HOW TO START A CONVERSATION

Starting a conversation to get to know someone or breaking an awkward silence can be very stressful. With friends or with colleagues, at a party or at work starting a conversation is kind of uncomfortable.

[MAKING NEW FRIENDS/CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS AFTER A LONG TIME]

Start out by presenting yourself to your friend. Tell him/her your name, and other details about you. Be sure to ask your friend what his/her name is, and some details about him/her as well. How will you be able to have a conversation if you don't know each other?

Be a good listener. It is important that you have the ability to pay attention to what your friends are saying, as this is the only way to learn about them, answer their questions and get answers to your questions. Be sure to look your friend in the eye while you are talking and listening to him/her.

Inquire things about your friend. These include what he/she likes to do for fun, if he/she has a favourite quote, and what the goal of his/her life is. If you ask your friend such questions, he/she might think that you're interested in learning more about him/her.

Give a detailed answer when your friend asks you a question. For example, when someone asks what your favorite part of a movie was, instead of just answering "The end," answer "The end where the minions were caught and destroyed." You should also ask your friend if he/she understood what you were saying. Remember to do this occasionally.

Know that people think differently about things. Whenever you do not agree with your friend's opinion, disagree for a reason. If you don't agree about a minor thing, just leave it be, and don't talk about it any more. If you feel the need to tell your friend that you disagree with their opinion, do it politely. When people think differently about things, it can catch interest, but, don't object to your friend too much. It can make him/her feel annoyed.

Know how to end the conversation. This is a good place to say something else you wanted to say earlier, inquire something else about your friend or make a point in a detailed way. Say something conclusive at the very end of the conversation.

AVOID USING THESE IN CONVERSATION 

Refrain from talking about political stuff or religious beliefs because that could start a disagreement. 

You should also avoid talking about personal things, such as where someone lives. You just met your friend, and this is not the time to talk about that stuff!

Never say curse words, cut off your friend while he/she is talking, raise your voice too high, speak unclear, or try to complete your friend's sentence for him/her.

Know what words you should refrain from saying. These include filler words such as "um," "like," and "you know" (which can get on other's nerves).

[AT A NEW JOB]

Being a new employee means having to start networking within the business. Striking up a conversation can be hard

introduce yourself: This sounds like an easy task but for many this first initial step can cause your heart to pound.
Simply state, Hello, my name is _____ and I just started in the _______ department.
Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to people that hold different levels in the company. Making a good impression can help with your future goals.

Ask someone, How is your day going so far? 

The simply question can help start a conversation.
Make certain when you ask the question, you listen for the answer. After the person answers, you can introduce yourself and proceed carrying on the conversation.

Get to know someone by asking How long have you been working here? Listen for the answer. Then explain that you have just begun with company.
This works really well if you can find someone who has been with the company for a long period of time, the person can show you around and introduce you to others in the department.

Tea or coffee? If working in a team or in a department that has many employees, ask about the coffee or tea situation. For example, What are the rules for drinking coffee at our desk? or Is there a certain process in purchasing (or making) coffee? 
By asking about the rules, you can strike up a conversation and know what is acceptable when drinking a beverage during work hours.

Use your lunch break! When getting ready to go on a lunch break, ask the nearest co-worker questions. For example, you can ask,Where is the nearest place to get a good salad? The type of food is what you would personally like to eat for lunch; the subject is a great way to start a conversation. 
A lot of times if there is a group going to lunch at a local café or restaurant, one of the group members will ask you to join. Make certain you join especially during the first week on the job.
Joining the group for lunch will help you learn about the company and your fellow co-workers.

AVOID NEGATIVE CONVERSATION

Do not make a negative comment about the business day.

 Always try to stay positive and do not participate in gossip. 

Being positive in observations will get noticed by other co-workers and managers.