The opener matters less than you think.

Most conversations don't die from a bad first line — they die from what comes after it.

Notice something specific.

React to what's actually in front of you — a detail, a mood, a shared moment — instead of a generic line.

Ask, then build.

A good opener is a question you actually want the answer to. Follow up on what they say instead of moving on.

The fastest way to get good at it? Reps.

Talk to someone new right now — zero stakes, real practice.