Starting a conversation can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips to break the ice

Kick off with a Greeting: Start with a simple "Hello" or "Hi there!" This sets a friendly tone and lets the other person know you're interested in engaging with them.

Ask a Question: Get the ball rolling with an open-ended question to get the conversation flowing. It could be something related to the current situation or environment, like "How's your day going?" or "What brings you here today?"

Make a Comment about the weather: Observational comments are a great way to start a conversation and it is a very British thing to talk about the weather - there’s always something to say and everyone’s got an opinion. If that’s not for you then comment on your surroundings like, "I love the artwork in this place. Have you noticed it?" Is another option.

Give a compliment - everyone likes to receive a compliment. Whether it’s about their outfit, accessories or something else you have observed a genuine compliment can spark a conversation. For example, "I love your shoes! Where did you get them?"

Share a Relevant Experience: If you have something in common with the other person, share a relevant experience. For instance, if you're both waiting for a class to start, you could say, "I'm looking forward to this class, have you done it before?"

Use Humour: A well-timed joke or witty comment can break the ice and make the other person feel more at ease. Just be sure to keep it light and appropriate for the situation.

Pay Attention and Respond: Once the conversation gets going, listen attentively to what the other person is saying and respond accordingly. Showing genuine interest in what they have to say and asking follow-up questions will keep the conversation going.

Remember, starting a conversation is about being genuine, friendly, and open to connecting with others. Don't overthink it too much—just be yourself and let the conversation flow naturally! In all likelihood, the person you are talking to will be having just the same anxiety