Very useful stuff, Michael.

My personal favorite is being ridiculously honest. It really helps you bond with people, because you’re saying what everyone is thinking.

I mean, that’s more than an opener than anything else, but I’ve discovered it works wonders.

“Hey! I’m super awkward at networking events, so excuse me if I’m not doing this right. I was wondering — “

or

“Hey, I don’t know a lot of people at this party and you seem fun, so I thought I come ask you a question.”

These mainly work if you go talk to other people who are currently alone, and these are the easiest conversations to start, because chances are those people are just as scared as you are. You can laugh it off together.