7 steps to have a conversation with anyone

1. The first word flood gates

Don't be afraid of saying "hi" or "hello"

2. Skip the small talk

Interesting name. How did your parents think of it? Is there a story behind it?
How long have you lived in this city?
Do you remember the first day you landed here?
Where do you come from?
Where does your family live?
What do you want to do before you die?
What if you found out you were going to die tomorrow?
What do you spend too much time doing?
What is a new habit you want to form?
What is your biggest fear?
What is most important in life?
What's the most illegal thing you've done?
What do you regret not doing?
What gives your life meaning?
What makes a good life?
Do you have something to fight for?
How do you think the world could be better?
What would you do to make the world a better place?

3. Find the me-toos

Try to find what you have in common

4. Pay a unique compliment

For example, there's no advance in saying "you are beautiful" to a model. Try to find a unique compliment.

5. Ask for an opinion

We all want to be heard. However, don't ask some really difficult. Say something like:

How do you like your coffee?
When was the last time you watched a movie?
What did you think of it?

6. Be present

Make eye contact, don't use your cell phone during the conversation.

7. Name, place, animal, thing

Remember the things that matters to the person.