What is your best conversation starter? Is it a story, a line, or a comment?

I like to find something unique about a person's appearance. If I see a gentleman with an nice tie for instance, I will comment on the tie. If I notice a lady with a nice piece of jewelry, a scarf or attire, I will comment on that. People loved to be noticed and flattered. 

It isn't a story or a line or a comment.  It is a Question.  Very simple but requires your absolute attention.  The question is "What do you do?"  Listen for as long as it takes and maybe ask other questions like, "how long have you be in this?  After they have told you they will then ask the same question of you which is what you were wanting from the beginning.

Attention, Interest, Desire, Conviction, and Commitment are states of Hypnosis…

     I adhere to and pay attention to the 5 waking states of Hypnosis caused by exposure to Fine Art or anything that is a new attraction!  Then I stay conscious of which of these states my prospective client is in. These are Systemic and therefore they develop in this order. Then the first premise is to make them my friend to gain their trust. This is done by genuine Fellowship.

    It's not difficult to tell which of these stages or states of hypnosis the potential client is in, if you patiently think about it.

    They provide their own energy when they respond to stimulus when your product gets their attention, right? And if you stop and think about it they don't actually need you to be interested, right?

    Romancing their attention and interest by simply providing information in a friendly manner, without being pushy, is the best way for them to start desiring that which has their attention and interest, right? So, then they're providing their own interest and desire.

     At this point just keep romancing their desire with fellowship, and kindly letting them know more interesting things you like about it yourself. Your sincerity is on trial at this point, and if you don't rush to the surface and go for the jugular for a quick sale, they will soon have their own convictions about what they are desiring that they're truly considering at this point.

     When they're ready to move into the final stage or state of Commitment, ot won't really have that much to do with you, the salesperson, cause you're their friend who has helped them discover how much they want to take it home - You might even kindly and gently say, "You know, it's okay if you want to take this home to your house…"

     At this point they will not only trust you, they will also want to please you and follow your lead; 'Have you visualized where you're going to put this in your home?" When you have lead them to answer a few questions like this, without ever trying to close the deal, they will be ready.

      It's not magic, it's the way kindness really works in business. Then you can ask them how they would like to conclude the business. Then remain friendly and stop talking. As soon as they realize that you're not going to ask for the money, they will hand you their credit card.

     In my case it's not Cowboy boots, shoes, or even Fashion accessories, it's Fine Art.

I like to ask questions regarding the other person. Just a great way to engage them and learn, rather than be the one who starts with stories...that is of course unless they ask me a question. In that case, keep the answer short, and to the point, hence giving me the opportunity to turn the question back on them. "It is better to be interested, than interesting!" How do you prefer to begin conversations?

Reading through the responses, you have a lot of great first steps.  From your original question it seems as though you are referring to face-to-face, belly-to-belly, in-person time.  You are looking for a conversation starter, and many people here have given the gold: listening to the person you are with.

Start out with a "how have you been?"  When you listen, you will hear where their mind is. Let them open up to you, and ask questions that allow them to get deeper.

I agree that listening is the best conversation starter.  I ask them about what they are trying to get out of the event or wherever we are meeting and let them tell me about themselves.

Then when they ask what I do I say, "I help business owners make more money and have more fun."  If they don't bite, I don't persist.  And we enjoy speaking about other things.  The best networking is when you enjoy people.

Hello Von,

If it is possible find out a little about the individual you are wanting to converse with before you talk or communicate with them and then ask them something about that.  I know several folks answered your question with an answer similar to mine but remember this works both online and offline and not only at a networking event.  You can use this method everyday.  Speaking about day, I hope you have a pleasant one.

Richard from Richard's Funnels  

You need to start conversations based on your environment. I find that situational openers are the best conversational starters

When we meet with prospective clients, we start out by asking about their business and how they got started. How they currently market it, and how is that working for them. We try hard to make them feel special and that we want what is best for them.

Then we share what has worked for past clients in their line of work.

I introduce myself with my elevator pitch. Hello, my name is Ron Wood. I manage a public relations firm. I am a former journalist/talk show host. My knowledge of how the media works helps us get our clients in and on the media. It is then time to listen. Most people realize that once they are in or on the media they are perceived as experts in their filed.