Topics to start conversations

166 Conversation Starters For Virtually Any Situation

A good conversation starter can transform an awkward, stilted conversation into an interesting, enjoyable discussion.

That's important in sales, as having several conversation starters up your sleeve will help you form connections with prospects, referrals, and potential partners. In other words, your ability to start a conversation translates to real business.

Take a look at our list of 166 conversation starters and find your favorite one-liner to kick start your next conversation.

Conversation Topics

Conversation Starters to Use at a Conference

Conversation Starters to Use at an Industry Event

Conversation Starters to Use at a Networking Happy Hour

Conversation Starters to Use at a Social Event

Questions to Start a Conversation

General Conversation Starters

What's the most interesting thing you've read lately?
What's a fact about you that's not on the internet?
Do you listen to any podcasts? Which ones?
If you were in charge of the playlist, which song would you play next?
What's the best gift you've ever gotten?
What's your favorite part about living in [city]? Least favorite?
Are there any common misconceptions about your job?
Why did you come tonight?
If you had to sum up this event in three words, which would they be?
Are there any upcoming events you're planning on going to?
What conference — real or imaginary — would you absolutely hate to miss?
If you were giving a presentation, what would the topic be?
Great [shoes/haircut/shirt]! Where'd you get it?
I'm trying to plan my next trip — have you traveled anywhere interesting lately?

What makes a good conversation starter? While there isn't an exact formula, you can tailor your questions for different situations. For instance, the conversation starters you use with your friends will differ from, say, your boss.

Here are the common types of questions:

Open-ended: A broad, open-ended question typically generates a far more engaging answer than a closed, yes-or-no one.
Non-routine: Breaking out of the standard weather and job-related questions will jolt the person you're talking to out of autopilot. You'll also make yourself more memorable.
Professional: Some topics are more suited for your friends and family than strangers or near-strangers. Your questions should never make your conversational partner uncomfortable.
Relevant: If you can, start a conversation about something timely or specific, such as your location, event, industry, jobs, or current interests. The other person will find it easier to contribute.

Conversation Topics

So, you want to start a conversation. But what should you talk about? Here are some topics to kick off a conversation.

Events

If you're attending a conference or event, you can ask questions about the event itself, its location, your industry, the other person's objectives, what they've learned, and more.

Industries

At an industry event, talk about the latest news or technology in your industry. Ask how your industry is evolving, and what changes people are most excited about.

Technology

Is a person using a phone, tablet, or electronic device you're interested in? Ask them about it.

Content

Ask if they recommend any books, blogs, podcasts, or videos. You might find a mutual interest that you can talk about.

Fun Facts

Start conversations about where they work, their favorite food and restaurants in the area, or chat about something they learned recently. Fun facts are ideal for networking events or happy hours.

To start great conversations, borrow from this list of 166 conversation starters.

Conversation Starters to Use at a Conference

Conferences are chock-full of opportunities to ask thought-provoking, relevant, and engaging questions. You can discuss the specific event, its location, your industry, the other person's objectives, what they've learned, and more.

Keith Grehan, an account manager in HubSpot's Dublin office says:

"I approach conference introductions the same way I approach outbound calls, by having a reason to call/initiate the conversation. Ideally, I'd know something about the prospect, their company and the challenge/hot topics in their industry and use that as a jumping off point. If, however, I was at an event and didn't have a chance to complete prior research, I introduce myself and ask, ‘What are you hoping to get from the day?' It's a great place to start."

Which [speaker/panel] are you most excited for?
Which [speaker/panel] did you most enjoy? Which did you find the most useful?
If you could meet one speaker from this event, who would it be?
If you could have your entire company watch a single session from this event, which would it be?
If you were giving a presentation, what would the topic be?
How does this conference compare to others you've attended?
If you were running this conference, what would you do differently?
What did you think of the talk [length, structure, style]?
Have you gone to this conference before? What's changed?
What's the most surprising thing you've learned? (If the conference isn't over, add "so far?")

Why did you decide to attend?
Are you planning on coming back next year?
Are you here with other people? Do you prefer going to conferences solo or with a group?
Are you doing any non-conference activities while you're here? (Alternatively: "Did you fit in any non-conference activities?")
Is this your first time in [city]? What do you think of it?
Are you from the area? (If yes: "Do you have any [food, museum, shopping, music] recommendations?" If no: "Where are you from?")
Do you think the conference could benefit from being a day [shorter, longer]? Why?
I wonder how many people would have attended this conference eight years ago — what do you think?
I wonder how many people will attend this conference in eight years — what do you think?
Do you go to a lot of conferences?
What's the first conference you ever attended?
Would your company ever host a conference? (Or if they're from a large organization: "Does your company host conferences?")
What conference — real or imaginary — would you absolutely hate to miss?
Do you think [industry] needs more conferences? Less?
What's the primary reason you chose to attend [conference name]?
Do you have any plans to explore [city]?
What's your biggest takeaway from [speaker/panel]?
Will you come back to this event next year?
Have you met/seen any of the speakers before?

Conversation Starters to Use at an Industry Event

Attending a highly specific event like a forum comes with some advantages. For one, you usually have a pretty good sense of which roles and interests the other attendees hold. When you're blanking on topics, use this information.

