The Lost Art of Talking to Strangers: Why Gen Z Needs It More Than Ever

Remember when you were young and told not to talk to strangers? Well, now I want to convince you to do otherwise as a “make it or break it” skill, particularly in the workforce.

In a world where our thumbs do most of the talking, face-to-face conversations with strangers can feel almost… unusual. For Gen Z—true digital natives—the ability to strike up a conversation outside of a screen isn’t just a quaint skill, it’s an essential life tool. Keep reading, it’s hopefully your biggest “win” today!

Why it matters

Talking to strangers builds confidence, empathy, and connection. It’s the small exchanges—a smile at the barista, a compliment to the person beside you in line, or asking for directions instead of relying on Google Maps—that help us remember the world is made up of real people, not just avatars and usernames.

More importantly, every meaningful relationship starts with one thing: a first conversation. Whether it’s a friendship, a mentor connection, or even a future career opportunity, it often begins with a willingness to talk to someone you don’t yet know. Think about when you met your best friend, or spouse, what was the first thing you said to each other? Don’t remember? That’s because it doesn’t matter what those first few words were but you started the conversation and look what it got you…right??? Just start the conversation!!

The etiquette of approaching strangers

Politeness and presence are your secret weapons. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Read the room. Notice if someone is open to being approached—a friendly glance or relaxed body language are green lights.

• Start small. A simple “Good morning,” or “I like your jacket” can be all it takes. Compliments tend to be my favourite approach.

• Keep it light. Stay with neutral, positive topics; avoid personal or heavy questions right away.

• Respect boundaries. If someone gives short answers or seems distracted, gracefully step back. Etiquette is as much about knowing when not to speak as it is about knowing what to say.

  
  

Why Gen Z shines at this—when they choose to

Gen Z is globally connected, socially aware, and passionate about causes. When they lean into those strengths offline, conversations become authentic and meaningful. A thoughtful compliment, a question about someone’s perspective, or just a smile can spark a moment of humanity that cuts through the noise. Just go for it!

The long-term payoff

The ability to connect with strangers isn’t just about social ease—it’s about opportunity. Networking, leadership, and even basic community-building all stem from this skill. Employers notice it. Friends are made because of it. And confidence is built every time you try it.

A gentle challenge

The next time you’re tempted to keep your eyes on your phone in line at the café, look up instead. Notice the person beside you. Offer a kind word. It might feel awkward at first, but like any skill, it grows with practice. And, then I’ll challenge you, add one more sentence to keep the conversation going…

Talking to strangers is not a lost art—it’s a human art. And for Gen Z, mastering it can be the key to both personal and professional success.