You could say “I love your coat” or “I really like the way you style your hair. ”

A simple question or friendly statement can be enough to break the ice. You might say, “It’s so nice to see so many people here” or “What brings you here?”[3] X Research source During COVID-19, consider joining a virtual group, like a book club. [4] X Research source

If you forget someone’s name, you can always ask a friend or co-worker to refresh your memory.

A simple comment like, “I can’t wait for this cold front to leave” is a great conversation starter.

Instead of complaining about the weather or something else negative, comment on something positive that’s happened to you this week. You might talk about a cute video you watched or something interesting you saw on social media.

For instance, if you stare at the ground with your back hunched, you won’t seem very interested in the conversation. Posture may not seem important in the moment, but it makes a difference in the long run! Looking engaged and invested really improves your social skills in future conversations.

Ask people open-ended questions. “What are your plans for the weekend?” will help keep a conversation going, while “Are you excited for the week to be over?” won’t. [10] X Research source

For instance, if you and some friends are talking about summer vacation, you might share a fun experience you had during the past summer. If some co-workers are complaining about the weather, you might share what you heard on the latest weather report. Group conversations can be pretty chaotic, and even the most seasoned conversationalist can have trouble getting a word in. It’s okay if you have some difficulty at first!

You might say something like, “I have to go to class, but it was great talking to you! Want to grab coffee sometime?”

You might say something like, “Did your daughter Emily make the softball team?” or “How was your vacation in Florida?”

Standing up for yourself and what you believe in is a valuable social skill.

Classic literature can help improve your social skills more than modern novels, like works by Danielle Steel.