Have you been to any events hosted by [organizer] before?
Why'd you decide to come to this forum?
Is [theme of event] a major professional focus of yours?
Why do you think they chose this specific theme?
By any chance, have you read anything good about [theme of event]?
Do you attend any other forums?
Are there any upcoming events you're planning on going to?
Had you heard of [speaker] before this?
Why do you think they chose [speaker]?
Have you ever organized an event like this? What surprised you about running the scenes?
If you could only remember one fact or insight from this [morning, afternoon, evening], what would it be?
What were your thoughts on [specific point speaker made]?
Do you have any predictions for how the discussion will go? (Or if the event is wrapping up: "Did the discussion meet your expectations?")
You look so familiar! Did you go to [previous event]?
What are your favorite and least favorite things about working in [industry]?
How long have you been in [industry]? Have there been any significant changes since you entered this space?
If you could spend an entire day talking to any expert in our industry, who would it be?
If you were in charge of this forum, and you had an unlimited budget, what would you do differently?
Did you disagree with any of the points made?
Did this event change how you think about [industry] and/or your role in [industry]?
Do you frequently go to these types of events?
How'd you learn about this forum?
I'm in the market for a new [phone, computer, notebook, etc. ], and I noticed you're using an [iPhone 12, Moleskine notebook, etc.] — would you recommend it?
If you had to sum up this event in three words, which would they be?
What new projects do you have lined up?
Which skills in [industry] do you think will be most in demand in the next five years?
Do you listen to any [industry]-specific podcasts?
Where do you like to get your [industry]-related news?

Conversation Starters to Use at a Networking Happy Hour

Socializing with strangers who already express an interest in connecting is always a little easier — or at least, more relaxed — at the end of the day. And, in the case that the majority of attendees are local, you've got a ton of built-in questions about the city, how long they've lived here, what they like to do in the area, and so on at your disposal.

As a general rule, your questions should be a little lighter than the ones you'd use at a conference or speaker event. Happy hours are for mixing work and play, so match your tone accordingly.

Grehan has advice for those preparing for networking happy hours as well. He says:

"At a happy hour, it's important to be more informal. People have had a long day of research and attending seminars, so having someone open with a different topic than the event or what they do for a living can be a breath of fresh air. If anything funny happened or if something didn't go well during the event, a joke about it is a good opener -- nothing brings people together like complaining after a long day!"

What's keeping you busy lately?
Did you come here from work?
What's your favorite part about living in [city]? Least favorite?
What do you think of this venue?
If you could only attend one type of networking function for the rest of your life, would you choose breakfasts or happy hours?
Have you tried any of the food? What's good?
What did you get done today?
Why did you come tonight?
How long have you lived in [city]?
Why did you move to [city]?
Do you think [city] is a place most people move to, or from?
Where did you move to [city] from? What do you miss about your last town — and what were you happy to leave behind?
If you could recommend only one [restaurant, coffee shop, bar] in [city], which one would you choose?
As [day of the week]s go, how was yours? (For example, "Did you have a good Monday, as Mondays go?")

At this time on a typical [day of the week], what would you be doing?
I have a semi-important decision to make, and I'd love your input: Should I have [appetizer #1] or [appetizer #2]?
I just learned "happy hours" were invented in the 1920s on naval ships. To make sea life a little less boring, sailors got daily breaks for wrestling and boxing matches. Do you prefer the modern or original version?
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
What's the last new skill you learned?
Are there any skills you thought would be crucial to your job that turned out to be unimportant?
Are there any common misconceptions about your job?
I read an article claiming nowadays everyone has a side project (or four). Do you agree? Are you working on anything on the side?
Wow, I see a lot of phones out — the email addiction is real! Do you think your company could survive if your CEO banned internal email?
Do you think you're the only [title] in the room?
If someone was making a movie about your current job, what genre would it be? What would they call it?
I love your [tie/bracelet/shoe/attire]! Where did you get it from?
What would you be doing at this time on a normal day?
It's nice to meet you. How has your day been?
Wow, that drink looks good. What is it?
What a great place for an event, right? Have you ever been here before?

Conversation Starters to Use at a Social Event

You might not think of your friend's BBQ or neighbor's block party as prime networking events — but as the most successful reps know, great sales opportunities can appear in unlikely places.

However, steer away from job, career, or industry-related questions. Since you're at a social event, less serious subjects are far more appropriate (and fun). Building rapport is your primary mission — after the party, you can figure out which new connections might benefit from your product.

If you were in charge of the playlist, which song would you play next?
You look like you could be in [random occupation]. Am I anywhere close?
If there was $200 at stake, would you be willing to prepare the food using only lunch meat, the contents of the freezer, and basic kitchen staples?
Have you tried any of the [appetizers, drinks, sides, etc. ]? Any recommendations?
Do you have a signature drink? (Gesture to their glass.)
Is your [day/night] going like you expected?
Do you prefer hosting events or attending them?
Games at parties: Yay, or nay? Why?
Are you a cat or dog person? Do you have any pets?
If you had to switch outfits with one person here, who would it be?
Do you know most of the people here?
If you could invite anyone to this party and they were guaranteed to show up, who would you ask?
I'm trying to plan my next trip — have you traveled anywhere interesting lately?
What do you think are the top three ingredients for a successful party?
Would you rather only host fancy dinner parties or theme parties for the rest of your life?
Great [shoes/haircut/shirt]! Where'd you get it?
What are you reading?
Are there any Netflix/Hulu/television series you'd recommend?
If you were stuck on a desert island with four items of your choice from this room, what would you bring?
What's the last movie you saw in theaters? Was it worth the trip?
What do you not do? (Smile while you ask to show you're being humorous. )
Have you been to any great restaurants lately?
Where's your favorite vacation spot?
Got any fun plans for the weekend? I need some inspiration so I don't end up on the couch with some Netflix and Ben & Jerry's.
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin?
Did you fulfill your childhood dream?
What's the best gift you've ever gotten? My friend's birthday is coming up and I'd love some ideas.
Are you looking forward to anything in the next few weeks?
Are you looking forward to anything in the next few weeks?
How do you know the host?
Are you keeping up with [sports team/TV show/news] recently?
Have you tried any new restaurants lately?
[For couples] How did you two meet?
Are you having a good time?

