How to Start a Conversation

Here are some strategies for overcoming the challenge of initiating a conversation.

By Marci Melzer, MEd-SLP

Starting conversations is one of the most common challenges I hear about as a parent language facilitation coach and autism advocate.

Whether you’re autistic or neurotypical, striking up a conversation can sometimes feel daunting. So, give yourself a break!

There’s no single “right” way to strike up a conversation, but you can get better at it and feel more confident in social interactions.

These helpful tips are offered to help build comfort, reduce pressure, and most importantly, celebrate each individual’s unique communication style.

Conversation is more challenging than needs-based expression

These common challenges cause some individuals to avoid conversation altogether.

• Reading social cues: Understanding subtle body language, facial expressions, or the unspoken rules of conversation can be challenging. This can make it tricky to know when it is the right time to jump in and share ideas.

• Anxiety about “getting it wrong”: Individuals who were heavily prompted to talk or follow directions may worry about saying the “wrong” thing or being misunderstood. This can create a real barrier to starting conversations.