71: 6 Secrets for Starting a Conversation with Anyone

All wonderful relationships began with a conversation.

That’s why having a conversation starter handy is the gateway for a future connection with a person, whether it be for networking or in a new friendship. 

These are my six secrets that work like a charm for starting a conversation with anyone.

• [2:34] 1: The first one is my go-to. 

Everyone loves to be complimented on their appearance. (But it comes with an important warning.)

• [3:50] 2: This opener is gold. 

This tip works particularly well when you’re wondering what to say when you run into a speaker, podcaster, or even a celebrity. 

• [4:42] 3: Slide in with these topics. 

Take a cue from what they’re wearing, and when in doubt, there’s always this tried and true topic.

• [6:28] 4: Questions to ask. 

Even if you don’t actually need the information, it's a good place to start.

• [7:09] 5: Ask this to sound inquisitive. 

It’s an assertive question, but also an effective one people can’t help but answer.

• [7:42] 6: Ask this, then let them take the lead.

Your best bet for getting a good story out of a person.

• [8:44] BONUS: The outlier.

Simple but effective… for most situations.

Mentioned on the episode: 

Want to continue our conversation? Follow me on Twitter and tell me your go-to conversation starter. I’ll have a starter tweet waiting for you.

© Molly McPherson 2020

Feeling Panicked When Crisis Hits? Molly's Got You Covered
Follow Molly's secret process that has helped hundreds of clients respond to a reputational crisis. Written by a communicator, for communicators - Molly's Indestructible PR® Playbook guides you through the crisis step-by-step and out the other side. Imagine confidently protecting your reputation when everythiing is on the line.

Don't wait for the backlash to hit. Learn how to make your reputation indestructible. Buy now and download your playbook immediately while your physical copy ships to your door!

You can download a copy immediately while your physical copy gets shipped to you.

Grab the Playbook: https://www.mollymcpherson.com/prplaybook

Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.

Want more PR + Crisis Management insights?

• Subscribe to Molly's Substack: https://www.prbreakdown.media/
• Watch Molly's videos and weekly livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson
• Work with Molly: ...