Questions to Start a Conversation

Sometimes, a simple introduction is the best way to proceed. But, then what? Open-ended questions are your friend, in these situations. Sales expert, and author of "Networking in the 21st Century," David J.P. Fisher explains his strategy for navigating professional gatherings:

"The most powerful way to start a conversation at industry events is the simplest: introduce yourself! Simply saying, ‘Hi, my name is ______' invites them to respond with their name, and now you have a conversation. It helps to have an open-ended question for follow up after that. Something like, ‘What do you think of the event so far?' or ‘Which has been your favorite session?' works well."

What's the most interesting thing you've read lately?
How many days do you think it takes you to scroll a mile on your phone? One day? One week?
What's a fact about you that's not on the internet?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Do you have a go-to conversation starter for these types of events? What is it?
Which blogs do you read?
Do you listen to any podcasts? Which ones?
You remind me of a celebrity, but I'm having trouble remembering their name… Whom are you normally compared to?
Did you hear about the trend of dinner party hosts banning small talk? Would you ever try that?
Would you recommend the last documentary you watched? Why or why not?
What's something in your industry you consider underrated?
What are your company's unique traditions?
If you could only [read, watch, listen to] one genre of [books, shows, music] for the rest of your life, which would it be?
On what topic do people always come to you with questions?
If you could spend one month at any period in the past — and you were guaranteed not to suffer any harm or change the course of history -- when would it be?
If you weren't in [X profession], which one would you be in?
Who was your childhood hero?
Do you have a secret talent?
What's the best event freebie you've ever gotten?
If you could publish a book on any subject, what would it be?
Let's say you could invite any three people in [industry, role, organization] to dinner. Who would you ask?
What's the last thing you learned outside of work?
How do you feel about unlimited vacation policies? Do you think they work as intended?
What's one company perk you'd love to have?
Have you taken any professional development courses lately?
If you could be a fly on the wall for a C-suite meeting at any company, which company would it be?
Do you prefer working remotely or in-person — and why?
What's one thing you'd love to be an expert at?
If there were no dress code, how would you dress for work?
Tell me about the best boss you ever had — what made them so great?
What’s the quality that people admire most about you?
What is one non-work related goal that you would like to achieve in the next five years?
Suppose you get to redecorate the conference room — what would you do?

The Ultimate Conversation Starter

Last but not least, the ultimate networking question that you can ask anyone, anywhere, anytime:

What do you love about what you do?

This question gives people the chance to dig into their passions — automatically putting them in a good mood and making them more likely to enjoy your conversation. Plus, it's a fresh twist on an old standby. You'll instantly stand out from the hordes of other people making small talk.

50 Topics to Spark Good Conversation

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Posted by Sarah Pryor

Even if you’re the most extroverted person out there, chatting it up with new acquaintances doesn’t always happen as naturally as you might think. A good question or topic is key to making connections and starting conversations.

Also, be sure to show genuine interest when listening to responses. It will help the conversation flow and give you ideas for follow up questions once the conversation begins.

Whether you’re at a casual party, a business function or somewhere in between, here are 50 conversation starters that will help get your social gears in motion.

Conversation Topics That Will Work Anywhere

These topics will work everywhere, from the company picnic to your nephew’s birthday party. One tip: If you’re asking someone a question, be sure to have your answer ready to go.

Tell me about yourself. This open-ended conversation starter is perfect because it invites the other person to reveal as much (or as little) about themselves as they want.
What’s been the best part of your day so far? A great way to keep things positive — even if the person has had a terrible day, they’ll be able to find something good to say about it.
What do you do to relax? Almost everyone needs a little more relaxation these days. In addition to helping you get to know the other person better, asking this question may help you find some new tips to unwind.
What book are you reading right now? If they haven’t had time for reading lately, ask them to share the last great book they read or what titles are on their list for the future.
What’s your favorite thing about your hometown? A great follow up question to “Where are you from?” this conversation starter will get the memories flowing and may even give you some great recommendations if you are ever passing through town.
What’s the last thing you bought online that you really loved? Besides helping you get to know the other person, this topic might help you find your next great online purchase.
What would be your perfect weekend? Some people love to spend their weekends unwinding, while others pack tons of plans into those 48 hours. This question is also a good way to find out the other person’s hobbies and what they do for fun.
What’s something (besides your phone) that you take with you everywhere? You may find out about a person’s lucky charm, a sentimental photo or some other meaningful piece of memorabilia.
What’s the last great show you binged? If you both watch television, you’re likely to find something in common with this topic. You might even get a recommendation for your next favorite show.
If you started a business, what kind would it be? Tap into people’s entrepreneurial spirit with this topic, which could lead to more follow-up conversation if the person has a business already or is planning to open one soon.
What’s your favorite season and why? A great alternative to “Wow, it’s ____ outside today,” this topic invites the other person to talk about their preferred temperature, climate, holidays and more.
Have you seen that viral video/meme? An easy way to get the conversation going is to mention a video or meme that’s recently gone viral. Since almost everyone spends at least some amount of time on their phone these days, the other person is likely to have at least heard of it.
What’s your hidden talent? You’re sure to find out some fun facts about people with this question. From juggling to skateboarding to braiding hair, you never know what talents someone may have.

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At a Party

Parties are a great chance to flex your conversational muscles. You’ll likely have varying degrees of familiarity with your fellow party guests, so these conversation tips will help you deepen your connection. Who knows? You may leave the party upgraded from acquaintances to friends.

How do you know the host/hostess? This will help you immediately make a connection with another partygoer since you have at least one friend in common. Finding out how they know the host and sharing stories about your mutual friend will help you feel closer in no time.
Did you come to this party last year? This works great for a birthday party or other annual event.
What are you drinking? Whether it’s alcohol, soda, or just water, this question will likely open up a larger dialogue. Be prepared to follow up with questions like “Is it good?” and “Have you had it before?”
What’s your favorite restaurant around here? Especially relevant if you’re in a different part of town, this question will get the conversation going and potentially give you some great recommendations for the future.
What did you get the birthday girl/guy? If It’s a birthday party and the guests have brought gifts, this question is a sure-fire way to start chatting. You may even find out something new about your friend the host.
Who is your favorite singer/actor/sports personality? Depending on the context of your party, this topic may work well organically (if there’s live music or a sports/game element, for example), and could start a fun debate.
Have you tried _____ (food)? If there’s food at the party, asking fellow partygoers what they think of the spread is a great way to start chatting. If it’s a potluck, ask people what they brought, how they made it, etc.
What’s the best birthday gift you’ve ever received? This one will get the memories going — have fun getting nostalgic thinking about birthdays gone by.

