Conversation starters are great when you're feeling at a loss for words. Having some interesting questions or leading remarks tucked away helps make sure you never have one of those terrible, silent dates.
If you need desperate work on your conversation skills, having a few conversation starters memorized can be a real life saver. Just make sure to ask questions that must be answered in some form other than "yes" or "no."
What do you do?
Though dull and common, this is always a guaranteed conversation starter. Most people spend the majority of their week at a job, which means they probably have a few well-formed opinions regarding it. If nothing else, talking about work can establish some common ground to build the rest of the conversation on.
What is your dream job?
Almost everyone knows what job they'd love to have, and this can be a great question to get the conversation started off on a light and fun note. It's also a great follow-up question to the basic, "What do you do?"
What is your favorite ….?
Finding out a person's favorite food, music, novel, movie or TV show lets you get to know them and potentially find some common ground. Even if you don't know the favorite of which they speak, the conversation can turn to why it's their favorite and take off from there.
What talent have you always wished you secretly had?
This is a fun question that lets the conversation get personal without getting too personal. It keeps the mood light and creates a setting for more questions.
Who is your role model?
This question opens up the floor to discussion about heroes, family members or significant friendships. It allows some personal reflection and a peek into a slightly more personal subject without seeming intrusive.
What are your hobbies?
Everybody has a hobby, even if they don't spend much time at it. Whether it's reading, painting, running or watching TV, it's something they enjoy to do in their spare time. This question will help indentify possible common interests.
Where did you grow up?
Regardless if you both grew up in the same area or not, this is a non-intrusive question that lets you compare and contrast your childhood experiences. It's a broad enough question that you know there are several years of experience that can be related by answering it.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
This question not only starts a relaxed conversation, it can give you some great hints about what to never do. It's a minor enough problem to keep the conversation light and avoid any real conflict.
What was your most recent vacation?
Recalling a vacation is always enjoyable and a great way to brighten somebody's mood. The reply to this question is usually long and detailed enough to carry the conversation for at least 10 minutes.
What was your proudest moment?
This question gives people the perfect opportunity to boast a little and give them a boost of confidence. It gives them a chance to talk about something they've accomplished and a moment in the spotlight.
These conversation starters will keep any conversation flowing.
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