• Conversation starters enhance old friendships and help form new ones.women conversing image by Bionic Media from Fotolia.com
  
  Although some people are naturally gifted at talking to anyone anywhere, others find connecting with new people daunting. The key is to relax, experiment and allow yourself to make mistakes as you learn the art of conversation. The topics below will help you feel confident in chatting with just about anyone you come into contact with.
  
  

Chat with Anyone

• A popular conversation starter is the weather. Whether you just met someone or are trying to start a new discussion with an old friend, the weather is an easily accessible topic which everyone can talk about. In addition to current conditions, you can ask about their favorite season or discuss a time when the weather affected your plans---rain at the beach or a heat wave while skiing.
  
  Talking about a past trip that was affected by the weather can lead you to ask about vacations they have taken or would like to take. Ask too about their short-term plans---what they did this past weekend, what they plan to do next weekend or even what they did last night or will do tonight.
  
  The news is another great way to get a discussion going. With a constantly varying, wide array of current events, you're bound to find something that both of you have read or have an opinion about.
  
  

Breaking the Ice with Someone New

• To start a conversation with someone you've never met before, after introducing yourself, ask for their name. If they have an unusual name, ask where it comes from. Next, ask if they've been here before and if so, what they think of the place.
  
  Another common question is to ask what sort of work they do. If they don't work or aren't in school, find out what they used to do or what they want to do. You can also ask what they enjoy doing while not working or bring up what you do in your free time to see if something sparks their interest.
  
  

Dating Chats

• A first date is challenging because not only are you trying to talk with someone you may never have met before, but you want to make an especially good first impression. One of the hardest things about trying to connect with this person is that you don't yet have any past to discuss. However, you do have a current situation in which you are both present.
  
  To bond with your date, look around you for discussion topics. Is there interesting décor on the walls or floor or other items that make for a unique atmosphere? If you're at a restaurant, ask what type of food and drink they like or discuss the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen. If there's music playing, ask what type of music they listen to. If at a sports bar, comment on the game on TV.