I am very used to talking to strangers, I do it all the time and I love it! Sometimes they start talking to me, sometimes I start talking to them.
How do I break the ice? By saying whatever I feel like saying in that moment. Actually, I usually start talking to them
because there is something I feel like telling them to begin with. (Sometimes that is just "Hello! *smile*" though) I find it weird to want to talk to someone if you don't have anything to say to them anyway.
I don't ask any specific questions and don't use any techniques. Techniques are unauthentic. They also keep you stuck in your head wondering what you should say next, and prevent you from a) being spontaneous and b) connecting emotionally. Strangers like spontaneity and emotional connection though.
I usually feel instantly comfortable with them and they do with me. Some people even tell me about very private things after just five minutes of conversation. I think the reason for that simply is my mindset. When you have empowering beliefs about yourself, others and communication, talking with strangers becomes very natural and easy.
