Conversation Starters

Does everything have its place, or does their stuff roam about?

Are you a very organized person?

Find out if they are all about the gym or all about the couch. To each their own!

Are you very active, or do you prefer to just relax in your free time?

Are they an animal person? And how clever are the names they gave their pets?

Do you have any pets? What are their names?

This one is fun because a blank check pet choice can lead to some great answers. And you can always transition the conversation into pets they had/have.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what animal would you choose?

This question can lead to a good conversation about their favorite song or the music they like.

If you had intro music, what song would it be? Why?

This one is a little creative and fun. They might have to think about it for a bit, or they may have an answer right off. Don't forget to ask them why and what might be a good last name as well.

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

This one can really be a huge conversation starter if the person you are talking to is in anyway entrepreneurial. It's always fun to hear and discuss new business ideas. Don't forget to ask for lots of details about their dream business.

If you opened a business, what kind of business would it be?

Time to learn about some cool mysteries! This one quite often leads to several good stories.

Was there ever an event in your life that defied explanation?

The classic bucket list question. It's great because it shows you what they want out of life and what is most important to them. And it's easy to split off into a conversation about any of the things they mention.

What are some things you want to accomplish before you die?

Another pretty common conversation starter, but sometimes the best ones are the ones people are used to.

What are you going to do this weekend?

Vacation stories! Bad or good, everyone likes talking about their vacation. Just duck out before they start showing you pictures.

What did you do on your last vacation?

See what they like to do when they are social, talk about that activity if you can.

What do you do when you hang out with your friends?

If they do have tattoos, there is probably a story behind each one. And if they don't have any, well it's good to know what they think about them.

What do you think of tattoos? Do you have any?

Time to channel some cranky old man vibes. Kids these days, with their stuff and their things and their hair. You know, that type of stuff.

What is something popular now that annoys you?

Find out what annoys them, chances are it probably annoys you too. Then it's easy to step into a conversation about annoying habits.

What is the most annoying habit someone can have?

Another question that leads to a lot of fond memories and stories to tell, but also lets you know how hopeful of the future they are and what their ideal life would look like.

What was the best period of your life so far? What do you think will be the best period of your entire life?

Every kid goes through phases when they are REALLY into one thing. Now you can find out what they obsessed about when they were a kid.

What were you really into when you were a kid?

See what they are into, and you'll have plenty to talk about. Everyone loves talking about things they love.

What would be your perfect weekend?

Tailor this question to the person you are talking to, whether they work, or they are a student. Also, some people like to let off steam, and some like to keep it positive so you can choose which way you want the question to swing.

What's the best / worst thing about your work/school?

Sure, this one is good for a general conversation starter, but what is really nice is being able to get some ideas on what works well and is generally awesome to have.

What's the most useful thing you own?

This question will probably conjure up some wonderful memories linked to your and their favorite season. Have fun reminiscing!

What's your favorite season? Why?

This one is another way to get into a good conversation about travel.

Where and when was the most amazing sunset you have ever seen?

A pretty common conversation starter, but sometimes the best ones are the ones people are used to.

Where did you go last weekend? / What did you do last weekend?

Similar to the question about the most beautiful place they've seen but this time it's local! Who knows, you might get a tip on an awesome local spot.

Where is the most beautiful place near where you live?

This one will probably lead to a good travel story. And conversations about travel are always fun.

Where is the most beautiful place you have been?

it'll be easy to jump into a conversation about whoever that person is and why they are so awesome.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become?

An awesome question for keeping it positive, and they'll be talking about someone they love, so it'll be easy to jump into a conversation about whoever that person is and why they are so awesome.

Who in your life brings you the most joy?

Pop culture and entertainment are great topics for conversation, and this question is a good entry point into a larger conversation about what kind of entertainment they like.

Who is your favorite entertainer (comedian, musician, actor, etc.)?

This is a great question because it often leads to some wonderful stories from when they were younger. I mean, who doesn't like reminiscing about the good old days?

Who is your oldest friend? Where did you meet them?