This past week I circled Lake Superior by car with family. The views were magnificent — rock cuts, gorges, waterfalls and breathtaking horizons.
At every stop, there were tourists from different places in Canada and United States experiencing the same wonders and sharing their stories about the last trips they’d made, the tours or sights they’d taken in or their plans for a second trip the following year.
It’s a small world, isn’t it? We all had a goal to circle a Great Lake. Add time spent with family or friends exploring personal interests and places you ate (because we all know food brings us together) and you have the makings of a great conversation.
The last thing you want on a long trip is silence or awkwardness when you meet new people. So check out these conversation starters.
1. Start with a compliment. Compliments break the ice and are a good way to enlist a response. Start by reflecting on something you heard them say or saw them wear or do. For example, I really like that jacket. Did you buy it here in town?
2. Ask about family. We all love to talk about our kids or other family members. Spark a conversation by asking what the kids are doing for the summer or if they’re excited about school. If you don’t know the individual, ask them if they have kids and see where that takes you!
3. Ask for advice. Are you looking for a good show to take in, a tourist attraction or maybe a place for lunch? Asking for recommendations is a good way to get the conversation started. Personally, I like to ask for directions!
4. Talk about you? Who do you know better than yourself? Start by introducing yourself. This will hopefully initiate an introduction back and some follow-up conversation.
5. Ask questions. This is one of my favourites. “What’s on your bucket list?” “Do you come here often?” “What did you think of the show?” “Are you extending your stay here after the conference?”
Whether you’re making memories on a family vacation, attending a conference for work or at a social function, approach the situation with confidence and a smile. You’ve got this!
Writing for you. 