How to easily start conversations?

Getting acquainted isn’t easy for everyone. It can become easier eventually, but for one who is not already at ease, it takes work, and practice.
You will likely think I am nuts, but you can practice with Barbies, or Brats. Set up a potential conversation, and speak aloud for each doll. It will help you find a comfort zone with making replies.
Now, for the real people part. One thing which really helps a great deal. is compliments. Giving compliments is a good way to put others around you at ease. Do not interpret that to mean you should enter a room and compliment everybody; “Nice dress”, “Cool shoes.”, “Hey I like your… um, books.” Simply make a point of being observant. Don’t stare down people. That is creepy. Just remember to see people. Notice their hair, what they wear, the way someone’s eyes light up when they talk about a celebrity they like. When someone speaks to you, look at them. Notice their expression. Are they amused by what they are saying to you? Are they concerned? The better you notice people, the easier it is to think of things to say. It becomes easier to pay compliments.
You don’t have to like everything others do in order to be liked. If someone say they Like Bieber, and you think he is okay, but you are more of a Pitbull fan, you can say something like, “He’s okay, but not my favorite.”
Receiving compliments well is as important as giving compliments well. When you thank someone, always do it with your voice as loud as theirs was in complimenting you. Smile, and say it cheerfully. Show on your face as much joy as you feel inside.
Don’t restrict your compliments. Compliment strangers. Tell a cashier if you like her lovely manicure. If you walk past a bus stop where a lady wearing a lovely coat is waiting, let her know you think she looks lovely.
Soon talking to new people will be easier for you.
Good luck!

Thank you!

I find that sometimes I have the same problem,
I totally agree with @Here2_4
You should really first try with a ‘Hello, my name is ___ what about you?”
Or even starting with a compliment towards their work i.e. “Your drawing is really good” + a smile (that always works).
Just be yourself, people like that best, take Luna Lovegood as an example, she is herself.
But if you do find it hard to strike up conversations, start by complimenting someone’s work, or their appearance, i.e. “I love your hair”
Obviously, these are all ideas, tailor them to your liking
Hope I was a smidgen of help

A good icebreaker is often something everyone can identify with, for example “There was so much traffic coming in today” Then someone else talks about traffic and you ask “Where do you live” or “where do you come from?” Then it just flows – “Oh, my mom lives over there” or “I used to work near there. I used to love that coffee shop on the corner.”

Weather is also a good thing to talk about, just to warm people up.

Asking people where they live or where they like to eat is a good ice breaker, too.

Something else everyone has in common is talking about how busy we all are. “I wanted to work on the painting this weekend but I was so busy trying to get holiday shopping done. This is such a busy time of year.” Another example, “I try to draw as much as possible when I have free time, but lately my allergies have been acting up and I’ve been tired.” Then people start talking about their allergies or how busy they’ve been, or whatever.

I’ve been told I’m a good bullshitter. LOL

@jca , poster is a teenager. I doubt she is frequenting coffee shops, and probably hasn’t had a job yet.

@Here2_4: What I gave are examples. Of course she would tailor my examples to the situation she is in. I have seen teenagers in coffee shops, though.

First, talk about the activity that you are engaged in. Ask them about art they are doing or what they think of a current assignment.

Go from there. Be genuinely interested in other people. Ask them questions about themselves. “Have you always lived in this area?” “I only see you in art class. What other electives are you taking?”

Persevere. You will get better.

Very nice answers, all of you. :)

The thing about conversations is that most people are probably sitting there hoping someone else will talk to them. It’s not clear what you should say first. If you’re a humorous person, you might tell a joke, but the easiest thing, as @marinelife said, it so talk about what you are all doing, sitting at that table.

Make a comment about what you like in someone else’s work. Ask them a question about why they did it this way or that. Ask about the teacher. Ask about their previous experiences with art.

You’re at the table which gives you a good place to speak from. I was going to say you had a right to speak, but I don’t believe that rights have anything to do with it anymore. If you want to speak, then quiet that little voice in your head that is telling you not to make a fool of yourself. It doesn’t matter if you are a fool or you fool others. If you want to speak; if you have something to say; say it. Even if you don’t have something to say, but you just want to start connecting with others, then start talking about stuff you care about. Maybe not in depth at first, but if you draw people out, you’ll soon find them speaking about things in depth.

Thanks guys. I’m slowly making progress. Did the compliment thing today and also just started adding my opinions more.

Great start!

You can start a conversation with nearly anyone by saying, “Hey, how’s your day going?” They will almost always tell you something that turns into a conversation. Or just turn to the person nearest you and be like, “Hi, I’m @CunningFox, how are you doing?” Seemingly boring, generic questions totally work if they are open-ended.