Sharing Ideas and Opinions

If you share your ideas and opinions with other people, they will often help you make your dreams come true by giving you valuable advice.

Listen carefully when they share their thoughts with you. Show interest by keeping eye contact, smile if they say something pleasant, laugh if it’s funny, and nod your head if you understand or agree.

Freely give your advice to help make their dreams come true, if they seem interested.

It’s fun learning about other people. Ask questions about something they said if you want to learn more about it. But, if for some reason, they seem uncomfortable with the question, then apologize for asking it, and change the subject. When the conversation is over, you can decide what to keep from it and what to leave behind.

IDEAS

1. New Product or Service

“I have an idea for a new [product or service]. Please tell me what you think of it.”

Explain what your idea is. Answer all questions they have about your idea. Listen carefully to any advice they have. Then, thank them for their time and advice.

Return their favor by asking them if they ever thought about starting a new product or service. If they have, ask about it. Listen carefully to their idea, so you can give your best advice to them to help them make their dreams come true.

2. Problem Solving

“I have an idea that might work. How about if we try this: [explain your idea].”

Don’t feel hurt if your idea is not used. There are many reasons why others might choose to do something differently than you. Live your life the way you want to and let others do the same with their lives. You’ll be much happier if you do!

OPINIONS

1. Politics and Religion

“Who do you want for our next U.S. President?”

“Do you believe in [public school prayers / abortion / the death penalty]?”

If you can discuss politics or religion without getting into arguments and you enjoy these topics, go for it! If not, it’s best to avoid these controversial subjects.

2. Weather, Sports, and Celebrities

a. Weather

“Wonderful weather, isn’t it? How long do you think it will last?”

If you say these statements sincerely, the weather should be sunny. But you can also say these same statements with a sarcastic tone if the weather is terrible.

b. Sports

“Are you a sports fan? Which sports do you like?”

Obviously, you don’t want to start a conversation like this if you’re at a ball game. But, if you’re sitting in a bar or at a gym and a game happens to be on TV, this is a good way to start a conversation. If the person says “no” and looks away quickly, they probably want to be left alone. So, leave them alone. But, if they seem friendly and willing to talk more, you can follow up with: “What do you like to watch on TV or do for fun?”

c. Celebrities

“I can’t believe the crazy stories about Britney Spears!”

If that doesn’t make them ask you, “What stories?” then they’re not interested in any conversations at the moment. Just smile and leave them alone. But, if they do ask you about the crazy stories, be ready to share them.

Weather, sports, and celebrities are always safe topics, even if people disagree with you. So go out there and make a lot of new friends. Or at least have a lot of interesting conversations with strangers. Be awesome! Be your own hero!

[For more “Easy Steps to Success with English,” click here.]