Short advice from Dr. Aziz (YouTube video) on how to confidently approach and start conversations with strangers. Recommends (1) open with a simple, environment-based question (e.g., "What are you here to see?"), (2) listen attentively, pause, make eye contact and take in surroundings, then ask a slightly deeper personal follow-up so people feel at ease.
How to confidently approach anyone. Part two. So you're gonna walk towards somebody assuming approval and then what do you say? This is the biggest hang up for people. I don't know what to say. First ask them a basic question about the environment. Something really simple. You don't need a complicated line here. What are you here to see? Which band are you gonna check out here tonight? Or I was at some sporting event with other parents of kids like hey, which one's your kid out there on the field? Right? Real basic question they'll simple thing about the environment. Most people will answer that. You can even ask a group of people that right now. Number two is listen. Don't go straight into your head and be like, oh, I don't know what to say. I don't listen to what they say. Take a breath, look into their eyes, look at the surrounding area, smell the air, be here. And then in what they say you'll find a follow up question to ask about themselves. Go a little bit deeper. Just ask them something about themselves and all of a sudden people feel more at ease. They like talking about themselves and you're in.
