Conversation Openers

[Cloverjo]

I HAVE to go go to a dinner party next month. I’m rubbish at chatting to strangers.
What do I say to unfortunate guy seated next to me? What’s a good opener? And followereron?

[Prudie]

You could ask if anyone is watching the Dublin Murders and knows what's going on?
Or have you been to see The Joker? Is it worth seeing?
Or any TV/Film that interest you?

[Barsel]

Ask them something that you wouldn't mind being asked. I wouldn't like to be asked questions about politics , so I wouldn't start a conversation with someone about that. If you start with just general questions like the weather, the food, other people who are there and you'll soon get into the flow of things.

[albaqwerty]

If the thigh grabbing doesn't appeal, make a general comment on how lovely the table/room/venue is.
Follow on with the menu looks interesting and you're looking forward to it cos you've been starving yourself all day :-)

[Ken4155]

Ummmm; "Ken, i think you're confusing anxiety with a panic attack." My daughter's doctor says she suffers from "anxiety attacks". I'll not argue with him.

[Ken4155]

Cloverjo, if none of the above advice suits your state of mind, you could always wait for your 'neighbours' to strike up a conversation.

[AuntPollyGrey]

You : Hello my name's ………… (pause for reciprocation)
You: Its so nice to go to a dinner party for a change ,do you know the host well?
You: ah! I know them from ………………….. Blah-de-blah

You're away and pacing as they say :-)

[wolf63]

What about offering to show him your collection of photos of your cat? :-)