I’ve been a long-time practitioner of direct openers but want to try indirect openers. Here are some ideas for indirect openers. Would love to hear more from you guys.

  1. Train/subway/bus - excuse me, you look familiar, do you work at Chase bank/NBC marketing dept/museum of modern art/CVS pharmacy etc?

  2. Train/subway/bus - excuse me, do you know if the express train or bus stops at this stop?

  3. Bookstore - excuse me, you look like you’d know this, but what do you recommend for a fiction/(whatever section you are in) book? I’m trying to buy a gift for a friend?

  4. Bookstore - excuse me, can I get your opinion. Would you give this book as a gift?

  5. Women’s clothing store - excuse me, can I get your opinion. What’s a trendy top these days? I’m shopping for a gift.

  6. Women’s clothing store - excuse me, can I get your feedback - what’s a popular jewelry or perfume at this store? I’m shopping for a gift for a friend.

  7. At a food court - hi, can I ask, what are you ordering here?

  8. In the street - hi, do you know of any public restroom in this neighborhood?