How to Get an Intelligent Conversation Started

When you must converse with a new person, whether at a social event, business meeting or on a first-time date, there can be some awkward pauses. You may smile, stammer and sweat while you try to think of something intelligent to say.

At the same time, you try to reach back into your memory and come up with something lame, tired and old, such as: How about that weather we're having? You could also attempt: Do you come here often?

With a bit more common sense, you could open a meaningful conversation with a subject you both could find easy and enjoyable to discuss. Consider some of them.

1. We all like to talk about ourselves: For example, you could ask about early childhood, school memories and family gatherings.

2. Current world and U.S. news: You may be getting into dangerous grounds if you start the conversation by making a very opinionated political statement. It would be better to ease into it by asking about recent local, state or federal happenings. For example: What did you think about the President's State of the Union address?

3. Current music, movies and television programs: These are not as deep as politics, so strong opinions can be excellent conversation starters. For example: What do you think of the latest winner of American Idol?

4. Sports: There's always a local team that's doing extremely well or having a bad year. It could be the high school, college or pro team in football, basketball or tiddlywinks. For example: How about those Eagles? Aren't they having an amazing (great or terrible) year?

5. Electronics: Discuss the latest cell phone combination that includes video, phone, Global Positioning System, weather and instant world news. Talk about problems and accomplishments. For example: Do you prefer reading eBooks or the old-fashioned way of turning pages?

6. Hobbies: You may be a weekend watercolorist, gourmet chef or weaver of patchwork quilts. Maybe your companion would be interested in hearing about your unique talents. For example: My upside down German chocolate cake won first prize at the county fair. You'll have to try some real soon.

7. Zodiac signs: The oldest pick-up line in guy-gal history is: What's your sign? It can also be a good conversation starter, even if romance isn't in your mind.

8. Relationship: Of course, if romance actually is on your mind, there are many more effective areas to cover than the Zodiac. For example: Do you believe in love at first sight? If that's just a bit too bold, another example is: Do you believe TV and movies are going too far with language and sexual situations?

Starting a meaningful conversation is not difficult if you bring to the event a group of interesting subjects that are worth discussing.