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How To Start A Conversation With Anyone

Probably the most important skill you’ll ever learn

Andy Taylor
8 min readAug 18, 2021

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Our lives are built on our relationships. Opportunities come from talking to people, it’s as simple as that.

Let’s go back to the school disco. Who got to dance with the guy/girl that everyone liked? The person who had the guts to talk to them, most likely.

Fast forward to the world of work. If a boss has a choice of who to promote out of two equally suitable people, and they’ve never talked to one of them but have had some good chats with the other, who do you think they’ll pick?

My own life has taught me the value of talking to people.

From A-list stars (that anecdote is right at the end of the article) to bored-looking conference stall staff, I’ve encouraged myself (yes, it doesn’t come naturally to everyone) to start conversations with people I didn’t know.

I’ve had life-transforming experiences as a result.

What Are You Scared Of?

I’ll tell you what I hate more than most things —looking stupid. Embarrassment is something we all avoid, and it’s the biggest reason holding us back from starting conversations with people we don’t know.

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Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor

Written by Andy Taylor

I want to learn. I try to grow. I’d love to help.

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