We’ve all heard it before: “Don’t talk to strangers.” It’s being taught to us since childhood, a warning with good intentions. But at some point, this rule stops being helpful and starts being a missed opportunity. The truth is, talking to strangers is a secret superpower—one that can open doors and even change the way you see the world.
I first realized this at an event in Vienna last year. I didn’t know a single person when I walked in. For some, that would be a nightmare. For me, it was a fun experiment. What happens if you just start conversations with whoever crosses your path? The answer: you meet people who challenge your perspective, who introduce you to new opportunities, who make an otherwise ordinary evening truly unforgettable.
The best part about talking to strangers is that you never know where it will lead. That night in Vienna, I started talking with someone at the buffet table. By the end of the evening, I had made valuable contacts, discussed ideas I hadn’t considered before, and even walked away with potential collaborations for the future. None of that would have happened if I had stuck to polite small talk or, worse, scrolled through my phone in the corner of the room.
Yes, starting a conversation can feel awkward at first. But here’s a trick: most people are just as unsure about it as you are. A simple comment about the setting, an observation about what’s happening around you, or even a direct “Hey, what brings you here?” is often all it takes. The key is to assume that people want to connect. Because, more often than not, they do.
From a public speaking perspective, learning to talk to strangers is like training at the gym. It forces you to think on your feet, to adapt to different personalities, to read the room. Every conversation is a mini-exercise in persuasion, active listening, and storytelling. The more you practice, the better you get at speaking—whether it’s on stage, in a debate, or just in everyday life.
We live in an age where it’s easier than ever to stay in our bubbles. Algorithms feed us content we already agree with, and our social circles tend to reinforce our existing beliefs. Talking to strangers changes that. It exposes you to new people and perspectives, forces you to engage with different worldviews, and, honestly, just makes life much more interesting.
So here’s a challenge: next time you’re in a public space—a café, a conference, a train—strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. Not because you have to, but because you can. Who knows? It might just change your life.
And if nothing else, it’ll make for a great story.
Braunstorming
One Thought at a Time
Braunstorming 