No weather: There is a better way to start casual conversations

It is impossible to leave the house and, at some point, not to go through situations where that weather comment does not come up: in the elevator, waiting for an appointment or even the bus. When this happens to strangers, it's okay to keep comments around - and sometimes it's even better - but when you're interested in prolonging the conversation, this topic may not be enough; In this case, there is a method that can make things very easy.

It's all about questions because it's a scientifically proven way to increase someone else's chances of liking you, according to research published in Harvard University's Personality and Social Psychology Journal. According to the study, when new subjects are introduced with questions the conversation tends to be considered more enjoyable. And that goes for that romantic date too! In the end the point is: People like to talk about themselves, so make them talk.

The method consists of a list of four subjects that can be used in any order, but are capable of yielding from a more pleasant conversation to a new friendship for discovering common interests.

• Family: Do you have any siblings?
• Work: What do you currently work with?
• Leisure: What do you usually do in your free time?
• Dreams: Have you ever considered living on a farm?

In English, it's called FORD (family, occupation, recreation, dreams), which makes the acronym easier to memorize; but even if you don't remember all the items on the list, some will be enough for the conversation to develop.

Of course, the questions shown above are examples and should also take into account your opinions and curiosities, as a key point of the method is really listening to what the other person says, basing the following questions on their answers - and so the conversation goes on. . Another very important caution is not to turn the conversation into an interrogation; You also need to talk a little and say goodbye to the weather as a subject. Easy, no?