Why We Should Talk to Strangers More

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1. 01Why We Should Talk to Strangers More

   Good evening, everyone. On a crowded train, most of us look at our phones and avoid eye contact. Tonight, I want to convince you that we should talk to strangers more often.

2. 02What We Expect

   Most people expect that talking to a stranger will be awkward, or that the other person won't want to talk.

3. 03What Research Found

   But a well-known study in Chicago found the opposite. Commuters who were asked to talk to a stranger reported a more pleasant trip than those who sat alone, even though they had expected the reverse.

   Source: Epley & Schroeder (2014)

4. 04Why It Feels Good

   Short conversations remind us that we are part of a community. We often learn something new, and we leave feeling a little more connected.

5. 05Why We Hold Back

   So why do we hold back? We underestimate how much others enjoy talking, and we worry too much about what to say.

6. 06How to Start

   Starting is easier than you think. Comment on something you both can see, ask a simple question, and let the conversation end naturally when it's time.

7. 07A Word of Caution

   Of course, we should respect people who clearly want to be left alone, and always trust our feelings about safety.

8. 08Conclusion

   In short, strangers are often kinder and more interesting than we expect. This week, why not say hello to someone new? Thank you.