TIPS FOR MEETING NEW PEOPLE/CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE

Meeting new people is not really an art, but a matter of developing a set of skills that enables you to open conversations. Once you learn a few techniques, you will be able to use them in daily life as well as in seeking employment.

Remember - Most people like to talk about themselves: You need to use a line of questioning that permits them to do so. Some examples are:

● "Looks like a warm coat. Where did you get that?"

● [If at a café] – "I am new here. What is the best coffee or best item on the menu?"

FINDING GREETINGS THAT MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE: It is important to find greetings or openers that you are comfortable with. Following are some examples that most of us are familiar with:

● Ask directions to a location in the area.

● Consider openers you have generally used in the past when meeting others.

● Listen to what lines other people use that would work for you.

BE CURIOUS: Think about who this person is and what would you like to know about them.

● Listen - If they say something interesting, ask them to elaborate.

● Perhaps you have been a party to a conversation you hear while waiting for a cup of coffee. You can pick up on it by saying – "I heard you mention ________. It sounds interesting. Tell me more." or any question that gives them a chance to elaborate.

USING CURRENT EVENTS AS OPENERS:

● Weather topics – "Well, you ordered some more snow." or "I have only been here a few months. Is the weather always like this? or Is this typical for this time of year?" or "Skiers should be happy today. Do you ski?"

"Hot enough" or "cold enough for you?" "Nice weather just ruined my golf day. Do you golf?" or "Well, you ordered some more hot weather, didn't you?"

● National or world events that are in the paper or on the news – However, be careful with these as you can alienate some people.

Below are SOME different lines that I LIKE TO USE WHICH may spark a conversation:

● Most people say – "How are you doing today?" The reply is usually "Fine." If you have a humorous side, you might try a reply of "Well, yes." or "Mostly." or "Somewhat." This will usually bring a response of what does that mean? Your reply will be "My glass is half full today."

● "Sunny to partly sunny." I go on to state "My weatherman gives me that line all the time." or "Cloudy to partly cloudy. My weather lady gives me that line all the time."

● Another one I sometimes use with a small group is "I don't remember why I called this meeting, do you?" It is an ice breaker, and you usually get a chuckle – but you have connected with the group.

NOT EVERYONE IS COMFORTABLE WITH OFF-THE-WALL OR VERY DIFFERENT STATEMENTS FROM THE NORM. Much depends on your sense of humor and HOW YOU SAY IT.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND ASK FOR THE INFORMATION YOU WANT. Sometimes, there is no better way to approach a person than TO introduce yourself and solicit information.

WATCH CAREFULLY HOW OTHERS GREET PEOPLE AND PERHAPS YOU WILL PICK UP SOME LINES THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH.

Bob Raikes, National Certified Career Counselor