networking skills

Ever walk into a room and feel stuck on what to say? We’ve all been there, fumbling with “So, where you from?” and getting nowhere. These 33 conversation starters are like your secret weapon for turning awkward moments into fun, real chats—whether you’re at a party, catching up with a friend, or meeting someone new at a coffee shop. They’re fresh, easy to use, and way more interesting than the usual small talk. Let’s get you chatting like a pro!

Friendly Icebreakers to Kick Things Off

These are perfect for starting a conversation with someone new or reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in a while. They feel natural and get people opening up.

• “Tell me about you!”
  It’s like handing them a blank canvas—they can share whatever’s on their mind, from their favorite hobby to their latest adventure.
• “Doing anything fun lately?”
  A chill way to skip the boring “What’s your job?” and get them talking about something they’re excited about.
• “What’s your story?”
  This one’s a gem—it invites them to share a piece of their life, and you might hear something totally unexpected.
• “Got any cool side projects going on?”
  I love asking this to learn about someone’s passions, especially if you only know them from work or school.
• “How do you know the host?”
  Works at any event—swap it out for “How’d you end up in this group?” at a meetup or club.
• “What’s been the best part of your day?”
  So much better than “How’s it going?”—it nudges them to share a happy moment.
• “You come to events like this a lot?”
  Easy to tweak for any setting, like “Were you at last year’s party?” or “Do you hit up these meetups often?”
• “What’s been the high and low of your day?”
  If they love to talk, this one’s perfect—it gives them room to share a story.
• “Things been crazy for you lately?”
  Great for someone who seems a bit distracted—it shows you’re paying attention and invites them to open up.
• “How’s that drink/snack/vibe here?”
  Look around and use what’s there—comment on their coffee, the decor, or the food to ease into a chat.
• “Having a good time?”
  Spot someone chilling by themselves? This is a simple, friendly way to start without being awkward.

Questions to Keep the Vibe Going

Once you’re past the hello, these keep the conversation flowing without any weird pauses.

• “Got any fun weekend plans?”
  If it’s Monday, try “What’d you get up to last weekend?” It’s a safe bet that always sparks something.
• “What’s your favorite spot to eat around here?”
  People love sharing their go-to places, and you might find a new favorite restaurant.
• “You keeping up with [that new show/game/trend]?”
  If you’re into sports or pop culture, ask if they are too. If not, share a quick story to keep it rolling.
• “Any food or drink here you’d recommend?”
  Awesome at events—ask about the menu, and maybe you’ll end up grabbing something together.
• “This place is so [cool/quirky/nice]—you been here before?”
  The setting’s always a great conversation starter. Just comment on the vibe or surroundings.
• “Caught that viral video everyone’s talking about?”
  Bring up a funny clip or meme—if they haven’t seen it, you can show them for a quick laugh.

Deeper Questions for Real Connections

When you’re ready to go beyond small talk—maybe with a friend or after a good chat—these questions help you get closer.

• “If you were a character in a movie or book, who’d you be?”
  So fun—it shows how they see themselves and can lead to a great chat about movies or stories.
• “What did you want to be as a kid? Still chasing any of that?”
  Connects their childhood dreams to today, giving you a glimpse into their life.
• “What’s something that scares you deep down?”
  A big one, but it can spark real, honest moments if the vibe feels right.
• “Any regrets that stick with you?”
  Use this carefully—it’s a deep dive into their past, but it builds trust.
• “Who’s someone you really admire?”
  Great after mentioning someone inspiring—it shows what matters to them.

Fun Starters for Holidays & Events

These tie into special occasions or events, making your chats feel fresh and timely.

• January: “Got a New Year’s goal you’re excited about?”
• February: “You into Valentine’s Day, or is it just a big gimmick?”
• March: “Any fun St. Patrick’s Day plans?”
• April: “When did you stop believing in the Easter Bunny?”
• July: “Best fireworks show you’ve ever seen?”
• October: “What’s your favorite Halloween costume ever?”
• November: “What’s the one Thanksgiving food you need on the table?”
• December: “How do you and your family do the holidays?”

For birthdays:

• To the birthday person: “What’s the best thing from this past year?” or “What’s your big hope for the year ahead?”
• To everyone else: “What’s the best or worst birthday gift you’ve ever gotten?”

Tips to Make These Work

• Be Real: Don’t be shy about trying deeper questions if the moment feels right—it makes the chat memorable.
• Share Your Answer: If they’re stuck, toss in your own response to make them feel at ease.
• Use What’s Around You: The food, the music, the event—lean into the setting for natural starters.
• Listen Well: Follow up on what they say to keep things flowing and show you care.

Try these out next time you’re at a party, a work thing, or just chatting with someone new. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the conversation lights up! Want more ideas? Check out Science of People for some cool tips, or poke around X to see what others are saying about connecting with people.

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FAQ: Your Questions About Great Chats, Answered

What’s a super easy way to start talking to someone new?
Just say something like “Having a good time?” or comment on the setting, like “This place is so cool—you been here before?” It’s low-pressure and gets things going.

How do I avoid those awkward silences?
Ask something open-ended, like “What’s been the best part of your day?” or “Got any weekend plans?” It gives them plenty to talk about.

What if I’m nervous about asking deeper questions?
Start with easy stuff to warm up, then slide into something like “What did you want to be as a kid?” when you’re both comfy.

Can I use these in texts or video calls?
For sure! Questions like “What’s been the highlight of your week?” work great in a text or Zoom chat.

Where can I get more tips on talking to people?
Swing by Science of People’s free course for awesome ideas, or check X for what people are sharing about great conversations.