Summarize this article in one sentence.
Say you're in a school hallway and you see that really attractive football jock. He's looking at a poster about sending in a picture for the school yearbook. You walk up to him and ask him if he's going to send one in. Introduce yourself, be open-minded about everything, and just be friendly. And you've done it – the ice is officially broken. It might happen slowly from here, but the hardest part is now over. You could also ask about whatever he is doing or what he appears to be looking at. If it's something you like, mention that. If it's something you don't know anything about, ask questions and try to learn more about it from the boy. If he's looking at a tour schedule for a band you've never heard of before, say something like, "Hey, what do they sing? They sound familiar." Anything to just get the conversation going. Then you can start talking about other bands and hit it off from there. You've broken the ice, but now what? Have a deep conversation about each others' philosophy on life? Hmm. Not so fast. To get started, you might want some background information on his interests, like seeing if he's involved in a sport, just so you have something to talk about. Then when you're in the hallway together, you can slip in, "Hey, you're on the football team, right? Gonna win this week's game?" This also shows that you're paying attention to him, which will make him feel good. Hopefully, he will begin asking about you and your interests, too. If he does, this may indicate you can comfortably spend more time talking or hanging out. The absolute hardest part of talking to anyone is saying that very first thing. And that's over! ...But now you have to keep the conversation going. Here are a few tips for making that initial conversation last:  Gather ideas from your surroundings. If you're at a sports game, make a comment about what just happened ("Aww, did you see that fumble?!") Then, tell him about a funny or engaging personal story occurring at a past game you went to. He may have a funny story, too. If you're in a generic location, try looking at the objects around you for clues. Did you have a mirror similar to that one as a child? Tell him about it in an interesting and engaging tone. The initial conversation doesn't have to be feel-y or deep. It can be as simple as "I used to have a chair just like that in my childhood home. Man, that reminds me of the good old days, haha!" Think along the lines of something incredible or funny. Ask him if he has a similar story, too. Act like it's just a casual meeting, because it is. Don't jump the gun just yet; it's still a simple conversation. If you feel the conversation winding down, respect that and let it end. You'll have another one another day. If the conversation is great, let it go where it takes you. If he asks for your number or your Facebook information, great! If he doesn't, that's fine, too. If you're feeling confident and brave and it's going well, you could ask for his number yourself. Some people like the direct attitude. However, don't do this out of the blue. Preface this with some friendly conversation or questions such as, "You having fun?" or "I've never seen an [article of clothing] like that. It suits you!" Be sure to look lively, friendly, and approachable. Laugh where it suits the conversation. Confidence is key. The ultimate goal should be to either get his number or other contact info (Facebook, email, etc.). The only way to know if you two get along and if you have chemistry is to start out as friends. Spend some time in groups together, make chitchat, see each other at parties, and get a feel for each other. If it's growing, let it grow. You can then take action when you're feeling confident. Don't be desperate. It will likely scare him off if you say something like, "You are the most amazing person I have ever seen. I know you don't know me at all, but I'd really love you to." For some men, being desperate can attract them initially, but it doesn't keep them. It's far better to take it slow and start out as a friend. Sure, you see this guy around at parties and you talk a bit, you're in English class together, and maybe you run into each other at football games, but it's not enough. You may have to take matters into your own hands – start by asking him to join you and a couple of friends one night this week for whatever you're doing. If a test is coming up at school, that's a great excuse for a "study" night. And once you get comfortable hanging out in a smaller group, that's when you can level up to hanging out alone. It's all about baby steps – not taking leaps. You've put all this work in and now what? Well, in time you can make it clear you like him or maybe he'll make it clear that he likes you. Either way, it's a step in the right direction. Ask a mutual friend or two about your chances – he may be asking them the same thing. It's best to do this in private and when the mood is right. If you two are alone, you've had a good afternoon together, and he seems to be in a good mood, that's it. You may have to spit it out before you get nervous, but hopefully it comes out as something like, "You know, I really like you. I think we'd be really great together. Do you want to go out sometime?" If he says yes, fantastic. If he says no, keep your cool. "I understand; I just wanted to be honest," is a safe response. You handling it well may surprise and impress him, potentially changing his mind.

Summary:
To start a conversation, be observant of your surroundings. Figure out a couple of his interests and then slip in a comment or question about one of them. Try thinking of something short and witty to come up with in conversation. Be confident, sweet, casual, and relaxed. Start out as a friend. When you know each other a bit, propose hanging out in a smaller group. Let him know you like him.