Conversation

How to Start a Conversation

Openers fail when they could be sent to anyone. Attach them to a detail you actually share.

Conversation · 2026-09-16

Use a hook they can answer in one line

“How’s life?” is a chore. “Did you ever go back to that noodle place?” is a conversation. The best first line is a small, real thing: a photo they posted, a plan you already had, a question with a bounded answer.

Don’t stack three openers

One line. Wait. A wall of icebreakers reads as nervous, which is fine in person and loud in a text thread.

Hello is for a blank composer

Mojikey Hello writes an opener from a category you pick. Edit it so it could only be for that person. If they already messaged you, that is Reply for, not Hello. Guide: how to start a conversation with AI.

Questions this article answers

Is “hey” enough?

Only if you follow it immediately. A lone hey with no payload is a trap.

What if they don’t answer?

One follow-up, then stop. Don’t triple-text an opener.

Dating vs friends vs work?

Same structure, different stakes. Work openers should have a reason.

Does Hello read the chat history?

You pick a category. It is not a background reader of the thread.

Can I use this in Instagram?

Yes, when the Android keyboard is showing.

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