Sublime

neighbor just bought two dogs, and she wants to name them after an eighties or nineties pop duo. Do you have any ideas?” When you start talking to a group of people, their first concern is, “Are we going to be stuck with this guy all night? How do we get rid of him?” So you give yourself a false time constraint. “I can only stay for a minute,” you

A simple question designed to elicit a story, such as “What did you do this morning?,” is a good way to begin to get to know a person without being threatening.

After the introduction, invest 99.9 percent of the conversation asking the other person questions about himself and his business. Do not talk about yourself and your business.

Take the risk. Walk up to someone and introduce yourself.

In my entire life I have never met a stranger who didn’t have some fascinating life experiences that spilled out if I asked the right questions. Everyone is interesting if you make the situation feel safe. Here’s a summary of good conversation technique. Ask questions. Don’t complain (much). Don’t talk about boring experiences (TV show, meal, dream

heart. He or she can be seen stalking casual conversations and pulling people aside for interrogation.

Practice Going First GABBY: “I always say that I’ll go first. . . . That means if I’m checking out at the store, I’ll say hello first. If I’m coming across somebody and make eye contact, I’ll smile first. [I wish] people would experiment with that in their life a little bit: Be first, because—not all times, but most times—it comes in your favor. Th

Aminatou grew up watching her parents convening all sorts of gatherings, which is how she learned to overcome her shyness and become a social initiator.

It’s not who you know; it’s who you meet.