99 Conversation Starters to Make Small Talks for the Reluctant

If you’re an introvert trying to work on your communication skills, then small talks are an integral part of your mission. Most of us introverts hate stepping out of our comfort zone and often don’t talk to people unless they speak to us first, at least I used to. Meeting people in the corridor of my dormitory was a nightmare. I often ended up either making a complete fool of myself or just making everything weird. That’s when I found out that I needed help. Whether it was the college dormitory, a job interview, a wedding, a funeral, or any other interaction, I used to find myself completely and utterly blank. It seemed as though the cat got my tongue.

So if you want to make sure you’re interactions at such occasions go down without a hitch, you need to know some great conversation starters that can help you make a great impression. 

While it is reasonable to keep to yourself, it hinders your social life. So, if you’re a newbie trying to get a hold of it, we’ve got you covered. Here mentioned below are a few conversation starters that can make your life a lot easier.

1.            What do you think about the event?

2.            Was it easy to find parking I found one after quite a while?

3.            Have you ever attended a similar event before?

4.            Have you heard these speakers talk before?

5.            How was the food?        

6.            What do you think of the speaker that’s going to come up after this?

7.            Are you for or against the speaker’s ideas?

8.            What got you interested in the respective topic?

9.            Are you enjoying the talk?

10.          How long have you been working here?

11.          What do you propose I should do to get noticed by the boss?

12.          Are such events mandatory?

13.          How often do you attend such events?

14.          I love the way you articulate your ideas, any tips I should keep in mind for the next presentation?

15.          Are you working on anything that you’re passionate about?

16.          What has been your most successful project yet?

17.          Does this job allow you to learn if yes, then what have you learned?

Imagine it’s the end of a tough week, and you catch your college in the elevator; not making small talk would be weird, so here are questions that you can try.

18.          Any plans for the weekend?

19.          Would you like to come over this weekend?

20.          Want to grab a drink?

21.          What have you got planned for next week?

22.          Are you taking some work home?

Imagine you’re new to a party that your friends throwing and you don’t know a lot of people out there how are you going to start a conversation? It is always easier to get a person to talk about themselves as most extroverts aren’t good listeners, so that is the point that you can take advantage of. Know that if you’re a good listener, you can become an overnight social legend, and it helps you keep control of the conversation.

23.          So, what have you been up to lately?

24.          How long have you known each other (the hostess and the respective guest)?

25.          Do you know many people at the party?

26.          Want to grab a drink?

27.          How long do you plan on staying?

Conversations that start with compliments are bound to be more engaging and uplifting. Before you know it, you’ll have people raving about your social skills.

28.          You look stunning, where did you get the dress from?

29.          Your skin seems so fresh, think you can give a few pointers on the matter?

30.          I love your make up who do you follow?

31.          You got a fantastic taste in fashion, why don’t you do it professionally?

32.          The food looks lovely; why don’t you start an Instagram page?

33.          Your hair looks good, where did you your haircut from?

Another way to get to know the person better and start a friendship is to suggest that you play a game. You can go for would you rather questions, 20 questions, or never have I ever statements. Here are a few that are going to get you guys talking for hours

34.          Would you rather be happy but poor or sad and rich?

35.          Would you rather go for a walk on a rainy day or sleep in?

36.          Would you rather have the power to read people’s minds or control their thoughts?

37.          Would you rather change something about your hair or your eyes?

38.          If you could change one historical event, what would it be?

39.          How would you want to influence the world’s future?

40.          Would you rather be in a TV show or movie?

41.          Would you rather control the seas or the air?

42.          Would you rather play twister or beer pong?

43.          Would you rather kiss the person next to you or smack the person next to you?

If you know that the person has a pet, you can inquire about that.

44.          What’s your pet’s name?

45.          How long have you had him/her?

46.          What was your first pet?

47.          Are you a cat person or a dog person?

48.          How many pets have you had at one time?

49.          Have your parents lied to you about the loss of a pet?

50.          Which magical creature would you have as a pet?

51.          What would you name a magical creature?

If you know that a particular person is a sports enthusiast, here are a few questions that you can ask.

52.          Did you watch last night’s game?

53.          Are you going to see the next match?

54.          Why do you support the Lakers (or whichever team they support)?

55.          What do you think about the changes in the team?

56.          Are you into fantasy football?

57.          How often do you go to see live sports events?

58.          Which sport is your favorite?

59.          Who would you recommend they take off the team, and why?

60.          Would you play for the team if you got a chance?

61.          Which player would you love to meet in real life?

62.          Did you play (any sport that they’re interested in) in college?

Your days of letting people you fancy walk away are over, here mentioned below are a few conversation starters that are sure to give you guys something to talk about.

63.          How long have you known Stacy (the person that set you up)?

64.          How would you describe yourself in three words?

65.          What was my first impression?

66.          Have you always wanted to be a cook (or whatever profession they’re in, ask follow-up questions such as why? Or why not? )

67.          Are you an active person, or do you prefer to stay in?

68.          What your idea of an ideal date?

69.          What do you want in a man/woman?

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

71.          What’s the worst thing about your job?

72.          What’s the best thing about your job?

73.          If you could give background music to this date, which song would it be?

74.          Which movies have influenced your life?

75.          Which tv-series have influenced your life?

76.          Have you ever had a fashion disaster?

77.          What is your most embarrassing moment?

78.          Which song describes your life the best?

79.          Which season describes your life the best?

80.          What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in college?

81.          What the stupidest thing you were grounded for?

82.          How long have you been seeing Dr. Rachel?

83.          I’ve read every magazine in here have you gone through any one of them?

84.          Dr. is a fantastic person. How did you come to know about her?

85.          I’m famished; do you know a good place to grab a bite once I’m done from here?

86.          If you don’t mind me asking, what are you in for?

87.          When is your next appointment?

88.          Hey kiddo, do you think aliens exist?

89.          Would you rather go to another planet or be a superhero?

90.          When you grow up, what would you like to be, why?

91.          Do you have a crush on someone?

92.          Who do you think would beat a dinosaur in a fight a dragon or a superhero?

93.          Have you ever seen a mermaid?

94.          If you could be a dinosaur, which dinosaur would you be?

95.          What would you want for Christmas?

96.          What do you want me to bring you next time I come?

97.          Which teacher do you not like? Why?

98.          Who is your favorite teacher?

99.          Who would you like to be when you grow up?

Now that you know about all the different ways you can start a conversation, it is time for you to get out in the field and try these ways out. They’ve worked for me and a lot of introverts I know, so I hope they help you conquer your fear of small talk too. Save this post on your phone, so you can refer back to any point if you’re caught up in an awkward social situation.