How to make friends with anyone in five minutes

This article was taken from the March 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.

Stop staring at your feet and start being popular. With the help of Wayne Elise from conversation consultants Charisma Arts, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

1. Learn to juggle

Starting a conversation is an exercise in multitasking. "Learn to make and hold eye contact, smile, give a positive affirmation, lift your hand up in greeting and say something pithy," advises Elise. "That's how you create a good vibe."

2. Avoid inquisitions

Asking questions shows interest, but don't overdo it. "Anyone who has been trapped on a plane next to an inquisitor knows it's horrible," Elise says. "Avoid pushing the conversation along with questions; use statements instead."

3. Make big talk

Dispense with talk about the weather and go straight to grand theories of the universe. "People often welcome more significant conversation," says Elise. "The best subject, however, is what's been on the mind of your new friend lately."

4. Talk like you're friends

Statements that include both of you in the same storyline establish fast rapport, such as: "I don't know about you, but I could go for a burger right now." "These sort of statements encourage interaction without demanding it," says Elise.

5. Don't brag When it comes to self-promotion, subtlety is required. "You finished second in your age group at the London Marathon. You can rebuild an Aston Martin's clutch in 30 minutes. Great, but hold back. Let them find out later."

6. Be silly People trust you when you trust them enough to let your guard down. "Tell an embarrassing story," Elise suggests. "Try out your bad American accent. Laugh at yourself, and people will feel more inclined to open up to you."

7. Don't fix their problems Strangers often complain as a safe way of making conversation. "You don't have to fix their problems," Elise says. "It's more constructive for your friendship to reassure them they have the ability to solve the problems themselves."

8. Don't think -- listen It's tempting to spend the time they are talking planning what you're going to say next. Don't -- just listen to what they're saying. "The answer to the riddle of flowing conversation is not in your head," says Elise. "It's right in front of you."

This article was originally published by WIRED UK