At a Work Event

Conferences, after work happy hours, the break room at lunch — there are so many work-related places where you might find yourself having a conversation with a coworker. Here are a few tips to help you make connections and extend your network.

How long have you worked here? This invites the other person to share a little about their history with the company and is a great chance for you to find out something new.
What’s your favorite part of your job? It can be tempting to complain about work when coworkers get together; keeping the conversation positive will go a long way to uplift your team.
Are you working on any personal passion projects right now? Take a break from shop talk and let the other person tell you about their interests outside the office.
What are you going to do this weekend? Find out someone’s weekend plans and you’ll get to know them on a deeper level. Are they going for a hike or kicking it on the couch? This topic also lends itself well to follow-up questions (Where’s your favorite hiking trail? What show are you binging?).
What did you want to be when you grew up? This is a great topic for workplace events because you can follow up with questions about elements of their career that apply to their childhood dream job.
What would be your dream vacation? Find out how they’d like to use those PTO days (and get some recommendations for future vacations for yourself).
Do you consider yourself organized? Whether they’re obsessed with order or thrive in messy chaos, this topic will help you get to know the person on a deeper level.
How do you measure your success? This open-ended question will help make a more substantial connection. You could follow up by asking who are some of the most successful people they know, and how others can get to that level.

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On a Date

A date — especially a first date — can be the holy grail of awkward chit-chat. Use these tips to keep the conversation flowing.

What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud? The only thing people love more than laughing is making others laugh. This conversation starter also gives an opening for people to show you a hilarious video or share a memory that you can giggle about together.
What was your first car? Is there anything more nostalgic than a person’s first car? Whether it’s laughably embarrassing or impossibly cool, they’ll almost certainly want to share a story about their first set of wheels.
What person in your life brings you the most joy? A perfect chance to talk about their mom, grandfather or other beloved family member or friend, this topic is sure to lead to more conversation as your date shares stories about the person they love.
Do you have any tattoos? People usually love sharing the stories behind their tattoos. Or if they don’t have any, they’ll probably be happy to explain why.
Do you have any pets? What are their names? Get to know whether they’re a dog or cat person (or reptile or bird!) and find out the meaning behind Fido’s name.
What were you obsessed with when you were a child? Dinosaurs, monster trucks, Barbies — every kid has an obsession and finding out your date’s childhood interests might help you learn more about them as an adult.
What’s your most controversial opinion? People love giving “hot takes. ” Find out your date’s ultimate controversial opinion and be ready to share your own point of view on the topic, doing your best to reach understanding if you don’t agree.
What’s the most annoying habit a person can have? Bond over shared annoyance with this topic (or find out if you have the habit they hate).
What are you going to order? If you’re at a restaurant, bar, coffee shop or anywhere else with a menu, this easy conversation starter is sure to get the other person chatting. Plus you’ll figure out the vibe of the date (i.e. cocktails and apps or a beer and a huge steak).
Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? This question works well for travelers and homebodies alike. A citizen of the world might tell you about an exotic foreign locale while a less-traveled person might tell you about a particularly special area close to their hometown. Either way, the conversation is sure to flow.

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With Children

If you don’t have children of your own or aren’t around kids often, it can feel daunting to try to chat with them. But the truth is most children love to talk to grownups, especially about a topic that interests them. Bust out these ideas at your next child’s birthday party or sporting event.

What’s your favorite dinosaur? Of course, not every child likes dinosaurs or knows enough about them to have a favorite. But many of them do, and if they don’t, they’ll be happy to tell you something else they do like. Be ready to follow up with “How about planets?” or any other child-friendly topic.
Do you have any brothers or sisters? Family is a favorite topic for most kids since they spend all their time together. This is especially true if they have a new baby in the house and are getting used to their older sibling status. Be sure to follow up with “Are they older or younger?” and “What do you like to do together?”
What show are you watching right now? Kids love to talk about their favorite shows, which they likely watch over and over. Ask why they like that show and what is their favorite episode.
What food would you eat every day if you could? A fun alternative to “what’s your favorite food,” this topic will likely bring some hilarious answers. You can follow up with questions like “What kind of candy?” and “How many bowls of mac and cheese could you eat in one sitting?”
What’s your favorite color? What about your brother’s favorite color? If there’s one thing kids catch onto early, it’s their favorite color. And they likely know the preferred hue for their family and close friends.
What are you going to do for your birthday this year? Don’t worry if their birthday has already passed or they aren’t doing anything big. Kids love to talk about their grandiose birthday plans — even if they will never happen. This topic also lends itself well to follow up questions like “What kind of cake will you have?” and “Who are you going to invite?”
What’s your favorite subject in school? For kids, school is their full-time job. It’s where they spend lots of their time and mental energy, so they should have plenty to talk about. Follow up with questions about why they like that particular subject and which subjects are not on their list.
What’s your favorite animal? Kids have strong opinions about their favorite animals, whether they are real or imaginary. You can keep the conversation going with follow-up questions about favorite animals that are pets, live at the zoo, live in the ocean and more.
What’s your favorite room in your house and why? To kids, home is their playground and safe space, so they will likely love to chat about it. You could ask more questions about their favorite toys, books and things to do outside.
Which TV show or movie would you want to come true in real life? Whether they’d like their favorite cartoon animal to come alive or live in a castle like a movie princess, kids are sure to have lots of opinions on this one.
What’s your favorite song? Get ready to listen to them sing it!

