Conversation starters are really hard. It’s difficult to walk up to someone you don’t know and have never interacted with before and attempt to have a meaningful conversation with them. The truth is that most meaningful conversations take place between people who know each other well.
That’s not to say that it’s impossible, though. Even if it might be difficult and a little nerve-wracking at first, you can start a great conversation with a stranger as long as you have some good conversation starters like these ones up your sleeve.
# Have you read any good books lately? If you’re looking for something to talk about and get past the introductions, this question can not only give you insight into the type of entertainment they like, but it’ll also give you an entire book’s worth of information to talk about!
# What’s something about yourself that you never want to change? It’s always great to start on a positive note and find out what someone likes best about themselves.
# What do you like to do? Asking this instead of what they do for work is almost guaranteed to get them chatting, since it’s something they enjoy.
# Is your job something you enjoy doing? This opens the door for more discussion about why they’re doing a job they don’t like or what exactly their job entails and how they got there.
# What’s a strange habit that you have? Everyone has one, and it’s bound to spark some kind of funny discussion between the two of you.
# What person, dead or alive, would you want to meet, and why? This is a standard question that often leads to a more in-depth discussion about who that person was and whether or not you agree with their choice.
# Do you come here often? While this may seem cliché, it actually opens the door to a conversation that could lead to just about anywhere. If they say no, you can ask why they’re there. If they say yes, you can talk about why they like it there so much.
# So what’s your story? Asking a broad question like this will force them to divulge some information about themselves and give you more ideas of topics to bring up.
# I noticed you like _____. I’m unfamiliar with it. This can really be about anything. If they’re wearing a band tee, if you overhear them say something about an activity, or even if you see them watching something on the TV at a bar—if they like it, they’ll be willing to discuss it.
# Have you been to anything like this before? If you’re at an event that’s rather unique, asking this question can start a conversation about the event you’re at and could also help you gain some insight into their lives.
# Tell me about what you’re working on right now. Since this is so broad, you’re really allowing them to take the reins, even though you’re initiating the conversation.
# Who do you know here? If you’re at an event by invite, asking this question will immediately give the two of you a common interest and lead to more discussion.
# Have you seen the latest trending video about _____? If there’s something that’s gone viral lately, ask if they’ve seen it and if they like it or not.
# Do you have any funny obsessions right now? Everyone has something that they’re currently obsessed with, and most will be overjoyed to talk about it.
# What’s the best way to waste time, in your opinion? Some people like surfing the internet, others like lying down and reading a good book. Find out what they prefer.