1. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

Let’s start with the classic. It might sound basic, but the way you deliver it makes all the difference. If you look someone in the eye, smile, and say “It’s so nice to meet you,” you instantly set a warm tone.

Too often, introductions feel mechanical—“Hi, I’m X” and “Nice to meet you” said out of habit. But when you slow down and actually put a little genuine feeling behind the phrase, the other person feels it. They feel that you’re glad to be there, and that feeling is contagious.

2. “I’ve heard such great things about you.”

This is a powerful one. If you’re meeting someone through a friend, colleague, or shared community, chances are you’ve already heard something about them. By mentioning that up front—“I’ve heard such great things about you”—you let them know they come recommended.

People naturally light up when they feel valued or respected before they’ve even had to prove themselves. Just make sure it’s genuine; if you haven’t heard anything, don’t say it. But if you have, sharing it creates instant warmth.

3. “That’s a great [shirt/jacket/bag/etc.], where did you get it?”

Compliments are a golden key to connection, but the trick is to make them specific and curious. Instead of just saying, “Nice shirt,” try, “That’s a great shirt—where did you get it?”

This does two things. First, it shows you’re paying attention. Second, it invites them to share a little story. Maybe that jacket is from a trip abroad, or maybe it’s their favorite local shop. Suddenly you’ve opened the door to a conversation that’s about more than just surface-level pleasantries.

4. “How do you know [mutual friend’s name]?”

If you’re meeting through someone else, this question is a reliable winner. People enjoy talking about their connections, and it gives you both common ground right away. You’ll hear stories about how they met, how long they’ve known each other, and maybe even some fun anecdotes.

It also helps you place them in your mental map of relationships. And if you listen closely, you’ll often find subtle overlaps—shared experiences, similar circles—that can deepen the conversation naturally.

5. “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?”

This question has become one of my go-to openers. It’s so much better than the generic, “How are you?” because it shifts people’s attention to something positive and specific. It makes them reflect for a moment and usually puts a smile on their face.

When someone shares their highlight—whether it’s finishing a big project, enjoying a meal, or simply getting good sleep—you get a little window into what matters to them. And because you’ve framed it positively, the mood of the conversation tends to lift right away.

6. “I love your energy—it’s contagious.”

Now, you want to use this one sparingly, but when the moment feels right, it can completely light someone up. A genuine compliment about someone’s energy, vibe, or presence cuts deeper than commenting on something external like clothes or work.

We all want to feel that who we are—not just what we do or wear—makes a positive impact. Telling someone their energy is contagious shows you’re tuned in at a deeper level. And trust me, they won’t forget it.

7. “What brought you here today?”

Whether you’re at a party, a networking event, a yoga class, or even a café, this question works almost anywhere. It’s open-ended, it’s easy to answer, and it gives the person the freedom to share as much or as little as they like.

Often, people will reveal something about their motivations, their interests, or their relationships. Maybe they’re there to support a friend, to learn something new, or simply because they were curious. Each answer gives you more to explore together.

8. “That reminds me of…”

This isn’t so much an opener as it is a connector. When someone shares something about themselves, responding with, “That reminds me of…” is a great way to keep the conversation flowing. It shows you’re listening and that their story sparks something in you.

For example, if they mention they just got back from hiking, you might say, “That reminds me of a trip I took in Sapa—it was breathtaking.” Suddenly, you’re trading stories, and the conversation has momentum.

9. “Have you always been into [their interest/profession/etc.]?”

Once you learn a little about someone, this question opens things up beautifully. It invites them to share their journey, not just their current status. People love telling the story of how they got into what they’re doing or what drew them to a certain passion.

This phrase also shows that you’re genuinely curious about them as a person, not just making small talk. And if you listen closely, you might discover unexpected twists and turns in their story that make for a fascinating exchange.

10. “I’m really glad we met.”

There’s no better way to wrap up a first meeting than this simple phrase. It leaves people with a warm impression and makes the interaction feel meaningful. Saying “I’m really glad we met” isn’t just polite—it’s affirming.

It tells the other person that they mattered to you, even if you only spoke for a few minutes. And in a world where people often feel invisible, that acknowledgment can be surprisingly powerful.

Why these phrases work

If you look closely, there’s a common thread running through all these phrases: they make people feel seen and valued. They’re not about dazzling someone with wit or showing off your intelligence. They’re about creating a space where the other person feels comfortable being themselves.

When you use phrases like these, you shift the focus from yourself to the other person. That doesn’t mean you disappear from the conversation—far from it. It means you set the stage for a two-way connection where both of you can relax and enjoy the exchange.

Some final thoughts

Small talk gets a bad reputation. People roll their eyes at it, as if it’s just filler before “real” conversation. But I’ve come to see it differently. Small talk is the doorway. It’s how you transition from being strangers to being connected human beings, even if only for a short time.

And connection doesn’t have to be deep to be meaningful. Sometimes, making someone smile with a thoughtful phrase is enough to brighten their whole day—and yours too.

So next time you meet someone new, try one of these phrases. Say it with genuine warmth, and notice what happens. Chances are, you’ll see their face light up. And in that small spark of connection, you might just feel a little brighter yourself.