No matter what kind of event you’re attending, these questions and topics are sure to get the conversation going. Happy chatting!

Sarah Pryor is a journalist, wife, mom and Auburn football fan living in Charlotte, N.C.

Just wanted to say, this is such a great resource. I have told so many people about it. Great for school, sports, parties. Thank you!!

Lesley Kirts - Towson, MD

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Also, be sure to show genuine interest when listening to responses. It will help the conversation flow and give you ideas for follow up questions once the conversation begins.

Whether you’re at a casual party, a business function or somewhere in between, here are 50 conversation starters that will help get your social gears in motion.

Conversation Topics That Will Work Anywhere

These topics will work everywhere, from the company picnic to your nephew’s birthday party. One tip: If you’re asking someone a question, be sure to have your answer ready to go.

Tell me about yourself. This open-ended conversation starter is perfect because it invites the other person to reveal as much (or as little) about themselves as they want.
What’s been the best part of your day so far? A great way to keep things positive — even if the person has had a terrible day, they’ll be able to find something good to say about it.
What do you do to relax? Almost everyone needs a little more relaxation these days. In addition to helping you get to know the other person better, asking this question may help you find some new tips to unwind.
What book are you reading right now? If they haven’t had time for reading lately, ask them to share the last great book they read or what titles are on their list for the future.
What’s your favorite thing about your hometown? A great follow up question to “Where are you from?” this conversation starter will get the memories flowing and may even give you some great recommendations if you are ever passing through town.
What’s the last thing you bought online that you really loved? Besides helping you get to know the other person, this topic might help you find your next great online purchase.
What would be your perfect weekend? Some people love to spend their weekends unwinding, while others pack tons of plans into those 48 hours. This question is also a good way to find out the other person’s hobbies and what they do for fun.
What’s something (besides your phone) that you take with you everywhere? You may find out about a person’s lucky charm, a sentimental photo or some other meaningful piece of memorabilia.
What’s the last great show you binged? If you both watch television, you’re likely to find something in common with this topic. You might even get a recommendation for your next favorite show.
If you started a business, what kind would it be? Tap into people’s entrepreneurial spirit with this topic, which could lead to more follow-up conversation if the person has a business already or is planning to open one soon.
What’s your favorite season and why? A great alternative to “Wow, it’s ____ outside today,” this topic invites the other person to talk about their preferred temperature, climate, holidays and more.
Have you seen that viral video/meme? An easy way to get the conversation going is to mention a video or meme that’s recently gone viral. Since almost everyone spends at least some amount of time on their phone these days, the other person is likely to have at least heard of it.
What’s your hidden talent? You’re sure to find out some fun facts about people with this question. From juggling to skateboarding to braiding hair, you never know what talents someone may have.

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At a Party

How do you know the host/hostess? This will help you immediately make a connection with another partygoer since you have at least one friend in common. Finding out how they know the host and sharing stories about your mutual friend will help you feel closer in no time.
Did you come to this party last year? This works great for a birthday party or other annual event.
What are you drinking? Whether it’s alcohol, soda, or just water, this question will likely open up a larger dialogue. Be prepared to follow up with questions like “Is it good?” and “Have you had it before?”
What’s your favorite restaurant around here? Especially relevant if you’re in a different part of town, this question will get the conversation going and potentially give you some great recommendations for the future.
What did you get the birthday girl/guy? If It’s a birthday party and the guests have brought gifts, this question is a sure-fire way to start chatting. You may even find out something new about your friend the host.
Who is your favorite singer/actor/sports personality? Depending on the context of your party, this topic may work well organically (if there’s live music or a sports/game element, for example), and could start a fun debate.
Have you tried _____ (food)? If there’s food at the party, asking fellow partygoers what they think of the spread is a great way to start chatting. If it’s a potluck, ask people what they brought, how they made it, etc.
What’s the best birthday gift you’ve ever received? This one will get the memories going — have fun getting nostalgic thinking about birthdays gone by.

At a Work Event

How long have you worked here? This invites the other person to share a little about their history with the company and is a great chance for you to find out something new.
What’s your favorite part of your job? It can be tempting to complain about work when coworkers get together; keeping the conversation positive will go a long way to uplift your team.
Are you working on any personal passion projects right now? Take a break from shop talk and let the other person tell you about their interests outside the office.
What are you going to do this weekend? Find out someone’s weekend plans and you’ll get to know them on a deeper level. Are they going for a hike or kicking it on the couch? This topic also lends itself well to follow-up questions (Where’s your favorite hiking trail? What show are you binging?).
What did you want to be when you grew up? This is a great topic for workplace events because you can follow up with questions about elements of their career that apply to their childhood dream job.
What would be your dream vacation? Find out how they’d like to use those PTO days (and get some recommendations for future vacations for yourself).
Do you consider yourself organized? Whether they’re obsessed with order or thrive in messy chaos, this topic will help you get to know the person on a deeper level.
How do you measure your success? This open-ended question will help make a more substantial connection. You could follow up by asking who are some of the most successful people they know, and how others can get to that level.

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On a Date

A date — especially a first date — can be the holy grail of awkward chit-chat. Use these tips to keep the conversation flowing.

