GENTLE NON-INVASIVE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH A STRANGER:

 

• Compliment them on an article of clothing they’re wearing, a piercing, a tattoo or a hairstyle. If they respond positively, ask them something about it.

 

• Say something about their t-shirt or cap:

 

“I noticed your Grand Canyon shirt; did you go there?”

 

“I see you’ve got an Ithaca College cap, did a family member go there?”

 

• Comment on the event:

 

“Wow, that was pretty provocative, what did you think?”   

 

“Have you been to this type of event before?”

 

“So, what did you think of this concert/workshop/dance?”

 

“Great to see so many people coming out for this.”

 

“This was incredible, I’m surprised there weren’t more people here.”

 

• Comment on the food:

 

“Wow, so many great-looking choices!”

 

“I am sure am hungry, that was quite the workout!”

 

• Comment on the venue:

 

“What a gorgeous building this is!”

 

“I never knew about this place, did you?”

 

• Comment on the speaker/performer/facilitator:

 

“I loved what she had to say, what did you think?”

 

“What an amazing guitarist, did you think so also?”

 

“Have you been to any of his/her/their events before?”