Stage 5 · Lesson 2 of 6
Starting a conversation
The easiest openers come from the place you are both in: "What brought you to this event?", "Did you enjoy the last talk?", "Are you a student here or working?" Introduce yourself simply: your name and one line about you, such as "I am Usman, a final year student working on a mobile app for clinics."
Practise that line until you can say it without thinking. Groups of two or three standing loosely are easier to join than a closed circle; stand nearby, listen and join when there is a pause.
Common trapwaiting for someone to approach you, which at most events means standing alone by the snacks.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- BookPaidHow to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
Dale Carnegie (Simon & Schuster) · Paid book
The old classic on listening, names and genuine interest in other people
Practise
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).