Here come the holidays and the holiday parties! This could also be a great social situation to find yourself talking to someone new. So let’s go over some basic pointers of conversation starters, and no, ‘look at the cranberries wiggle’ doesn’t count.

The purpose of breaking the ice with someone isn’t to show off your amazing conversational skills. Instead, think of this as a way to show a potential date that you would like to get to know them better. Comment on something in your immediate surroundings, such as the long line at the buffet table, or the dude that has set up permanent residence under the mistletoe. By focusing on a shared experience, you’re removing any potential awkwardness with a standard pick-up line.

Sometimes a look is all you need. When faced with a person you find attractive, why not give them a genuine three second smile? You may be surprised when they walk over and start a conversation with you. If the smile doesn’t work, I find that crossing your eyes and making a fish face works every time.

Simply use an article of clothing or piece of jewelry as a conversation starter. Women love to tell you where they found such a great bracelet to pair with their little black dress, and when in doubt, compliment her shoes. For men, tell them their tie looks nice and how it brings out the color of their eyes. If anyone is wearing the proverbial reindeer holiday sweater, no comment is needed.

Now what? So you got through the initial contact, and are impressing the other person with your witty and entertaining banter. The conversation now needs to go somewhere. How about discussing current affairs, or perhaps a movie you recently watched. Comment about the event you are attending and find their connection for being at this holiday soiree. Let your conservation partner do half the talking, with a natural blend of questions from you. This is not an interrogation though, so keep it light and simple.

Don’t focus on one topic for too long. You want to give them enough to keep them intrigued and perhaps consider coffee after the party. If you continue on and on about your mad skills on Guitar Hero, then you’re just known as the ‘wannabe rock star’. No one wants that…and really, no one dates that.