What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud? The only thing people love more than laughing is making others laugh. This conversation starter also gives an opening for people to show you a hilarious video or share a memory that you can giggle about together.
What was your first car? Is there anything more nostalgic than a person’s first car? Whether it’s laughably embarrassing or impossibly cool, they’ll almost certainly want to share a story about their first set of wheels.
What person in your life brings you the most joy? A perfect chance to talk about their mom, grandfather or other beloved family member or friend, this topic is sure to lead to more conversation as your date shares stories about the person they love.
Do you have any tattoos? People usually love sharing the stories behind their tattoos. Or if they don’t have any, they’ll probably be happy to explain why.
Do you have any pets? What are their names? Get to know whether they’re a dog or cat person (or reptile or bird!) and find out the meaning behind Fido’s name.
What were you obsessed with when you were a child? Dinosaurs, monster trucks, Barbies — every kid has an obsession and finding out your date’s childhood interests might help you learn more about them as an adult.
What’s your most controversial opinion? People love giving “hot takes.” Find out your date’s ultimate controversial opinion and be ready to share your own point of view on the topic, doing your best to reach understanding if you don’t agree.
What’s the most annoying habit a person can have? Bond over shared annoyance with this topic (or find out if you have the habit they hate).
What are you going to order? If you’re at a restaurant, bar, coffee shop or anywhere else with a menu, this easy conversation starter is sure to get the other person chatting. Plus you’ll figure out the vibe of the date (i.e. cocktails and apps or a beer and a huge steak).
Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? This question works well for travelers and homebodies alike. A citizen of the world might tell you about an exotic foreign locale while a less-traveled person might tell you about a particularly special area close to their hometown. Either way, the conversation is sure to flow.

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With Children

What’s your favorite dinosaur? Of course, not every child likes dinosaurs or knows enough about them to have a favorite. But many of them do, and if they don’t, they’ll be happy to tell you something else they do like. Be ready to follow up with “How about planets?” or any other child-friendly topic.
Do you have any brothers or sisters? Family is a favorite topic for most kids since they spend all their time together. This is especially true if they have a new baby in the house and are getting used to their older sibling status. Be sure to follow up with “Are they older or younger?” and “What do you like to do together?”
What show are you watching right now? Kids love to talk about their favorite shows, which they likely watch over and over. Ask why they like that show and what is their favorite episode.
What food would you eat every day if you could? A fun alternative to “what’s your favorite food,” this topic will likely bring some hilarious answers. You can follow up with questions like “What kind of candy?” and “How many bowls of mac and cheese could you eat in one sitting?”
What’s your favorite color? What about your brother’s favorite color? If there’s one thing kids catch onto early, it’s their favorite color. And they likely know the preferred hue for their family and close friends.
What are you going to do for your birthday this year? Don’t worry if their birthday has already passed or they aren’t doing anything big. Kids love to talk about their grandiose birthday plans — even if they will never happen. This topic also lends itself well to follow up questions like “What kind of cake will you have?” and “Who are you going to invite?”
What’s your favorite subject in school? For kids, school is their full-time job. It’s where they spend lots of their time and mental energy, so they should have plenty to talk about. Follow up with questions about why they like that particular subject and which subjects are not on their list.
What’s your favorite animal? Kids have strong opinions about their favorite animals, whether they are real or imaginary. You can keep the conversation going with follow-up questions about favorite animals that are pets, live at the zoo, live in the ocean and more.
What’s your favorite room in your house and why? To kids, home is their playground and safe space, so they will likely love to chat about it. You could ask more questions about their favorite toys, books and things to do outside.
Which TV show or movie would you want to come true in real life? Whether they’d like their favorite cartoon animal to come alive or live in a castle like a movie princess, kids are sure to have lots of opinions on this one.
What’s your favorite song? Get ready to listen to them sing it!

No matter what kind of event you’re attending, these questions and topics are sure to get the conversation going. Happy chatting!

Sarah Pryor is a journalist, wife, mom and Auburn football fan living in Charlotte, N.C.

Interesting topics for conversation - Inspiredd

Getting ready to meet your friends? Or maybe you have a date? In any case, you will communicate. And if you think what to talk about , then quickly read this article! I have prepared for you interesting topics for conversation that will not leave the interlocutors indifferent. Also, a few life hacks for a successful conversation are waiting for you below.

We all know that “smiling makes the world brighter”. But we often forget this simple truth. Do you want to impress? Be sincere, positive and smiling person. Listen to the interlocutor, be interested in the details of his story. If the smile “does not stretch” in any way, and the positive has disappeared somewhere, then why even have a conversation? If you are interested in the interlocutor and vice versa, then the conversation will go “like clockwork”. And if it’s hard to squeeze even a word out of yourself and deliberate silence reigns in the air, then there is only one piece of advice: “Run Forrest, run!”.

Read: How to become a cheerful and positive person

Well, now topics for conversation. .. Do you like sports, reading, drawing? Tell about it! And do not forget to ask the interlocutor.

Books, films, music, serials. A banal topic for conversation, but it's also interesting! Share your musical preferences, exchange books and tips, recommend a movie for the evening.

Adventures and funny stories. Each of us has a couple of stories that can make a crowd of people laugh. Remember and tell.

Oddities. Do you like to cry while watching a cartoon? Or maybe you're addicted to the smell of the subway? Tell me about your “little cockroaches in your head.” This is not only funny, but also brings together.

Fate, outlook on life. If the conversation disposes, then you can talk about personal views on life, on different situations.

Humor. Talk about something funny. About favorite comedians, jokes.

What you don't like. You can also share your negative attitude towards something. Only with this topic, carefully, please. Try not to hurt the other person's feelings.

Future. Tell us about your dreams and goals.
Experiences, thoughts. Share your problems (here it is also important not to go too far), maybe you will get good advice?
Pets, relatives, mutual acquaintances. This topic is also full of funny (and not so) stories. But it's better to talk about fun.
Work, study. Quite an important topic, but the main thing is not to get bored.
Leisure, travel. Share your impressions of your vacation or vacation.

I sincerely hope that exciting communication and positive emotions await you. Good luck!

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Interesting topics to talk to anyone, anywhere

Hello everyone!

Communication can come to a standstill regardless of who your interlocutor is: a new acquaintance or a person with whom you have known each other for a hundred years. In order not to stretch awkward pauses, it would be good to always have interesting topics for conversation at hand.

We have prepared for you a large list of topics and tips for a variety of occasions. Don't forget to save the article so you don't lose it!

Recommendations for interesting communication

Before we go directly to the topics, we would like to dwell on important nuances that will help avoid mistakes in communication:

Try to ask open questions, i. e. such that suggest a more detailed answer than a monosyllabic “no” or “yes”.
If you come to a tête-à-tête meeting, do not turn the dialogue into an interrogation with passion. Do not bombard the person with questions as if he came for an interview. When deciding to touch on a particular topic, be sure to tell similar information about yourself. Usually people continue to speak out of inertia and so do not feel discomfort. But pulling the blanket over yourself, forcing you to listen only to your person, is also not worth it. Stick to the golden mean.
Listen carefully, ask clarifying questions. This is how you show interest and show respect.
Don't give unsolicited advice, especially to strangers. Even if you think the person needs it. This is extremely insensitive.
Avoid complaining and pitting anyone. The negative is repulsive.
Do not be afraid of silence. There can be natural pauses in any conversation. Long conversations are also exhausting. If it is comfortable to talk with a person, then it will be comfortable with him and be silent for a while. At least to finish your salad or finish your cup of coffee, if the circumstances are appropriate.

Topics to talk about

Each situation has its own topics to talk about, so we have divided this article into several categories. Choose your case and take note of what fits.

On a date

Before a date, the main thing to remember is how important it is to be yourself. Do not choose topics that you are not interested in.

If you do not like art, do not study the work of Claude Monet and speak about the work of Pablo Picasso before the meeting.

Look for things you can talk about passionately together.

Otherwise, you shouldn't even get upset if communication doesn't work out.

We did not divide the topics into male and female, but put together a universal list of sample questions, on the basis of which you can develop a discussion with both a guy and a girl. Not only will they help keep the conversation going, but they'll also help you get to know the person well enough to form an opinion about them and decide if they're right for you.

What are some interesting questions for the couple?

We invite you to chat on the following topics:

How was your day, working week?
Talk about what helped you get to know each other. For example, if the meeting took place in a group of friends, ask how long the person has known them. If the acquaintance happened on social networks, ask how often the interlocutor makes friends in this way.
What do you like to do in your free time, what are your hobbies?
Where are you from?
What childhood memories do you remember the most?
What films do you watch? What was the last time you went to the cinema? What do you recommend to watch from comedies, science fiction and other things?
What places in the city do you visit most often?
Where have you rested in your life and where would you prefer to return again?
How do you feel about sports, art, music?
Do you like to read books? What genres do you prefer? What publications do you remember the most?
Do you have dreams?
Tell us about your profession, study, work.
How do you feel about alcohol?
Are there bad habits that you struggle with?
How do you like to spend weekends and holidays? Do you prefer a relaxing holiday or an active one?
Do you have pets?
What would you like to do if you had no restrictions on finances and resources?
Are you a lark or an owl?
What do you value most in members of the opposite sex?
What brings you the most joy?
What are you looking for in a relationship? What are your goals?
What do you watch on TV? Who is subscribed to on YouTube? How do you feel about TikTok?
What is your attitude towards loneliness?
Do you have childhood friends with whom you still keep in touch?
What type of personality do you consider yourself: extroverts or introverts?
How do you feel about self-knowledge, meditation, yoga and other practices?
What event are you looking forward to? This could be, for example, a festival, a concert by your favorite band, a friend's birthday, a relative's wedding, etc.

These are just examples of some topics.

You can make your list according to your own interests and preferences.

For example, if you love Italian cuisine, tell us about the most interesting dishes and ask your interlocutor what his culinary preferences are.

In the company of friends

In a noisy company, silence rarely hangs, but you can still make the meeting even more exciting and exciting. And there are countless topics for friendly conversations.

Here are the random options:

If you were Neo in The Matrix, which pill would you choose: blue or red?
What superpower would you like to have and why?
Would you rather be the richest person or the smartest?
You can discuss some interesting life hacks and suggest trying them.
New gadgets, mobile applications, news from the world of technology.
How do you feel about esotericism, predictions, horoscopes? Have you had any experience with similar practices?
Discussions on adrenaline, extreme sports, mountain climbing, camping, etc.
Attitude towards various conspiracy theories. For example, the world is ruled by aliens, special services, is mass chipping possible, who killed Kennedy, etc.
Do you believe in ghosts, afterlife?
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
What would you spend money on if you won a very large amount?
New movies, bloopers, favorite directors, etc.
Political news.
Cool memes from the Internet.
What do you think about gender equality, feminism and other movements.
Which place of residence would you prefer: city or countryside, coastal resort or mountains, house or apartment, metropolis or province?
Would you agree to explore a new planet in the event of an impending apocalypse?
If you had a time machine, where would you go?
How long could you live without communication and amenities?
What was the first thing you felt and did if you woke up in an unfamiliar place?

Note! One of the most productive ways to spend time with friends is to organize board games. So you will avoid silence, and stretch your brain.

With strangers

In the company of strangers, topics for communication should be chosen carefully so as not to stumble upon subjects of heated disagreement.

Here are the most neutral questions that can be used for conversation:

What do you do, what is your occupation?
Where did you study and why exactly there?
Do you have a hobby?
How do you prefer to relax, spend holidays, relax after a working day?
Where did you spend your childhood, where are you from? How did you get to this city?
You can discuss the most popular classical questions. For example, talk about the weather, nature and housing and communal services problems.
If friends introduced you, ask how long they have known each other and what connects them.

As you ask these questions, always remember to be sure to say the same about yourself.

In a conversation with a stranger, you should not touch on “slippery” topics . It is undesirable to talk about religion, personal life, political views, finances, health.

Pay attention to the other person's reaction to certain phrases or topics. So you can understand what he is interested in, and what is better not to talk about. In addition, pay attention to how willingly the stranger communicates and whether you are too intrusive.

