Timing is key to starting a great conversation. No one likes to be interrupted if they are busy or preoccupied. When you are trying to start a conversation, keep in mind that timing is key. If you need to have an important conversation with your boss, for example, try scheduling time in advance to talk. This will ensure that you both have the time to devote to having a productive conversation.  Timing is also important for impromptu conversations. Maybe you have been looking for a way to meet your new neighbor. You probably don't want to strike up a conversation if they are entering the building soaked with rain, looking exhausted, and carrying a bag of take-out food. At this point, a simple, "Hi, how are you?" will suffice. You can save getting to know one another for a better time. If someone is making eye contact with you, it might be a good time to strike up a conversation. For instance, if you are browsing in a bookstore and the person next to you glances over frequently to see which book you are considering, try talking to them. You could say, "This one looks interesting. Do you like biographies?" If you want to talk to your husband about adopting a new puppy, make sure to approach him at a good time. If you know he's not a morning person, don't bring up the subject before he has had his coffee and a chance to wake up. Having spur of the moment conversations is an excellent way to improve your skills as a conversationalist. Take some time each day to try to start a conversation with someone you encounter in your everyday life. For example, you could try talking to the person in line behind you at your local coffee shop. Make a comment or ask a question about your surroundings. This will seem natural and is a great way to start talking.  Try saying, "I love the coffee here. What's your favorite roast?". This shows that you are interested in talking and you are beginning the conversation in a completely natural way. Strike a positive tone. Offering a cheerful comment is usually more effective than saying something negative. You could say something like, "Isn't this weather great? I love when it's cool enough to wear sweaters." Many of us encounter a very large number of people each day. Whether you work for a large company, or simply see a lot of people in your neighborhood or at your child's school, it can be difficult to put the right face with the right name. However, research shows that making a point to not only remember people's names, but to call them by name can help increase the personal connection between you. When you first learn someone's name, repeat it in conversation. When someone says, "Hi, I'm Emily", you should say, "It's nice to meet you, Emily." The immediate repetition will help you imprint the name in your memory. Saying something nice is a great ice-breaker. Most people respond positively when you offer them a compliment. Try to choose something specific to comment on, and make sure that you are being sincere. Your tone of voice and facial expressions often convey your thoughts, so make sure you are being honest in the compliment.  Try saying something encouraging to a co-worker whom you would like to know better. You could offer a statement such as, "I really admire the way you delivered that presentation. Could you give me some tips on how to organize an effective pitch?" This type of statement not only starts the conversation on a positive note, but you are opening the door for follow-up.
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One-sentence summary -- Perfect your timing. Comment on your surroundings. Remember people. Offer a compliment.


First of all, if you’re getting a call from an unknown number that you suspect may be an automated message, don’t answer it. Though these calls are dispatched via computer, there are often attendants on the other end checking to see whether the calls went through. If they know that the calls are being answered, it will just make them more persistent. You can usually tell a robocall from a normal unknown number by looking for lengthy or unfamiliar extensions. Assuming that you’re receiving the calls on your mobile device, go into the blocked caller list in the Settings menu of your smartphone and enter the number that the robocalls are originating from. Once they’ve been blocked, the company or individual will no longer be able to place calls to your number.  This can usually be done by accessing your phone’s Settings menu then going to “Phone” or “Messages” and copying the number into the list.  On newer iPhones, you can also tap the “i” icon next to the name of the caller and scroll down until you find the option that says “block this caller.” Blocking numbers individually may work if you only receive an automated call here and there, but if it’s a frequent occurrence, you may need to take more drastic measures. By setting your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature to “manual,” you can choose to only allow calls by the people who are on your contacts list. This way, you can ensure that you’ll never be pestered by computer-based phone spammers again.  While this method is instantly effective, one major downside is that you’ll no longer be able to receive calls from people you know if you haven’t saved their numbers in your contacts. Be sure to put as many personal numbers as you think you may need in your contacts list before blocking numbers with the “Do Not Disturb” option. Thanks to the wonders of technology, there are now programs available for smartphones and tablets that turn away unsolicited robocalls automatically. When you install one of these apps, it will monitor your incoming calls, looking for signs that a call is coming from an automated source. The call will then be declined swiftly and unobtrusively, with no irritating notifications or interruptions.  Apps like PrivacyStar and Nomorobo are highly rated for their ability to intercept and dispense with frustrating computer calls.  These programs are a great way to put a stop to spam messages without the need to block each number individually, while also letting calls from unknown personal numbers through.
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One-sentence summary -- Don’t accept the call. Add the number to your blocked caller list. Ban all unlisted numbers. Download a call-screening app.


Rinse the grapefruit and cut away the peel or pull it off with your fingers. Place a bowl under the grapefruit and hold it with one hand. Then use a sharp knife to cut the segments away, leaving the bitter white pith behind. You'll use the juice that you catch in the bowl. This will help to blend the smoothie. Put the grapefruit segments with their juice into the blender and pour in 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of pomegranate juice. Add ¼ cup (71 g) of Greek yogurt, 2 cups (200 g) of blueberries or blackberries, and 5 chopped Medjool dates.  If you prefer, substitute your favorite type of yogurt. If you don't have Medjool dates, use figs, raisins, or prunes instead. Put the lid on the blender and turn it on to the blend setting. If you don't have a smoothie setting, use the blending button. Blend the ingredients until they're completely smooth and there aren't chunks of dates visible. If the smoothie sticks to the side of the blender, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally. Remove the lid and divide the smoothie between 2 serving glasses. To garnish the smoothies, sprinkle 1½ tablespoons (21 g) of chia seeds over them and top each with a sprig of fresh mint.  The chia seeds will add a slight crunch to the smoothies. Leave them out if you prefer. Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
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One-sentence summary --
Peel and segment 1 grapefruit. Place the grapefruit, juice, yogurt, berries, and dates into a blender. Blend the smoothie for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the smoothies into glasses and garnish them.