1. Stop and have a conversation when you see someone you know if you’re not busy. Don’t just say “hi, how are you?” and keep walking.

2. Remember people want to talk to you.

3. Make observations about what’s happening around you. You don’t have to stun everyone with your killer wit everytime you speak.

4. If you have nothing to say about the topic, say something general that kind of relates. I often stop myself from doing this because it seems random and out of place, but it’s much better than not conversing.

5. Use your hands a bit when you talk to people—you seem really uncomfortable when you keep playing with them, or just leave them hanging there.

6. Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen, ask questions so people know you’re interested in them, and listen some more! If people don’t listen/ask questions back, avoid future ‘conversations’.

7. Remember you can learn a lot from everybody; they are all different from you.