71: 6 Secrets for Starting a Conversation with Anyone

Mar 3, 2020

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

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.

Want More Behind the Breakdown?
Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.

Follow Molly on Substack
Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar.

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.

Follow & Connect with Molly: