Deep and meaningful conversation starters


250 Deep Conversation Topics & Questions About Life, Love, Family

Sometimes only talking about your hobbies and discussing the day’s weather with a friend or new person you’ve met can get old. Why not try connecting with someone on a deeper level and try talking about some deep conversation topics? This can add something new and unfamiliar to a conversation, and even teach you something new about the person you’re talking to.

This list of deep conversation topics can help you cover topics about dreams and aspirations, career goals, fears, accomplishments, challenges, and more. You never know where your conversation may lead thanks to these deep topics.

We’ve compiled 250 deep conversation topics that are designed to help create a deeper connection with someone. Whether you’re meeting someone new at work, talking to someone in class, getting to know that certain someone on a first date, looking for couples questions, or just hanging out with old friends, deep conversations provide limitless potential for where the conversation may go, and what you’ll talk about too.

Check out the full list of 250 deep conversation topics below!

Deep Conversation Topics About Life

Where do you think your life is headed?

How would you be able to rank the following in importance: family, career, love life?

What has been the most difficult experience you've ever had?

Where in the world would you like to live? What’s the reason for it?

If budget were no object, where would you go on vacation?

Who would you prefer if you had to choose a character from a book, movie, or TV show who is the most similar to you? Why?

When was the last time you put in a lot of effort?

When you're bored, what do you usually do?

What two big turning points in your life do you consider to be the most significant?

What do you want to achieve in your life? What is the most important thing to you?

What are some of the things you remember that you'd rather forget?

Do you play any sports? If so, which one?

Tell me about two of your lifelong friends and why they matter so much to you. What factors made you choose them?

What are the rules you want to establish at home? What would you do if someone broke one of them?

Would you rather have a simple task for someone else or a challenging job for yourself?

What color best describes your personality?

On a personal level, which pizza topping do you relate to the most?

What are you reading that isn't part of a class or a requirement at work?

Who do you think knows you the best out of anyone you've met so far?

How would you describe the ugliest thing in the whole world?

What is something you've done as an adult that you'd be proud of if you were younger?

How would you describe the most beautiful thing in the whole world?

You have the ability to erase only one thing from existence. What are your plans for it?

What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you when you've been on the road?

What is the most admirable aspect of human nature? What about the worst thing?

Do you enjoy working there or are you just there to make money?

Do you think humans are really good for this planet?

Do you think it's possible for men and women to only be friends?

What little changes will the world make tomorrow to make it a better place?

What has been your biggest regret in your life?

Which would you want to be called if you could just be called your name or your nickname for the rest of your life?

Have you ever saved the life of an animal? What about a person's whole life?

Related: 100 Deep Quotes

What random thing do you think you'll be nostalgic about in 30 years?

How much money is really enough to cover all of your living expenses?

How can you deal with stress? What do you need from your friends when the pressure is really on?

What are the things do you bring with you everywhere you go?

What would you call this year if you had to give it a name?

What's one mode of self-expression that you've been afraid to try?

What is something that the majority of people discover when it is too late?

What was your most memorable “culture shock” encounter while visiting another country?

What do you think are the questions that shouldn’t be asked at a dinner party?

What aspect of your personality would you improve if you could?

How would you spend your day if you woke up one morning with all of your problems solved?

What terrified you but you went ahead and did it anyway?

Do you follow any strict diet?

To you, what constitutes a meaningful conversation?

What do you think will be ridiculous in ten years that is currently quite popular?

What are the three most essential things in your life?

When you think of love, who or what comes to mind?

What was the highlight of your past year?

What is the most annoying habit you can think of?

What are the two things you should purchase to make the cashier uncomfortable?

Deep Conversation Topics About Ethics and Values

Do you consider yourself a truth seeker?

Can you tell me about a time when someone showed you kindness or compassion over something?

Is it more important for people to help others or should they be accountable for their own well-being?

Can you live a meaningful life without your friends and family?

What values have you learned from your parents?

What are two or three big truths about which you've made decisions?

What is the foundation of your life philosophy?

Is it possible for good to exist without evil?

How exactly would you like to die?

Is there a situation in your life where you've been influenced by the church?

Is it more important to you to do things right or to do the right things?

Can you share a story about a significant event that caused a positive change in you as a person?

What’s your purpose in the world?

What does honor actually mean to you?

Do you think it’s okay to kill a person who has done terrible things in your life?

What’s the most terrible punishment you could ever think of?

Have you ever changed or considered changing in order to be accepted by others?

What are the actions in your life that will have the most long-term consequences? How long will that effect last?

Do you believe in astrology? Do you believe your zodiac sign accurately represents you?

Is it true that we have free will, or is it only a product of our imagination?

Is it healthy to be obsessed with someone or something?

Is it possible to be happy without being sad?

For you, what’s the true meaning of life?

Is it ethical to spend money on expensive food while other people are starving?

Is it possible to have right without wrong?

Do you think humans and animals really have souls?

Where did our personalities come from?

What do you think is the best part of being you?

Who is your hero, and why did you choose him or her?

Can you share about a time when you outgrew someone, figuratively? Were your feelings conflicted about what you should do? How and why?

What would happen if everyone's life expectancy was greatly increased?

What’s your most favorite trait about yourself? Why?

Is the world a better place or a terrible place without religion?

Is it true that making the best use of our time makes our life more meaningful and enjoyable?

Is it true that happiness is the most important goal in life?

Can people really change for the better?

What will happen if everyone shares the same viewpoint on every topic?

Is the value of everyone's life the same?

Do you think it’s okay to lie sometimes?

Have you ever given up on something you really want?

How has your ability to succeed been aided by your strengths? In what ways have your flaws hindered you?

Do you think you’re doing more harm than good on this planet?

Can you explain how you learned to accept yourself and other people?

Which is the most important: to help yourself, help your family, help your society, or help the world?

Are you afraid of change?

Why are people so inclined to hold onto beliefs that cannot be proven?

Are we more in love with ourselves in the virtual world than we are in the real world?

Are you accountable for someone's death if they're drowning and you refuse to help?

Deep Conversation Topics About Family

Would you rather paint a room or start a garden with your family?

Which family member do you hate the most? Why?

Which family member do you love the most? Why?

What words would you use to describe your mother and her influence on your life?

What words would you use to describe your father and her influence on your life?

What things would you like to do with your family if we set aside a few hours one day a week for family activities?

What do you wish you knew before you had children?

What are our common characteristics as a family?

Who is the messiest family member in the house?

Does our family have deep darkest secrets?

What does family mean to you?

Do you have a strong bond with your family?

Who’s your favorite cousin?

Does your mom have a weird trait?

Does your dad have a weird trait?

Do you think your parents trust you?

Which one do you prefer: family events or alone time?

Do you still celebrate your birthday with your family?

What do you want your family legacy to be?

After five years, where would you like to go for a family vacation?

Do we love our family members for who they are, or do we love them despite who they are?

What's something silly I did as a kid?

Did your parents allow you to stay up late on school nights when you were growing up?

Is there something I can do better as your daughter/son that I am not doing now?

What would you do if you were the boss at home for a day?

Did you wish I was a girl or a boy when I was born?

Is there anything you are still mad at me about that I did as a kid?

What do you think of your friends' families compared to your own?

Which of your parents tended to help you with homework as a kid?

Do your parents have any addictions?

Have you experienced being yelled at by your mom in public? For what reason?

How would you be able to tell you’re all grown up?

When were you able to know my gender: before or after I was born?

What certain things do we need to study and learn about in order to be prepared to fulfill our family’s mission?

Is your family's discipline fair and equal?

Do you think it’s right for children to help with household chores?

Do you feel like you could talk with your family about anything at all?

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever made for your family?

Are you willing to sacrifice anything for the sake of your family?

What special treats would you bake for your family?

Do you know how many birthmarks I have?

What’s one thing that made me cry a lot when I was little?

What kind of events gets our family excited?

What is the best thing about having siblings? How about the worst thing?

What would you do if one of your children or grandchildren got a tattoo?

Is your relationship with your sibling/s better or worse than with your friends?

What house rule was totally the hardest to follow today?

Which of your relatives do you enjoy helping the most?

What are some things you would never do if you were your parents?

Will they be as happy as their biological families?

Deep Conversation Topics About Love and Relationships

Can you tell me one of your most recent inspiring stories about love?

Who would you rather date: someone younger or older than you?

Have you ever observed how others react to us while we're out in public?

What's the weirdest date you've ever been on?

What qualities do you value most in a partner, and which do you value the least?

Can you tell me about something you see in me that makes you really proud?

How do you manage to stay in my mind all day and night? Don’t you get tired?

Why do you think aren’t there more meaningful relationships out there when that is what everyone wants?

Did you fall in love with me because I am the right person, or because the time is right?

Do you believe that your first love has special significance to you?

In this relationship, what is your main weakness?

Who is your role model for a healthy relationship in the world?

Who do you think in this world is your example for a bad relationship?

What is your preferred method of receiving affection?

What makes our relationship unique?

When was the exact moment you knew this was true love?

How do you know when it's time to tell your partner the truth?

Do you think it's good for partners to be competitive with one another?

Do you believe it is important for partners to help one another?

If you could change anything about the way I was raised, what would it be?

Do you think we spend enough time with one another?

Would you choose your child's gender if you could?

What would make you break up with someone? Will you be able to forgive, forget, and rebuild your relationship?

Which would you prefer: a baby without a partner or a baby with a partner?

How many dates did it take for you to know you wanted our relationship to be more serious?

What three words would you use to describe us as a couple?

How would we know if it’s already time to get married?

What is one question you are afraid to ask me but desperately want to know the answer to?

What is the one aspect of our relationship that you would miss the most once it ended?

What would you most regret not telling me if you died tonight evening with no opportunity to contact anyone?

Do you consider yourself more successful than me? Why?

What’s one bad habit you don’t want me to get rid of?

Do you believe our relationship gives you the freedom to be yourself?

What’s your most precious memory of us?

What type of parent do you want to become?

Have you ever thought of breaking up with me for just a simple reason?

Do you believe that in order to fight or love, you must have a strong bond with your partner?

What makes us perfect to be together?

Would you replace me instantly if ever I die tomorrow?

Would you want our first date to be different if you could go back in time and do it all over again?

If we wrote a book about our relationship, what’s would the title be?

What’s your dream destination with me?

Since we started dating, what do you think has been the funniest moment?

Do you believe in making a commitment for the rest of your life?

Could you date someone who disagrees with you on politics?

Is jealousy a normal thing in a relationship?

Would you prefer freedom over security?

What were your thoughts when we first met?

Is there anything I can do right now for you to make you feel more at ease or loved?

What would you do if you were informed that I have a terminal illness?

Do you want to travel back to a time before the internet?

How has news evolved over the past ten years?

What would you use to describe social media in one word?

What’s the best meme you’ve seen recently?

What’s the email address you currently use to log in on your Facebook account?

When is it the right time to quit social media?

Have you ever thought of finding love on social media?

What is so interesting about social media?

Can newspapers disappear in the future?

What's the most awkward Zoom meeting you've ever had?

What news have you recently read?

What are the current events that are deeply affecting your life?

Have you seen funny videos from Facebook last night?

How do news articles affect your daily life?

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Facebook”?

Do you spend your time mostly on social media platforms?

What song was last you played on Spotify?

How do you usually take bad news?

What do you think the world would be like without news?

Have you ever shared your Spotify playlist with someone you really love?

Do you think social media will still evolve in the future?

Why do we need to know the latest news?

If you’d be a reporter for this day, what will be its headline?

What brought you to social media?

Have you tried hacking one of your ex’s accounts?

How long have you been in the social media world?

Do you tweet about how you usually feel?

How has social media affected your life?

How many hours do you dedicate yourself to browse on social media?

What’s the best viral video on YouTube?

Do you trust all of the information you get from the news?

Do you want to be an Instagram influencer someday?

Do you buy newspapers on a regular basis?

Do social media advertisements tempt you to buy their products?

If you could invent a new social media app, what would it be about?

Does social media affect your political views?

How often do you tweet?

Can you show me your Spotify playlist?

How do you take constructive criticisms online?

Do you think life’s better virtually than reality?

In a newspaper, what are the different sections?

When is the perfect age to create a social media account?

Have you been a victim of hacking?

Do you find reading newspapers boring?

Do you consider going on a social media detox?

What’s the best messaging app?

Do you skip ads on YouTube? Or you help video creators to gain money?

Do you watch pirated movies on Facebook?

Do you believe the news is necessary? Why or why not?

What do you think is the most important thing the news should report right at this moment?

Check out. ..
250 Deep Questions
250 First Date Questions
250 Funny Questions to Ask
200 Questions for Couples
150 "This or That" Questions

52 Questions to Bring You Closer Together

When’s the last time you had a meaningful conversation? Or deepened your relationship with your friend or partner? Knowing how to have a deep conversation isn’t easy. That said, diving into deep topics—rather than fluffy small talk—is crucial to maintaining an intimate connection. 

In an experiment, social psychologist Arthur Aron found pairs who discussed ‘deep questions’ were much more likely to maintain their level of connection than those who kept to small talk.

Since relationships are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of our lives, Lemonade decided to examine several psychological studies, and figure out which conversation topics foster closeness.

From there, we created a list of 52 questions that can scientifically foster intimacy between you and your partner, roommate, or friend—one for every week of the year!

Ritualize deep conversation

Looking for deep things to talk about with your significant other? You’re in luck.

We suggest creating a weekly ritual of asking these questions – try it on a Friday night to recap the week. You can spiral off into other topics, but the point is to start a real conversation, and learn more about your partner.

And don’t forget to ask: Are all the things I care about covered by Lemonade?

APPLY NOW


So bookmark this page, grab your partner or friend, and start reclaiming conversation!

52 questions to foster (or maintain) closeness and intimacy

1. What do you miss about being a kid?

2. If someone gave you enough money to start a business – no strings attached – what kind of business would you want to start and why?

3. Tell me about a relationship issue you’re having, and ask me for advice on how to fix it.

4. If you could go back in time, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

5. What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?

6. Tell me three things that happened in the last week that you’re thankful for.

7. What’s your favorite memory we’ve shared together? Gimme as many details as possible.

8. What makes you happy?

9. Who or what has changed your life?

10. How do you best connect with others?

11. Are you a giver, a taker, or a matcher? Are there areas in your life where you act like one type, and other areas where you act like another? [Here’s the Giver/Taker Test]

12. What are the five most important things on your bucket list?

13. What matters most to you?

Here’s a question: Did you know Lemonade offers insurance for your stuff, your pet, and your car?

APPLY NOW

14. What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

15. What’s your ideal weekend?

16. If you could take a year-long paid sabbatical, what would you do?

17. Who do you trust?

18. What are five things you’re thankful for right now?

19. If a genie granted you three wishes right now, what would you wish for?

20. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done and would you do it again?

21. What’s your favorite family tradition?

22. If you could enter a time machine, what time period would you go to?

23. What’s your favorite quote?

24. What do you value most in a friendship?

25. Tell me your life story in four minutes, with as many deets as possible.

26. What’s something I’ve done for you that you’re grateful for?

27. What do you want your legacy to be?

28. Let’s alternate sharing three positive characteristics of each other.

29. What are your biggest goals for this year? How will you work to achieve them?

30. Where was your favorite place to go as a child and why did you love it there?

31. Tell me about a challenge you’ve been having at work or school, and ask me for advice on what to do about it.

32. What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

Ask yourself—do you have coverage for the things that matter to you?

GET LEMONADE

33. What are you curious about?

34. What are your top three strengths? Which strengths do you look for in a friend or partner? [Take the VIA Strengths Test]

35. Name four things we have in common.

36. What are your favorite three topics to talk about?

37. What’s your earliest memory?

38. How do you express gratitude towards others? Give me an example.

39. What are the top three ways to express your love in friendships and in relationships? (Here’s the Love Languages Quiz)

40. In what situations do you feel most comfortable sharing your perspective?

41. Who’s someone you really admire?

42. How do you like to be comforted when you’re upset?

43. What would you do on your “perfect” day?

44. In 10 years, how would you like to describe your life?

45. If you had $100,000 to give away to any cause, which cause would you choose and why?

46. Where are the top three places you want to travel to some day, and why?

47. If you could have any job you wanted, that would it be?

48. Tell me about a day you had that you’ll never forget.

49. If there were 26 hours in a day, what would you do more of?

50. Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it yet?

51. What moments or events during your childhood shaped who you are now?

52. What do you think about most?

The methodology behind these questions

These questions will help you and your loved one dive into deep and meaningful topics that are proven to enhance intimacy. But which topics are scientifically proven to bring you closer to another person?

Here’s a look at 6 central ideas behind our 52 questions, and why these topics bring us closer together:

Gratitude
According to psychologist Robert Emmons, gratitude is good for our bodies, minds, and relationships. Whether you discuss what you’re thankful for, or express appreciation for your partner’s good deeds, gratitude deepens our relationship with others.  Why? Gratitude does a few things: it establishes trust and intimacy, creates higher relationship satisfaction, and encourages you and your loved one to give even more.

Here’s how it works: when you do something your partner is grateful for, it creates norm of reciprocity, and inspires your partner to do something nice in return. With this chain reaction, you and your loved one will feel even more gratitude towards each other, which will make your relationship even stronger.

Nostalgia
Speaking of gratitude, reminiscing on past events is a sure way to inspire feelings of appreciation. A study by psychologist Clay Routledge found that recounting shared moments between you and your loved one increases feelings of social connectedness, and even makes you more supportive and considerate of each other.

To dig even deeper into nostalgia, we suggest talking about your experiences growing up.

“Discussing each other’s childhoods can really build an intimate bond between partners. Expressing how you felt as a child and things that hurt you when you were young gives your partner real insight into what shaped you as an adult,” said relationship guru Rob Alex.

“That understanding of how you felt in good times and bad times as a kid really allows your partner to see your vulnerabilities, and can evoke deep feelings and connections with each other.”

Giving (and asking for) advice
Giving advice is one of the most powerful forms of engagement between two people, according to Professor Julia Glazer. When you advise a loved one on a challenge they’re facing, it signifies that you’re willing to be honest to them, and that you care about them. Combined, these two signals communicate an extremely high level of trust, which creates a deeper level of closeness (and trust us, trust pays off). (Psychology Today)

On the other side of it, asking for advice and expressing vulnerability also fosters intimacy. “One key pattern associated with the development of a close relationship is sustained, escalating, reciprocal, personal self-disclosure,” wrote Psychologist Arthur Aron in his study An Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness.

Sharing
When you share something with your partner – whether it’s a deep secret, a dream, or an aspiration – something crazy happens in your brain. Your pleasure centers light up like a Christmas tree, and a hormone called oxytocin is released. Another name for oxytocin? The ‘love hormone,’ because it plays a huge role in forming bonds between two people.

Several new studies show that the release of oxytocin makes us more sympathetic, supportive, and open with our feelings. In fact, research conducted by couple therapist Beate Ditzen found that oxytocin release helps loved ones manage conflict more effectively; when it’s released, women show a decrease in a social stress hormone, whereas men become better at communication, make more eye-contact, and become more open about their feelings – all essential behaviors for resolving conflict peacefully.

Learning each other’s preferences
If we know what our loved ones like and dislike, we’ll better understand how to be a good companion for them. This may seem obvious, yet many of us neglect to ask our partners about their preferences point blank. By asking which activities they enjoy most, where or how they want to live, and what they value in their friendships with others, understanding their perspective will help us become better partners.

Similarly, learning how your loved one likes to be comforted when times are tough is a valuable conversation to have. “The one conversation couples can have in order to build intimacy is to ask: How can I help you when you’re suffering? Or, how would you like me to react when you’re in pain?” says clinical hypnotherapist Rachel Astharte.

Commonalities
It’s no coincidence that dating sites link people based on what they have in common – social science tells us that commonalities keep relationship strong.

According to psychologist Donn Byrne, we feel more connected to people who hold similar attitudes as us. In fact, a review of 313 studies with over 35,000 participants found that similarity is a very strong predictor of attraction and connection in relationships. Why? Because when two people have a similar gravitational pull, it creates less division and less judgement among them.

Discovering what you and your loved one have in common – whether it’s an opinion, a habit, or a favorite food – will bring you closer together and remind you of your friendship. Plus, reflecting on your common experiences will elicit gratitude (bringin’ it back!) for the relationship you have and the memories you share.

– – –

Thanks for reading! For more science-backed life hacks, check out the Lemonade Blog. To take Lemonade renter’s insurance or homeowners insurance for a spin, check our prices in 90 seconds.

than to replace the question how are you?

Gary Bernison, CEO of consulting company Korn Ferry, shares how to turn useless small talk on the sidelines of a conference, business meeting or corporate event into a meaningful and emotionally charged conversation.

"How are you doing?" are the two most useless words in the world of communication. The one who asks doesn't really want to know, and the one who answers doesn't tell the truth. The question is followed by missed opportunities and pointless exchange of remarks. nine0005

According to Harvard researchers, to get the most out of small talk, you just need to ask the interlocutor additional questions. In a series of experiments, researchers analyzed more than 300 online conversations and found that those who were asked more meaningful follow-up questions (that is, questions that differed from “how are you?” or “What are you doing?”) considered their interlocutors to be much more cute. When people ask more questions, they seem to be responsive, considerate, understanding, and caring. nine0003

So, you want to appear charismatic and interesting in a conversation? Success depends on the question with which you start the conversation, as well as subsequent replies. Here are seven tactics for having a meaningful conversation:

1. Use the ACT method to start a conversation

Small talk (small talk, light conversation, talking about nothing) is a natural way to establish contact. Start with a question that will lead to an ACT-qualified conversation: nine0003 A - authenticity (authenticity).

C - connection (connection).

T is a theme that will help you make an impression about you (topic).

Sample questions to start a conversation:

  • How are you today?
  • What do you expect from this week?
  • You remind me of a celebrity, but I can't remember who. Which celebrity are you related to? nine0030

2. Go beyond the "news of the hour"

The fallback conversation for many is similar to the news release of the hour: traffic jams, sports, weather, and so on. Remember that this is the worst way to start a conversation, but there are a few exceptions, for example, if the topic is of genuine interest to you, and the interlocutors share this passion. But try to go beyond the template topics and move on to more important and personal things for you.

See also: Business communications. How to Succeed

3. Stay calm and observe your surroundings

Before you open your mouth, open your eyes. Find something to focus on, like a piece of art on the wall, a quirky gadget, a set of coins, or a family photo on the table. There is sure to be something around you that will become a topic for starting a conversation and help lead the conversation to original follow-up questions.

Let's say you're talking to the CEO of a large company who is about to retire. You notice a row of empty boxes along the wall of the office. You can start by asking, “How hard will it be for you to leave this job?” This will be the start of a much deeper and emotionally honest conversation that would never have happened if you hadn't noticed those boxes. nine0003

4. Share some news (only truthful)

If there is news, share it: “I adopted a stray cat this weekend” or “My six-year-old rode a bike for the first time yesterday!”. Believe it or not, most people really want to know more about others, especially if they work for the same company.

You just need to be real, and not just invent something. Otherwise, you will not be able to answer clarifying questions, your insincerity will become noticeable. If you're new to the company and lead a team, start your first team meeting by asking everyone to share one interesting thing that happened in their lives recently. As a result of this instant exchange, you will allow everyone to feel a personal connection with colleagues. nine0003

5. Don't be afraid to start a conversation

It doesn’t matter if you are meeting in person or on a conference call, do not hesitate to start a conversation. If this is not done, two things can happen:

  • First, someone else will say what you wanted to say.
  • Secondly, your more talkative colleagues will start asking questions, you will get into cross talk and lose the initiative.

"Bookshelf RSU" - a podcast about the classics of world business literature. Listen to book reviews from our experts.

