Make small talk. Making small talk is what can help you get people to open up, and to have short conversations with people you have just met.
- Ask people how they are or how their day is going.
- Search for common ground. Find casual ways to find out if you and the person root for the same sports teams, watch the same shows, or have the same pets.
- Use your environment to help you. If you run into the person in a coffee shop, ask if she's tried the amazing baked goods. If you're outside and it's a gorgeous day, ask the person if he's going to take advantage of the beautiful weather to do something fun outdoors.