Senior Living News & Events

(Just in case your conversational skills are a little rusty from COVID.)

Kitty Forrest, pictured above and featured in our article, “Finding Family at Chapel Pointe,” has a heart for encouraging others and building relationships. The best way to get to know someone is by simply starting a conversation. If your conversation skills are a bit rusty after COVID, try using one of these tips to spark conversation:  

Notice Something Nice

Find something you have in common with the other person, then find something positive about it and start the conversation from there. 

• “I saw you watering your flowers last night while I was trimming mine. Your pots are beautiful. How do you choose what to grow?”

Give a Compliment

This is the perfect way to make someone’s day and to spark a conversation.  Pick something you appreciate about them and tell them.

• “I love how you’re always smiling! What keeps you going?”

Ask For an Opinion or Advice

People appreciate knowing that others value their thoughts. Try to avoid emotionally-charged topics when you’re meeting someone for the first time, but generally asking someone for their opinion or advice is a great way to get a chat going.  

• “I’d like to try something new in Carlisle this weekend. Do you have any recommendations?”

Offer Help

Even if someone declines your help, offering a helping hand is a great way to brighten someone’s day and lead to more conversation.  

• “You have a lot to carry! Can I give you a hand?”

Look for Common Ground

Find something you both have in common, and run with it. This will help you to make an instant connection, and the discussion will flow effortlessly.   

• “How long have you lived in this area?”