How to Make People Want to Start a Conversation with You

Singles proficient at meeting potential sweethearts without the

benefit of introduction (in the vernacular, making a "pickup"),

have developed a deliciously devious technique that works equally

well for social or corporate networking purposes. The technique

requires no exceptional skill on your part, only the courage to

sport a simple visual prop called a "Whatzit."

What's a Whatzit? A Whatzit is anything you wear or carry

that is unusual—a unique pin, an interesting purse, a strange tie,

or an amusing hat. A Whatzit is any object that draws people's

attention and inspires them to approach you and ask, "Uh, what's

that?" Your Whatzit can be as subtle or overt as your personality

and the occasion permit.

I wear around my neck an outmoded pair of glasses that resembles a double monocle. Often the curious have approached me at a

gathering and asked, "Whatzit?" I explain it's a lorgnette left to me

by my grandmother, which, of course, paves the way to discuss

hatred of glasses, aging eyes, love or loss of grandmothers, adoration of antique jewelry—anywhere the inquisitor wants to take it.

Perhaps, unknowingly, you have fallen prey to this soon-tobe-legendary technique. At a gathering, have you ever noticed

How to Make People

Want to Start a

Conversation with You

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someone you would like to talk to? Then you've racked your brain

to conjure an excuse to make the approach. What a bounty it was

to discover that he or she was wearing some weird, wild, or wonderful something you could comment on.

The Whatzit Way to Love

Your Whatzit is a social aid whether you seek business rewards or

new romance. My friend Alexander carries Greek worry beads

with him wherever he goes. He's not worried. He knows any

woman who wants to talk to him will come up and say, "What's

that?"

Think about it, gentlemen. Suppose you're at a party. An

attractive woman spots you across the room. She wants to talk to

you but she's thinking, "Well, Mister, you're attractive. But, golly,

what can I say to you? You just ain't got no Whatzit."

Be a Whatzit Seeker, Too

Likewise, become proficient in scrutinizing the apparel of those

you wish to approach. Why not express interest in the handkerchief in the tycoon's vest pocket, the brooch on the bosom of the

rich divorcée, or the school ring on the finger of the CEO whose

company you want to work for?

The big spender who, you suspect, might buy a hundred of

your widgets has a tiny golf-club lapel pin? Say, "Excuse me, I

couldn't help but notice your attractive lapel pin. Are you a golfer?

Me, too. What courses have you played?"

Your business cards and your Whatzit are crucial socializing

artifacts. Whether you are riding in the elevator, climbing the

doorstep, or traversing the path to the party, make sure your

Whatzit is hanging out for all to see.

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