1. Occasion
Why are you all gathered together? What’s special about this occasion? What’s about to happen?

2. Location
Where are you? Was it easy to find? What are some notable characteristics of the area? Have you been there before?

3. Weather
The constant failsafe for conversation openers. Hopefully you’ll never reach this point for conversation starters.

All three of these share a common element: we’re all in this together. Use that to build bridges with people.

Work with these openers to break a silence, but then move on to asking more about the people you’re with. Avoid question that solicit ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Instead, try ‘tell me your thoughts on…’ or ‘what do you think about…’.

Very little else keeps a conversation alive than having others talk about or answer questions on their favorite subject – themselves.