Everyone–yes, everyone–has an interesting life story, or something they can teach, or an idea they can discuss. So to develop instantaneous rapport with a stranger use the QUIK approach.

Question what, where, when, why, how. Used properly these questions will quickly help you explore subjects that interest you…and the stranger.

Understand nonverbal clues–watch the eyes and body posture for signs that the stranger feels uncomfortable with some of your questions.

Ideas–discuss concepts by asking questions about current events, books read, movies seen, etc.

Keep quite–say just enough to keep the conversation going. You never learn anything by talking.

If the QUIK approach engenders a listless, trivial, or a frustrating conversation quickly excuse yourself. You only live once.

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