--- Tony Roy <ttony_at@...> wrote:

> Can anyone else offer some advice in how to begin a
> conversation?

Good question, Tony. I don't think there's a magic
bullet, but try using common sense and taking a risk.


Common sense: You are near a person at a social
gathering for a reason. Something has drawn you both
to this spot. Whatever the reason, there's a
conversation starter in there somewhere. Then there's
the weather - outside or inside. There must be
something weather-like going on around you that you
can talk about for at least one sentence. After that
one sentence, fight like heck to come up with another,
then another. If all else fails, introduce yourself
to somebody. Pretend you are outgoing even if you
feel like a total clod. Fake it until you make it.

Risk: Yes, go out on a limb and don't be afraid to
fall off. Jump into the cold, shark-infested waters
and try to swim. If you can get a little momentum
going, you might make it. At the end of the day (or
night), you'll feel better about yourself for having
tried than if you stood around wondering what to do
the whole time.

Work on this thing - read books, listen to tapes,
practice speaking to the mirror, write ideas in your
journal - and deep within you, your subconscious will
respond and help you along when the going gets tough.

Good luck!
Stuart