As promised, here are eleven tips for beginning conversations when you are out in the world. Once you have them talking, you can share the love of the Lord. Be sure to add your tips to the comments!1. Notice your surroundings. Comment on what is around you. What’s in the grocery basket? How’s the weather? Those kids are very well behaved. Use what you see to prompt you when starting a conversation.
2. Give a compliment. Do you love her hair cut? Where did she get that beautiful scarf? Tell her if that color looks great on her. People love to get compliments and usually don’t hear enough of them. Be sincere and you will gain entry to speak of more meaningful things.
3. Share a verse for the day. Maybe you were reminded that morning that God gives strength and you can share that with someone who needed to hear it too. Suppose you read about the love of God, share how God loves the one you are standing next to.
4. Read the paper or listen to the news. Knowing what is happening is a shoe-in for starting conversations. As you pray and ask God’s perspective on current events, you can share that viewpoint as God opens the door.
5. Listen to what people are really saying. People often share bits of truth about having a bad day or going through a difficult time. When you are listening, you are not planning what you will say next. You are hearing what the person says and needs. Be the encourager and the one who gives mercy as needed.
6. Offer to pray for those in need. As you see a clerk with too many people to wait on, tell her that you will be praying for her. As a mom with a crying child gets upset with the situation, tell her it is okay and that you will say a prayer for her. Sometimes it might be appropriate to stop and pray for someone right then. The Holy Spirit will guide you.
7. Give something away. Some people give business cards, some give sealed and wrapped candy, others may give pens. If you have little things you can give, then keep them with you. A balloon for a grade-school kid in line can create excitement. As you have extras of safe things, put them in your purse and pray about when you can give them away.
8. Just smile. Smiles can put people at ease. They can say that you are in a good mood and are not a threat. Smiles just let people know that you might be a really nice person. Smiles can open the door to share the love of the Lord – even when you can’t think of anything to say.
9. Body language is important. Standing with one hand on your hip may communicate that you have little patience let. Looking down and avoiding eye contact says you want to stay in your own world. Having open arms and looking at people communicates they are important and that you are open to conversation.
10. Ask about beauty tips (or sports). Who does your nails? hair? Where did you get that purse? I notice your lipstick stays on well, what brand do you use? There are so many directions one can go about beauty tips.
11. Open-ended questions are also great conversation starters. What good books have you read lately? What did you watch last night? What’s your favorite candy? What do like to serve for the holidays? The variety of options is endless.
Blogging Buddies
I am thrilled to have several capable leaders join me on this blog: Tracy Jones, Sharon Beougher, Kristi Beougher McCartney, Regina Gibson, and my daughter, Kelli Martin. We are excited about what the Lord is doing and can't wait to share with you!
Regina will be with us tomorrow. You will see Regina's photo all over Southern Seminary's info as she is a recent grad (MDiv in Women's Leadership) and is presently a women's enrichment specialist at LifeWay and great with child! Congrats to Regina and Chris.
Remember to add your comments on your ideas for conversation starters!
