There is nothing worse when meeting someone for the first time than that awkward silence after greeting each other. Kick the silence into orbit with these conversation starters.

How was your day?

Always an ice breaker and a great way to build up a level of communication as the question will no doubt be reciprocated.

You look really nice, where did you get (item in question) from?

Clothing or fashion accessories are always a hot topic of conversation.

How was work?

So much can happen at work, lives revolve around work quite often for most people – again another great topic starter.

Hey I like that (object in question)?

If you are in his home comment on an ornament or a piece of furniture, pick out a not-so-obvious object and ask about it as more often than not the more obscure items come with a story or a tale to tell. And hey, we all like to talk about our belongings and our treasures and what they mean to us.

Have you seen any movies recently?

Be braver, ask him whether he has seen such and such film. If you have, but he hasn’t, you can tell him about it and ask him if he’d like to go to the cinema some day with you. If he has, then you can both reminisce about it and it could also be a sign that you have the same taste in films.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Music, we all love it. Men love to talk about music or concerts. Who knows, you may share the same interests…

What sports do you play or like?

Men also love sport and women who are into their sport can be quite a turn on for the opposite sex. If he plays a sport, tell him you wouldn’t mind watching him in action some day – get an invite. You never know, you could also support the same team, ask him if he fancies meeting up before or after the next game.

Other conversation topic starters:

What did you do this weekend (week)?

Have you been to (a local restaurant)?

What kind of foods do you like?

Where are you from?

Where did you go to school/college?

Have you read any good books lately? Was it interesting?

What do you normally do for fun?

Do you like (an interest of yours)?

The key to striking up good conversations with the opposite sex is good listening skills and being yourself. Don’t be shy either. Ask interesting questions, but formal ones. Don’t ask informal ones or really personal questions to start with. Those type of conversation topics will come when a bond of trust is in place.

Lastly, work at it! Start today, go up to a work colleague or even someone standing next to you in the lift for example and strike up a conversation. Just be polite and friendly. Talking is good and will boost your own self confidence even if you have no interest outside of friendship with the opposite person.