6. It's not just

that you say

No matter what or how much you say, your intonation, facial expression and eyes will translate much more. When speaking, look at the other person, not at the negotiating table or the wall. Smile when you are on the phone - this will make your voice sound warmer. Not only that what you say, but how you do it will make contact easier.

7. Change the subject

Small talk goes to the next level when you move from talking about something insignificant to a current issue. If the conversation is already underway, it's easier to start asking the next questions. Thanks to small talk, you will already be in sync with your counterpart and will be able to move on to a more meaningful discussion.

nine0011 Just do it

Introverts often find it difficult to start small talk. But if you don't say anything during the pause before the start of the meeting or when you get into the elevator with your boss, you won't be noticed.

Many are shy in front of other people, especially those who are higher in rank: to obey authority is natural. You are who you are, and no one expects a monologue from you. But when you make an effort to speak, others will listen to you and communicate with you. nine0003 Ivan Ilyin Chief Editor of the Russian School of Management

Best questions to start a conversation with anyone

Serious conversation

Fomenko Alexander

• 4 min read

nine0002 In this article, I have provided a selection of great questions to start a meaningful conversation with other people.

Now the most popular conversation starter is probably the coronavirus. And in some cases, such a topic of conversation can cause stress. It doesn't matter who you're talking to, you can rephrase the conversation and ask the right questions to build a deeper conversation.

We all want to be aware of what's happening at the moment, but even in difficult times you can still have a normal conversation. nine0003

There are many ways to make ordinary conversation great . Here are 9 powerful questions you can ask your friends, family and colleagues in your next conversation - in person or via video call.

Some of these questions can encourage you to tell interesting stories, bring out the best side of the other person, evoke genuine conversation... and hopefully help you feel a deeper connection with people close to you or with someone you haven't seen in a while. .

nine0011 1. What are you most grateful for, right now, at this moment?

This question can help you notice and talk about the good things in your life, instead of focusing on the bad things that you can't control. Yes, it might not be ideal for starting a conversation with anyone. But, when establishing a certain emotional connection with the interlocutor, in the middle of a conversation, this is an excellent question.

You can use it to talk about a particular week or day that made you feel better. During times of crisis, we can still find the good things in life that can help us feel better. Start a conversation with a story about some happy events and experiences in life. nine0003

2. Have you been working on any exciting personal project lately?

Is this an alternative to "what are you doing" but with deeper implications? This question can help the other person talk about something new that they're excited about, rather than just giving you a formulaic answer about their job or life.

People love to share what they care about. Find a way to get them to talk about their passion projects. Most people have a side activity, an idea they are working on. And they will happily talk about the progress they are making in this activity. nine0003

3. What are you good at now?

One way to change the energy in a conversation from negative to positive is to focus on the good in life and career. Alternative question - how do you take care of yourself now?

Use this question to talk about how you can improve your life and overcome obstacles (that you control) that stand in the way of a good life. Be curious and ask questions to think about or probing questions about what they enjoy doing right now. nine0003

4. What shows, podcasts or books do you spend time on right now?

Many of us now spend a lot of time at home. In the golden age of the internet and telecommuting, you will be surprised at how much you have in common with another person.

What people do in their free time can be a great conversation starter. You can go on and on about the fun things you like to do when you relax.

5. What do you do to relieve stress? nine0012

In difficult times, people can easily experience stress. Everyone deals with it in their own way. Both of you can talk about how you deal with different thoughts and coping mechanisms.

6. What would be your ideal weekend?

When you ask this question, you will definitely have something to talk about. The other person is likely to talk about what they do on a typical weekend and then what they would like to do on their ideal weekend. Once you know what he does or plans to do, you will have something to talk about. nine0003

7. What are you looking forward to in the future?

This question can help people think about what they want to do differently in their lives and careers when they have the opportunity. You can use it to talk about your life and career goals and what you plan to do to make that important change happen.

These are unprecedented times. "How are you?" may not be the best conversation starter. Whether it's a video call with a friend or colleague, there's a better conversation starter you can use to talk about anything but the coronavirus.


Learn more