Yesterday, I attended an event where I had the opportunity to meet many new people.

My entrepreneurial spirit wouldn’t let me rest because I truly enjoy connecting with others and learning from their valuable experiences. There was an 8-person seating area, and one person caught everyone’s attention as he sat alone. His presence was so striking that no one dared to approach him. However, I saw this as an opportunity. I gathered my courage and walked over to him, saying, “If a man is sitting alone in an 8-person area, there must be so much I can learn from him. Hello, I’m Ahmet Cihan…” This opening led others in the community to feel encouraged as well, and they joined us in the conversation. We ended up having a wonderful discussion together. This experience proved once again how a good opening line can be a powerful key to connecting with someone.

A similar example comes from the world-renowned motivational speaker Simon Sinek.

At an event, he noticed a man sitting alone in a corner, who no one approached. Like others, he felt hesitant due to the man's serious and closed-off demeanor, but his curiosity overcame his fears. When he decided to approach and started a conversation, he discovered that this man was a leading figure in his industry with incredible knowledge. His first sentence was quite simple: “Hello, I’m curious how this event has been for you.” This simple yet sincere opening opened the door to a deep conversation, allowing him to gain invaluable insights he would never forget.

These examples demonstrate that the first impression and the right opening are very important when starting a conversation with someone you don’t know.

Paying attention to the other person’s demeanor, clothing, accessories, or the conditions of the environment can help you create an engaging topic and immediately capture their interest. Even starting with a polite and thoughtful sentence can make a significant difference. Successful individuals like Simon Sinek have effectively used this technique to build strong connections with others.

Before starting a conversation with someone, it’s crucial to focus on small details that can grab their attention.

For instance, if someone is wearing an interesting accessory or looking at a book or digital device, those details can provide great opportunities to start a conversation. Another example involves Elon Musk, who once shared how a compliment about a distinctive watch during a meeting led to a major collaboration. By initiating the conversation based on this small detail, he quickly captured the other person's attention and interest. A thoughtful and sincere comment about someone's clothing or accessory often makes them feel special, enhancing communication.

In summary

In summary, being courageous and choosing the right phrases when initiating a conversation with someone you don’t know can be one of the most important qualities that set you apart, both personally and professionally. A good opening line builds trust and establishes a genuine connection.