How do I start a conversation when I don’t know what to say?

I would smile, be friendly, and ask open-ended questions. Talk about something you have in common with them like the weather, sports, their outfits, or pets. If at a company event, you can ask which department they work in, how they like it, and try to network with people.

This is an excellent question, especially for someone like me. Naturally, you should introduce yourself. I am generally shy by nature and what I have done is utilize the environment as a opening for conversation based on where you are meeting someone. For example, if I am at an event (like a party), you could ask them how they know the host. Or if you are in school/classroom, you could ask their opinion on what the lesson was or subject. For me basically, I feed off of what they say and provide my opinion, thoughts, ideas, etc...

I usually try to find something in common with the person I am trying to have the conversation with. I can talk to anyone and it usually starts with "How is your day?" I know it is scary at first to talk to people you don't know but it becomes easier with time. You might go to a Toastmasters meeting to learn about public speaking. This may help!

I like to compliment someone to start a conversation - like, nice shoes or you are an amazing speaker. Then you can follow it up w/something like, where'd you get your shoes or are you nervous at all when you speak? or really, just anything to continue the conversation.

Hi Edelyn, Nice to virtually meet you. This is a great question and one that I get often. If this scenario is happening during team meetings, I suggest you schedule a meeting with your manager or team lead and let them know how you feel. Let them know that you really value the ideas and suggestions of your team members and that you have equally valuable information that you would like to contribute but you feel as though you are often spoken over or interrupted which makes you feel excluded. A good manager or leader would then do one of many things. He/she could create a meeting agenda that included the names of all employees on the team allowing each person to speak for 5 minutes on a topic of interest to them. They could also create a "meeting rules of conduct" which would outline the do's and don'ts of team meetings. If this scenario is playing out with co-workers by the water cooler or at lunch you can simply say " Oh that's a great idea have you thought about ..." or you might also try "Sorry to interrupt you but I had a similar idea" then you can share your idea(s). If this is happening with friends then honestly you should be able to say to your friends "I really value our friendship but when we talk, I don't always feel included"

Best wishes to you.

If you had a comment to something someone said before, then say "Person's name, you said <repeat what they said in summary> earlier, what about <put your thoughts here>?" By asking a question, you will elicit some sort of response. Try to build from there. Don't be shy, it takes time and practice. Also, work on being able to jump into a conversation. "Hey, I like that, what about <blah>" or "Have you thought about <this>?"