It may turn out that you are looking for topics to discuss in vain.

For heartfelt conversation

The topics for spiritual conversations usually come up by themselves. The direction will depend on who is in front of you: a close friend or a friend, a loved one, a parent, etc.

The simplest topics will be everyday life, family, relationships with relatives, colleagues, financial issues, health.

If a person is really close, then the range of topics that can be touched upon expands significantly.

You can discuss sex with your partner or spouse. Ask what suits you, what you would like to bring, what fantasies to try to realize.

Here is a list of universal topics that are suitable for heart-to-heart conversations:

Childhood, youth, student memories. This is an inexhaustible topic, because everyone will find funny, cute, sad, interesting stories from the past in their memory.
Man's dreams: what he dreamed about in childhood, what he dreams about now.
Friendship: is it possible between a man and a woman, how does the interlocutor look at communication with former partners, etc.
Esoteric, unknown. As a rule, in large companies, rarely does anyone admit that they believe in ghosts or have ever seen something unusual, because no one wants to be ridiculed. But behind a sincere conversation, such secrets are easier to entrust.
Children: attitude towards children, large families, childfree.
Intimate Such issues can be discussed not only between partners, but also between two friends. What is acceptable and what is not. You can share some funny cases from the past. But for this it is necessary that the interlocutor be really congenial and open enough for such topics.

Intimate conversations are best conducted in the evening over a cup of aromatic tea or wine to create a special intimate atmosphere.

List of deep philosophical questions

If you want something more intellectual and serious, you can discuss the following questions:

Are we alone in the universe?
When will people be free to fly into space? Is it necessary?
What will happen to our planet if all people disappear? How quickly and to what extent will structures, nature, wildlife be changed?
What books have had the greatest impact on modern civilization? If you want to show off your intellect, you can, for example, compare the Bible, the Koran, the Torah and other religious works, or share your opinion about literary classics.
What events of world history were the most striking and significant? You can discuss the great commanders, the overthrow of empires, the conquest of new lands, etc.
Medical novelties, the latest news from the world of pharmacological technologies, medieval and modern methods of treatment.
The theme of immortality. Would you like to live forever, would you agree to cryogenic freezing for 200 years?
If you could choose an era in which to live, what would it be?
What would heaven and hell look like if you invented them?
Is there a destiny? If so, how then freedom of choice?
What is the meaning of life?
Where did self-esteem come from if man evolved from apes?
Will religion as an institution last forever or will it ever become obsolete?
How would the world change if life expectancy increased to 500 years?
How to live life to the fullest?
Do animals have a soul and how does it differ from a human one?
Is poverty inevitable?
Do weapons protect or destroy?
Why are the dead more respected than the living?
How relevant is the institution of marriage and family in the modern world?
If we learn from mistakes, why are we so afraid of them?

Such topics can be discussed in company with friends, in correspondence with a new acquaintance, in the family circle, with a beloved man (woman), even with teenage children.

You can come up with your own questions and google them first, and then show off your knowledge and thoughts in the company.

Married couple

Married life is often absorbed by the routine, and over the years it is more and more difficult to find topics for communication that have not yet been ridden.

If you haven’t talked about anything besides everyday life and children, here is an approximate list of topical topics and questions that will not only dilute the family evening, but also help you get closer:

What are the most joyful or funny moments from your life (not necessarily together) that you can remember?
Plan your vacation and discuss the necessary details.
Rate how the two of you have changed since you met and why.
What was the most difficult event in your married life for each of you?
What annoys you the most at work?
What brings joy and what brings sorrow?
When did you first feel like an adult?
What details would you change about your own appearance?
How do you see your old age?
What act, from your point of view, was stupid or wrong, do you regret the most?
How did you imagine your life when you were little?
What dreams had to be abandoned and is there a chance to realize them now?
What skill would you like to acquire, what to learn?

This is only a modest part of everything that you can discuss with your soulmate. You can easily choose any topic from the section of philosophical questions or for a sincere conversation. Family psychologists also recommend sharing secrets.

You can play a game: one spouse asks any 5 questions, and the other must answer them honestly.

It would also be very good to remember what you talked about in the first days and weeks of your acquaintance. This will help to nostalgic and refresh the senses.

How to become a good conversationalist

In conclusion, here are some generally accepted rules of communication:

If the interlocutor is talking, do not interrupt with questions, let him finish his thought. Perhaps you have found a topic that is interesting for a person and new subjects for discussion will naturally be born from it. The conversation should not be forced. The key to good dialogue is ease.
Call your interlocutor by name. This helps to establish trust and sympathy.
Do not use obscene language, jargon, parasitic words in company with unfamiliar people.
Show respect even if you disagree with something said.
Keep your distance. Not all people like it when someone breaks into their personal space.
Avoid distractions while talking on your smartphone. This is not appropriate.

We also recommend that you check out our other publications:

How to Learn to Learn
How to learn to control your emotions and feelings
How to keep up a conversation
How to learn to say NO
Where to find motivation and how to motivate yourself: effective methods and pitfalls
How to learn to remember better: mnemonics
How to deal with stress: useful techniques
How to ask the right questions

Conclusion

We have sorted out the best topics for conversation. Use them as a hint, not as a guide to action.

Learn more

Topics to start conversations

166 Conversation Starters For Virtually Any Situation

Table of Contents

General Conversation Starters

Conversation Topics

Events

Industries

Technology

Content

Fun Facts

Conversation Starters to Use at a Conference

Conversation Starters to Use at an Industry Event

Conversation Starters to Use at a Networking Happy Hour

Conversation Starters to Use at a Social Event

Questions to Start a Conversation

The Ultimate Conversation Starter

50 Topics to Spark Good Conversation

Interesting topics for conversation - Inspiredd

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Interesting topics to talk to anyone, anywhere