Talking to strangers can be intimidating, especially when you’re in school surrounded by peers and teachers all day.
However, talking to other people allows you to make new friends, expand your social circles, and perhaps even find love!
In order to talk to strangers in school without being awkward or uncomfortable, be sure to follow these tips!
7 Ways to Talk to Strangers in school
1) Smile and make eye contact
It’s always a good idea to smile and make eye contact with people you come across. This will show them that you are friendly, open-minded, and non threatening.
It can also be a good way of getting someone’s attention if they seem busy or distracted.
If you’re walking by someone reading on the steps, for example, smiling and nodding at them could help get their attention.
The same goes for when you pass by someone sitting on the ground who seems to be deep in thought.
If you don’t want to interrupt their thoughts by speaking up, just smile and nod as you walk past.
They’ll most likely return the gesture and it may lead to an interesting conversation about what they were thinking about (especially if it is something interesting).
2) Compliment them
Complimenting a stranger is one of the best ways to break the ice. It’s also one of the easiest ways, and it doesn’t require any preparation.
One simple way to do this is by complimenting their outfit or accessory.
You can take it up a notch by mentioning something you like about their style. For instance, I love your scarf!
What inspired you to pick that colour? Or, Your hair looks really good today.
What product are you using? Keep them engaged:
Once they feel comfortable enough with you, continue engaging them in conversation by asking them questions about themselves.
Questions like what they’re studying in school or what they do on weekends might be good topics to start with.
3) Ask them about their day
This is a great way to find out more about the person you’re talking to and also a good way of finding out what’s been happening that day.
Plus, it’s always nice when someone asks you about your day!
How was your day?
What are your plans for the weekend?
What do you think of this project we’re doing?
4) Invite them to join you
Feeling nervous about talking to people? You’re not alone. The best way to get over your fear of talking with new people is by just doing it.
Here are seven ways you can talk with a stranger that won’t make you feel awkward.
Smile and say hi when you pass them in the hall or see them across the room at a party.
If they seem like they might want some company, offer to sit next to them during lunch.
Ask for their help if you need something from another classroom – no one will turn down an offer for help.
Introduce yourself if they look like someone who doesn’t know many people either – chances are, they’ll be happy to have some company too!
5) Find common interests
One way to break the ice with a new person is to ask them about something you have in common.
If there are any obvious things, like you both like science or music, then those would work well.
But if not, here are some options for topics that people often don’t think about:
What’s your favorite food?
Where do you want to travel next?
What was your favorite book when you were younger?
6) Don’t be afraid to be yourself
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. It might seem like social norms dictate that you talk about the weather, your hobbies, or the current season but these are just general topics that everyone is interested in.
If you want to make conversation with a stranger, try talking about something off-the-wall and see where it goes.
You might find that you have more in common than you think!
Also, don’t worry if they ignore you at first; there’s always room for another voice in any conversation. .
Some people are more shy than others: Be patient when trying to strike up a conversation with someone who seems really reserved.
Even if they say I’m not really into books, ask them what they’re currently reading or recommend one of your favorite books (or share an interesting fact).
7) Just do it!
The most important thing to remember when it comes to talking to strangers is that you don’t need to know a ton about them or what they like.
You just need a few questions and an open mind. Here are some of my favorite ways for talking with new people:
Ask for advice.
What do you like about your school? What’s your favourite subject? Who’s your favorite teacher? What are some things you wish could change about the school system?
Tell them what you’re up to. Where are you going now? Do you have any plans after this class?
Introduce yourself! If someone asks who I am, I’m always happy to share my name and tell them more about me if they ask.
It’s nice to learn more about other people too!
