7 Simple Tips for Teenagers to Start Conversations with Confidence

Introduction

Let’s be real—starting a conversation can feel awkward, especially if you’re shy or worried about saying the wrong thing. Whether it’s walking into a new class, going to a party, or even sending that first DM, sometimes your brain screams “Abort mission!” before you even open your mouth.

But guess what? Talking to people gets way easier once you know a few simple tricks. Whether you want to make new friends, talk to your crush, or just feel more confident in everyday moments, these tips are for you.

“Small talk is the appetiser for any relationship. If you can’t do the small talk, you’ll never get to the entrée.”

— Debra Fine, author of “The Fine Art of Small Talk”

Tip #1: Start with a Smile

A smile is your best first impression. It’s a small action that makes you look friendly, open, and approachable—even if you’re feeling nervous inside.

Try this:
When you walk into a room or make eye contact with someone, give a soft smile and nod. It helps break the ice before you even say a word.

Tip #2: Ask Open-Ended Questions

Don’t ask questions that lead to a dead end. Instead of saying, “Did you have a good weekend?” try “What did you do over the weekend?” That way, the other person has more to say—and the convo can keep going naturally.

Examples to try:

• “What kind of music are you into?”

• “How do you spend your free time?”

• “What’s your go-to Netflix show right now?”

Tip #3: Use Your Surroundings

Not sure what to say? Look around. Is the person wearing a cool hoodie? Did the teacher just assign something weird? Use your shared environment as a conversation starter.

Examples:

• “That hoodie’s sick—where’d you get it?”

• “Did you understand what that math homework was about?”

• “This lunch line is chaos today, huh?”

Tip #4: Practice Quick Intros

Having a go-to intro can save you from awkward silence. You don’t need to make it fancy—just something short and friendly.

Try saying:

• “Hey, I think we have [class] together, right?”

• “I’m [your name], I don’t think we’ve met yet.”

• “Mind if I sit here?”

Tip #5: Don’t Overthink It

It’s easy to get stuck in your head: What if I say something dumb? What if they think I’m weird? But most people are too focused on themselves to judge you. Just being friendly and showing interest goes a long way.

Reminder: It’s totally okay if a conversation doesn’t go perfectly. You tried—and that’s already brave.

Tip #6: Talk About Shared Interests

If you know someone’s into the same music, sport, or game as you, use it! People love talking about things they enjoy.

Starter lines:

• “You play [sport]? What position?”

• “You mentioned you’re into [band]—got any song recs?”

• “I’m stuck on this level in [game]—how did you beat it?”

Tip #7: Fake the Confidence Until It’s Real

You don’t have to feel confident to look confident. Stand tall, speak clearly, and make eye contact. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.

Body language tips:

• Keep your shoulders relaxed but back.

• Don’t cross your arms (it can seem closed-off).

• Nod and smile when listening—it shows you're engaged.

Final Thought: You’ve Got This

Starting conversations might always feel a little nerve-wracking, and that’s okay. What matters is that you show up, stay kind, and give it a shot. Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real and making a connection.

So next time you’re in a new place or see someone you’d like to talk to, remember these tips. One friendly “Hey” can lead to a great friendship—or at least a less awkward day.

FAQ’s

• What if the other person doesn’t respond well?

  DescNot everyone will be open—and that’s not your fault. If someone seems uninterested, just move on. Confidence is knowing your worth, even when others don’t see it.ription text goes here

• I’m really shy. Can I still be good at conversations?

  Absolutely. Start small—one “hello” at a time. Many great conversationalists are actually introverts who’ve learned simple tools just like these.

• How can I keep a conversation going without it getting awkward?

  Follow-up questions are key! If someone says they like football, ask: “What team do you support?” or “Do you play or just watch?” Curiosity keeps things flowing.

• What should I do if I completely blank and don’t know what to say?

  It happens to everyone. You can laugh it off and say, “I totally forgot what I was going to say—classic me.” Being honest is often more relatable than pretending.

• Can texting or chatting online help me get better at real-life convos?

  Yes! Online chatting gives you time to think and respond, which can build your confidence. Just remember: real-life convos may be messier—but they’re also more rewarding.