Starting a conversation is easy if we do it in the realm of our surroundings. When we are in the supermarket, we can initiate a conversation by asking for a suggestion to pick a perfect apple, but cannot discuss a movie, as that would be out of context.

Even if it sounds clichéd, we can practice striking a conversation in the visible context(like the weather) with strangers, as it is likely we would never see that person again anyway!

If we feel shy, nervous or overwhelmed while talking to a stranger, you can be frank and tell that person. The other person is a mystery waiting to be discovered, but most of us are happy scrolling through our phones as it feels easier and safer.

By acknowledging your shyness or how awkward you feel, you are putting the other person at ease, who may be feeling the same way.

• A simple way to kickstart a conversation is to look for commonalities that you may have with the other person, like where they are heading, what they are reading, where they live.
• Asking where they are from, or if they have done the particular activity before can spark a conversation and can go a long way.
• Even if there is nothing in common, one can embrace the ‘newness’ and learn from the other person, keeping an open, explorative mind.
• With practice, one can initiate and end conversations with confidence.