mr. Philips. Nice suit.)

(Right there. That was so fake.)

And let's move on to method number two.

People like their opinions being valued. We all have the

desire to be respected and that is why when you are asking for opinions, most

nice people would appreciate a lot, which means this conversation can keep going.

in a very positive way. And let's just take a look at the two example sentences here..

Number one.

You are looking at something, maybe reading a book or

reading the proceedings of the meeting, or people's report. You find something

that is confusing. Then you point out the problem, and you go to that person. Ask

the question. Ask for opinions. For most nice people, they would try to explain

things for you. And then you go to method number one, give a little bit of

compliments. Then you're talking. You're having a conversation. And let's take a

look at the example sentence number two.

If you notice that person you want to talk to likes to travel, then it's a very good

conversation piece. You go to that person, you start talking about your plan for

your vacation. Maybe he or she has some very good ideas. While you're doing that,

you can talk about to your last vacation. You can share your future vacation plans.

And then you are having a very pleasant

conversation. Remember, a conversation is a two-way street. Don't just listen. Don't

just ask questions. Sometimes you have to share a little bit. And let's move on to

method number three.

If you find someone you want to know about, you might have already observed a little bit.

Not in a creepy way. Don't be a stalker.

You would go to that person. Ask about the interest that you share

with each other. You might start a conversation. Let's

take a look at example sentence number one.

If it is baseball season or basketball season, and you notice the person that you like to talk to also

enjoys the ballgame that you do, then why not? Start asking about the result or

your favorite teams. Maybe you share the same passion in sports. This also goes

with fashion or technology. Whatever you think the other person likes, you can go

to that person and talk about it. And let's move on to example sentence number two.

Sometimes it's not something that you like. It's something

that you don't like. Or someone you hate. You work in the same place. You don't

like the manager. Find the common enemy. Start talking about that person. If you

share the same opinion, then that conversation will go without any further

help. But be careful, you have to be very sure about what you're talking about.

Or you might end up making some new enemies. And let's move on to method number four.

This is actually very common in America. When you

ask people some controversial questions or some opinion questions, you say would

you rather do this or that. You make the other person make a choice, and you find

out what he or she likes. Sometimes the question could be very tricky or very

interesting. Let's just take a look at the two example questions. Number one.

This is the kind of question that asked about personal preferences.

There is no right or wrong answers. The fun part is you will know

more about the person. Why not answer the question right now. If you have an answer,

put some comments down below. And question number two.

This is a more serious question.

Remember, you have to make sure the person does not get offended because

you're asking about the funeral. Again, this kind of question has no correct

answers. What you need to do is pick one and talk about the reason. If that person

is too shy for this kind of question, you might want to try to induce a little bit

of interest. Through the process, you will have the conversation. Remember, what

you're asking this kind of questions, don't just ask yes/no questions. And that

is why this "would rather question" would work a lot. Because in addition to

choosing one of the answers, you also have to explain why. And during the

explanation, you will have the conversation that you want.

So these are the four methods that I introduced today that you can use to start a conversation

with someone. Do you have any problem talking to someone? Share your comments

below. Let me know. If you liked this video, make sure you click the like

button, or you can subscribe to the channel.

I'll see you next time. Bye.