Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References
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Whether youre with friends, coworkers, or family members, keeping up a lively discussion will make your time together much more fun. Keeping a few conversation topics in your back pocket is a great way to introduce new ideas and get the group talking. Try pulling these out at the next dinner party or get-together to keep things interesting and learn more about each other.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 12:Pop culture
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0 19 COMING SOON1TV shows, movies, and podcasts are all the rage these days. Spend some time chatting about what everyones been watching lately to catch up on the latest popular culture. If theres something you havent seen, take a few recommendations for when you get home.[1] X Research source Go to source
- You could say something like, So, whats everyone been watching lately?
- Or, I heard about this new podcast on true crime. Has anyone listened to it?
Method 2
Method 2 of 12:Wacky internet stories
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0 110 COMING SOON1Whats the weirdest thing youve seen online today? Maybe the elephants at your local zoo made friends with seagulls flying by. Perhaps youve discovered a celebritys new Instagram account where they post crazy videos. Talk about what youve seen online to spark a fun, interesting conversation.[2] X Research source Go to source
- Say something like, Did anyone see the video of the baby otter holding hands with its mom?
- Or, I found the funniest video of Justin Bieber dancing on TikTok.
Method 3
Method 3 of 12:Good books
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1 210 COMING SOON1If youve read a good book lately, share your review. You can talk about a novel, an autobiography, or even a comic book that you liked. Ask others to chime in with their favorite books or authors to keep the convo going.[3] X Research source Go to source
- Try saying something like, Has anyone read that new Stephen King book? I heard it was really scary.
- Or, I just finished reading The Hobbit. The book is way better than the movie!
Method 4
Method 4 of 12:New recipes
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1 24 COMING SOON1Make everyones stomachs growl by sharing your favorite recipe. Swap stories about what you made for dinner or your latest and yummiest baked good. Talk about your techniques for picking new recipes or any websites youve found that have good ones to try.[4] X Research source Go to source
- You could say something like, I baked the most amazing cookies yesterday. The recipe was super easy, too!
- Or, Has anyone made anything good lately? I feel like Ive only been eating takeout, and I need some inspiration.
Method 5
Method 5 of 12:Travel experiences
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2 31 COMING SOON1Ask everyone to share the craziest place theyve ever been. You can learn more about other states, cities, and even countries! Dont be afraid to share some of your own travel stories, too.[5] X Research source Go to source
- Bring it up by saying something like, Where in the world have you experienced the most culture shock?
- Or, Which country has the best food?
Method 6
Method 6 of 12:Old memories
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14 156 COMING SOON1Bond over childhood memories or shared nostalgia together. Ask the group about their childhood homes, where they grew up, or what their siblings are like. You never knowyou might just have something in common![6] X Research source Go to source
- Ask something like, So did everyone grow up in the area?
- Or, Are you the oldest, youngest, or middle child?
Method 7
Method 7 of 12:Plans for the future
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1 29 COMING SOON1Up and coming plans for the future are always exciting. If any members of the group have fun stuff in the works, ask them about it! They could be moving, switching careers, having kids, or going back to school.[7] X Research source Go to source
- You could ask something like, So, whats next for you all? What do you have going on?
- Or, Im thinking of moving to Dallas. Have any of you ever been there?
Method 8
Method 8 of 12:Hobbies
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1 24 COMING SOON1People love to talk about what they do in their free time. Ask the group about what they do for fun outside of jobs and responsibilities. If you know the people well, you could even ask them specific questions.[8] X Research source Go to source
- For example, you could say, What have you all been doing for fun?
- Or, I heard that you two have gone boating a lot lately. Hows that been?
Method 9
Method 9 of 12:Work experience
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3 41 COMING SOON1Why did everyone choose the career paths that they did? You can ask the group about their first jobs, their degrees, and what they want to do next. Most people spend a lot of time at work, so they usually have a lot to say about it.[9] X Research source Go to source
- Try saying something like, Howd you get into the field of work that youre in?
- Or, Whats next for everyones careers?
Method 10
Method 10 of 12:Relationships
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2 38 COMING SOON1Ask about someones spouse, parents, or siblings. Get to know a little more about whats going on in their lives: did their dad just get a promotion? Is their girlfriend moving in with them? You can propose the question to one specific person or to the group.[10] X Research source Go to source
- You could say something like, So, hows everyones family doing?
- Or, Hey, hows your dad been lately?
Method 11
Method 11 of 12:Social connections
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2 39 COMING SOON1Everyone in the group is connected in some way or another. If you arent familiar with everyone there, ask how they all know each other. Theres usually a fun story to go along with how people met, and you might even learn something new about your friends.[11] X Research source Go to source
- You could say something like, So, how do you all know each other?
- Or, Brad and I met at a party in college. How do you all know him?
Method 12
Method 12 of 12:Hypothetical scenarios
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11 124 COMING SOON1Turn the conversation a little silly by making up what-if questions. Its always fun to have a few of these in your back pocket. Try asking things like:[12] X Research source Go to source
- If everything was legal for a day, what would you do?
- If you had to live the rest of your life as an animal, which one would you pick?
- Would you rather eat pizza or hot dogs for every meal?
Tips
- Lulls in the conversation are normal, so dont be weirded out if theres a silence or two within the group.
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References
- //www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/smarter-living/conversation-starters-non-coronavirus.html
- //www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/smarter-living/conversation-starters-non-coronavirus.html
- //www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/smarter-living/conversation-starters-non-coronavirus.html
- //www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/smarter-living/conversation-starters-non-coronavirus.html
- //shynesssocialanxiety.com/good-conversation-topics/
- //shynesssocialanxiety.com/good-conversation-topics/
- //shynesssocialanxiety.com/good-conversation-topics/
- //www.businessinsider.com/how-to-skip-small-talk-and-have-deep-conversations-2015-12#talk-about-something-specific-youre-working-on-8
- //www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/10-memorable-and-professional-networking-conversat.html
- //shynesssocialanxiety.com/good-conversation-topics/
- //www.youtube.com/watch?t=115&v=QXiAPiw7vfc&feature=youtu.be
- //www.thecut.com/article/questions-to-ask-friends.html
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