We’ve all been there. You see someone you know, whether it’s a friend, a co-worker, or a family member, and you want to strike up a conversation. But sometimes, it’s difficult to think of anything interesting to say.
If you find yourself in this predicament often, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some questions you can ask the next time you want to start a conversation that will hopefully lead to meaningful dialog.
51 Questions you can ask instead of the standard “how was your day” question:
- What are you most proud of today?
- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you laugh today?
- Was there anything that frustrated you today? How did you deal with it?
- Did you learn anything new today?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- What goals were you working toward today?
- Did you face any challenges today? How did you overcome them?
- Did anyone lend you a helping hand today? Who and why are they important to you?
- Is there anything that’s weighing you down?
- What made you feel accomplished today?
- Who brightened up your day and why are they important to you?
- Was there anything that made your day more difficult than usual? How did you manage it?
- Are there any events coming up that you’re looking forward to or nervous about?
- If today were a story, what would the title be? And why?
- How are you feeling today?
- Who did you talk to today that you haven’t talked to in a long time?
- What were the little things that made your day better?
- What was something good that happened today, no matter how small?
- What skill did you use today that you’re proud of?
- What was the best thing about your day, even if it wasn’t something big?
- Did you try something new today, even if it was just a new food or a new way of going to class?
- Did something happen today that made you think of someone else?
- What was your favorite part of the day?
- What three things from today are you grateful for?
- What things challenged you today and how did you overcome them?
- Are there any decisions you made today that you’re proud of?
- What’s something positive about today that you’ll remember tomorrow?
- What are you looking forward to today?
- What were the nicest things someone did for you today?
- What did you see online or in person that reminded you of me?
- How did your meeting go?
- What did you learn in class today?
- Did you get a chance to work on that project you told me about?
- Have you been getting enough sleep?
- What did you cook for dinner tonight?
- Are you working on anything exciting right now?
- What made you smile today?
- What could you have done better today?
- What are your plans for tomorrow?
- What are your goals for this week/month/year?
- How did the presentation go this morning?
- Have you had a chance to eat lunch yet?
- How do you feel about the new project?
- Are you feeling okay? You look a little tired.
- How was work/school/etc.?
- Did you have a chance to relax at all today?
- How are things going at your new job?
- Have you been working out lately?
- Did anything make you angry today?
- Did anything make you sad today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are conversation starters?
Conversation starters are phrases or questions you can use to initiate a conversation with someone. These phrases can help you connect with others and build stronger relationships because they allow you to start a meaningful dialog that can lead to deeper connections.
Some common conversation starters include simple questions about the other person’s interests or hobbies, asking for advice or recommendations on a particular topic, and sharing personal stories or experiences.
Whether you want to make new friends, deepen your relationships with existing acquaintances, or simply have engaging conversations with others, using effective conversation starters is a great way to start.
How do you keep the small talk going?
One important strategy is to focus on asking questions rather than making statements. This helps keep the conversation going by allowing your conversation partner to share their thoughts and opinions, which makes them feel more involved in the conversation.
It’s also important that you listen carefully to the person you’re talking to and respond appropriately. This shows that you’re actively listening and engaging in the conversation, making both parties feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Other tips to keep the small talk flowing include positive body language, proper timing, and being open about the topics of conversation. With these strategies, you can successfully navigate even the most difficult small-talk situations and ensure that your conversations are interesting and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Getting to know the people in your life is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The next time you’re curious about someone, try asking him or her one of these questions instead of the standard “How was your day?” From learning about their triumphs to understanding their challenges, these questions will help create meaningful connections between them.
