Start a Conversation: 7 Topics to Get You Talking.
Trying to start a conversation with others can be awkward and challenging at times. Knowing what to talk about is a battle that we all face, especially when meeting new people or when we lack the self-confidence we wish we had. If you dread the awkward pauses that come along with starting a conversation, here are a few ideas to get things flowing…
Use the World Around You to Start a Conversation:
It may seem silly, but pointing out the obvious is a great way to break the ice and open up further conversation. This tip is perfect when you are in a situation where you are forced to talk to strangers, such as a party where you are not acquainted with the guests.
Examples of this technique:
“I love that plant in the corner. Are you interested in plants?”
“Did you see that painting above the fireplace? What do you think of it? Are you interested in art?”
“The color of this room is exciting and unexpected. What color would you have chosen if you were decorating this room?”
Almost anything around you can start a conversation. Stop, look around, and find an object you have an opinion about to start a conversation.
Location, Location, Location:
One of the easiest and most common ways to start a conversation is to ask someone where they are from. Asking where a person is originally from is an excellent question because it allows follow-up questions to arise naturally.
Try This:
“Why did you move here?”
“Do you like Living here? What do you like most?”
“Do you miss where you lived before? What is it that you miss most?”
“Are there significant differences between here and there?”
Use Common Interests to Start a Conversation:
Finding things you have in common is a great way to break the ice, but it is not always easy. Think about where you are and what you are doing if you want to find commonalities with someone. For example, Is it a work function? Are you there with a shared interest? If you are not, start asking background questions until you find something that you have in common. It is important to note that people, places, and things are all great places to start and likely spark a common interest somewhere.
Think about this:
When you are at a work event, you can begin with, “what is your position in the company? or you could try asking, how long have you worked here?”
Additionally, if you are at a party, why not ask, “How the other person knows the host.”
Lastly, if all else fails, start with where the person is from and what they do. The more you know about them, the more likely you are to find a shared interest.
Use Current Events to Break the Ice:
Topics that are popular in media make for great conversation starters. Discuss what you have seen in the news, or talk about a popular television show that you have both watched recently.
For example:
Talk about the most recent show that you watched and recommend similar ones you have enjoyed.
You might want to discuss your thoughts on a recent news event or other local and global happenings.
You could also share your views on a popular social topic.
Plans and the Future:
Oftentimes, talking about someone’s plans, whether it is their plans for the weekend or their long-term goals, is an excellent way to show interest in them and get a conversation flowing.
Start a conversation by asking:
“What are your plans for the upcoming long weekend?”
You might also try asking, “Do you have anything exciting planned for this week?”
You can also dig deeper by asking things like,
“Do you have a 5-year plan?”
“Ideally, where do you want to be in 3 years?”
“Where do you see yourself in the future?”
Whether you choose to keep it casual or you opt to dig deeper, asking about someone’s future goals is a great conversation starter.
Use Jokes to Start a Conversation:
Laughter really is the best medicine, and it can also be a great conversation starter. It is possible to open the door to meaningful conversation with some lighthearted humor. Using a good joke, (or even a bad one), can help to get the ball rolling and lighten the mood.
*Note: Use humor with caution. There is a time and place. Always use your judgment and humor wisely.
How to Use Humor to Start a Conversation:
Try telling your best joke to break the ice.
You can also share a bad joke or pun.
Additionally, you can talk about the latest memes you saw online.
Converse about comedy or comedians in general.
On the Topic of Humor…
Using humor to get the conversation started can be a fantastic tool if you know how to use it. Humor allows you to open up the doors to a more meaningful conversation while keeping things fun and light.
Some simple ideas for humor related topics you can use to start a conversation are:
Start a conversation by sharing some of your Bad date stories, we all have them.
You could also talk about you most embarrassing moments.
Additionally, it may be fun to share some party stories from your past.
You could also try sharing some of the dumbest things you have done.
Of course there are always those pet stories that help to start a conversation and get the ball rolling.
Lastly, utilize those “There was this one time…” stories.
The truth is that almost any story can be made humorous. Just be sure that you are using it at the appropriate time and place. Telling a funny story at a funeral may not be the best choice, but feel the room to know for sure. Humor requires an innate sense, and if you do not have it, you should practice before utilizing this powerful tool.
Stick with the Obvious:
When all else fails, stick with the apparent topics to start a conversation. The weather is a go-to when it comes to small talk, especially during the changing seasons. Try talking about how hot it has been, how cold it currently is, or what the weather will be like on the weekend. These are great ways to get people talking and furthermore, they start the ball rolling in the right direction.
Examples that may help:
Try to spark up a conversation by saying, “Wow, it is really hot out today. Do you like the heat?”
You might also say, “There is so much snow that I feel like I am in the artic!” and then you can ask “Do you enjoy winter?” To follow up this question you can ask, “Do you ski?” By listening to the persons responses you will get a feel for who they are and will be presented with more options to continue the conversation.
Along with the more obvious points about the weather, you can learn more about someone by asking what season they prefer, their seasonal hobbies, or which season is their favorite. Despite seeming like a light and simple subject, the weather can provide ample opportunities for follow-up.
When you want to start a conversation, the best thing that you can do is just start. It is best not to worry too much about what you will talk about. Instead, try to pick a topic and run with it. Much like everything in life, starting a conversation requires that you actually start!
Until Next Time,
Break the ice and play nice!
Share your favorite conversation starters or topic choices in the comments!
About The Author
Katherine D
Here at inspiredeverymoment.com we believe that inspiration is the best motivation for success. Our aim is to educate, motivate, and inspire others to live the best life possible. Trained and educated to help others navigate the complex world we live in.
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