How to Start a Conversation for Introverts and Those on the Autism Spectrum

How to Start a Conversation Without Stress This guide is especially made for introverts, those on the autism spectrum, or really anybody who finds meeting new people and starting conversations difficult. By the end of this article, you'll know how to use the right tools to make starting conversations second nature. Step 1: Watch Your Body Language When you approach someone, you want to be shoulder to shoulder, face to face, head on. Make direct eye contact without opening your eyes too wide, and remember to smile. If you're not naturally a smiley person, at least try your best to have a pleasant expression on your face as you extend your hand. The Script Salutation and Name: As you extend your hand, say, "Hi," "Hello," or whatever your usual greeting is. Then state your name. For example: "Hi, I'm Dan." "Hello, my name is Dan." Introduction Quiz: Which of these introductions do you think projects a more polished, confident image? "I'm Dan." "My name is Dan." The answer is "I'm Dan." It sounds more confident and polished. State the Reason: After introducing yourself, state the reason why you're introducing yourself. Keep it simple: "I haven't had a chance to meet you yet." "I've seen you around, but I haven't had a chance to introduce myself formally." "We haven't had the chance to connect yet." Ask for Their Name: Then ask, "What's your name?" When they respond, repeat their name: "Nice to meet you, Joe." Step 2: Start the Conversation Effortlessly Once introductions are done, starting the conversation becomes effortless if you follow the "Person, Place, or Thing" strategy. As you're walking up to the event, notice something positive that strikes you. For example, if you're at a museum, you might notice the antique tile on the floor. Examples of Conversation Starters Person: "I'm here because my friend's son is playing the violin in the recital tonight. Are you here with someone?" Place: "Did you see the tile on the floor as you came in? It's amazing!" Thing: "I'm fascinated by the artwork here. Do you have a favorite piece?" Step 3: Make It Easy for Others to Engage To make people want to engage with you, make it easy for them to communicate. Use simple cues and open-ended questions like: "Really? Tell me more about that." "What do you think about this place?" "How do you feel about the event so far?" Step 4: Recognize When to Step Away If you're on the autism spectrum, an introvert, or simply nervous, sometimes it's best to strategically step away for a minute. This lets you decompress and prepare for the next part of the conversation. Use the OFF method: O: Offer - "I'm going to grab a coffee. Would you like one as well?" F: Favor - "Can you watch my stuff while I go get a coffee?" F: Familiar Language - "I'll be right back. Save my spot, okay?" Conclusion Starting a conversation can be daunting, but with these tools and strategies, you can make it a lot easier. Remember, the key is to make it easy for others to engage with you. Use open-ended questions and offer small favors to build rapport. Download the tools offered in this lesson to help you practice and master these skills. Stay tuned for the next video where we'll discuss how to keep the conversation going.