How to connect with people online

To break the ice with a stranger or an acquaintance, comment on your shared situation. For example, commenting on the conference talk you've both just listened to, or the traffic or weather. You can also try giving a compliment, or ask the other person something about themselves....

Concentrating on a talk can be difficult, and humor is a fantastic way to engage your audience. The laugh overrides the defenses of others, and suddenly you find yourself with an opportunity to communicate with them

Tips from Tom Ri...

In order to have more meaningful conversations, ask questions that start with “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “how,” or “why”. 
Good: “What would you do?”
Bad: "Do you think I  should do X?"

Words like “would,” “should,” “is,” “are,” and “do you think,” must be avo...