Starting a conversation with someone new can feel intimidating, whether you’re in a social setting, at a networking event, or meeting someone online through a platform like Clicked Connections. But the good news is, with the right mindset and a few practical tips, you can turn those initial awkward moments into the beginning of a genuine connection.

Here are some actionable steps to help you start conversations with new people that can lead to deeper, more meaningful interactions.

1. Start with Genuine Curiosity

The key to making any conversation flow naturally is approaching it with curiosity. People love talking about their interests and experiences, and by asking open-ended questions, you create space for them to share. Rather than focusing on what you’re going to say next, focus on what you can learn about the other person. Try asking questions like:

• “What brought you here today?”
• “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?”
• “How do you usually spend your weekends?”

These questions not only show interest but also allow the conversation to steer into topics that reveal more about the person’s passions and lifestyle.

2. Look for Common Ground

One of the best ways to break the ice is to find common ground. Try to identify shared experiences or interests that can serve as conversation starters. For example, if you’re both part of the same online community, you could say something like:

• “I’ve been really enjoying this platform so far. Have you made any great connections here?”
• “I noticed we both joined the same group about [interest/topic]. How long have you been involved with that?”

By finding common ground, you make the other person feel more comfortable, which opens the door for a deeper conversation.

3. Be Mindful of Body Language

While online interactions primarily rely on written communication, when you’re meeting someone in person or over video, body language plays a huge role in how your conversation unfolds. Even the most eloquent words can be overshadowed by negative body language. When meeting in person or on video, keep the following in mind:

• Smile genuinely when greeting someone. A warm smile sets a positive tone.
• Maintain eye contact to show that you’re engaged and interested in what the other person is saying.
• Use open body language (e.g., uncrossed arms, leaning slightly forward) to signal that you’re approachable and invested in the conversation.

If you’re chatting through an app like Clicked, where body language is absent, focus on expressing warmth and interest through your choice of words. Use open-ended questions and positive language to encourage a flowing conversation.

4. Listen More Than You Talk

It’s tempting to talk about yourself when meeting someone new, but true connection-building happens when you listen. Active listening helps you pick up on subtle details that can lead to a more meaningful conversation. Here are some best practices for being a better listener:

• Ask follow-up questions: If the person mentions they’ve recently traveled, ask about their favorite destination or why they chose that place.
• Paraphrase or affirm what they’ve said: This shows that you’re paying attention. For example, “That sounds amazing! You said you enjoy hiking — what’s your favorite trail?”
• Avoid interrupting: Let the other person finish their thoughts before jumping in with your response. This not only shows respect but allows the conversation to flow more naturally.

5. Be Open and Authentic

While it’s important to ask questions and show interest in the other person, remember that connections are a two-way street. Sharing a bit about yourself makes the conversation more balanced and helps the other person relate to you. Authenticity is key to building lasting relationships, so don’t be afraid to show your true self. Look for ways to share information about yourself, such as: 

• If they mention they enjoy reading, you can share a book recommendation and say why it’s one of your favorites. 
• When you’ve had similar life experiences, sharing what you learned and how you felt helps others to understand you on an authentic level.

6. Use Humor to Lighten the Mood

Humor is a universal way to break the ice and make people feel comfortable. It doesn’t have to be a joke; even a light-hearted comment can ease any tension and bring the conversation to life. For instance:

• “I can’t believe it’s already October. Where did the year go?”
• “I always forget how awkward small talk can be, but I’m happy we’re doing this.”

Humor is an excellent way to disarm nervousness and create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

7. Wrap It Up with a Purpose

Conversations with new people don’t have to last forever, but it’s important to end them on a positive note. This is especially true if you’re trying to establish a meaningful relationship that can grow over time. When you feel like the conversation has reached a natural stopping point, consider wrapping it up with:

• An invitation: “This was great! Would you like to grab coffee sometime?”
• A compliment: “I really enjoyed talking to you today. You have a great perspective on [topic].”
• A plan to reconnect: “Let’s connect again soon. How about we catch up next week?”

Be Bold and Take the First Step

The most challenging part of starting a conversation with someone new is often just taking that first step. But once you do, the potential to build meaningful connections opens up. Whether you’re meeting someone through a platform like Clicked or in person, remember that the goal isn’t just small talk — it’s to start a relationship that can grow into something deeper.

Be curious, be genuine, and don’t be afraid to show your true self. Meaningful connections happen when we take the time to listen, share, and find common ground. Now, go ahead and start that conversation — you never know where it might lead!