Spice Up GTKY Conversations
by Sarah Tang on Sep, 08 2012
It’s the start of a new year, so whether you’re a Freshman, Junior Transfer, or continuing student, you’ve been meeting and greeting people left and right, and you’ve probably got the Getting to Know You (GTKY) conversation format down pat. It goes: “What’s your major? What year are you? Where do you live?” It’s generic and dependable, but not particularly memorable, so if you’re bored of it here are a few ways to spice up your GTKY conversations:
1. Ask harmlessly invasive questions
Instead of making jokes at the expense of the weather, why not ask, “What did you eat for breakfast?” or “Is that your natural hair color?”
2. Spout off random “Did you know?” facts
Like, “did you know too much vitamin B supplements will make your pee green?
Don’t ask how I know.”
3. Pose a philosophical dilemma
For instance, would you be more likely to give money to a homeless man with a ridiculously cute dog than to a homeless man who cannot even afford a dog?
5. Say, “You look familiar, have I met you before?”
This brings a new level of interest when pinpointing what clubs, classes, and oft-frequented places you two have in common. And the more specific your inquiries, the better – “Wait, I know, were you in the women’s bathroom at the third floor of Wheeler on August 28th?”
6. Change up the location
Challenge yourself. Why not start a GTKY conversation with the person in the bathroom stall next to you?
Disclaimer: Just kidding. I haven’t tried all these suggestions myself, so if you come off as too creepy, rude, or idiosyncratic, there’s always that take-back – “Jay kay!” coupled with an awkward laugh. Well, at least you made an impression.
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