Buzz
Use these conversation starters to keep the chatter going
Starting a conversation can be tricky, but with the right small talk questions, you can break the ice in any situation. Whether you're reconnecting with a colleague or striking up a chat with someone new, small talk can be a great way to fill those awkward silences. However, it can get a bit uncomfortable at times, so how do you handle it? We've consulted psychologists and relationship experts to create a list of questions that will help you start meaningful conversations with anyone – from friends and acquaintances to complete strangers or even kids!
The Best Icebreaker Questions
- How has your day been so far?
- Got any exciting plans for the evening?
- Are you more of a dog lover or cat person?
- What’s the one topic you love talking about?
- What is something that truly excites you?
How to Start a Great Conversation
Everyday Small Talk Questions
Kick off a chat about the weather, entertainment, or food. Sometimes, the most straightforward questions work best! Whether you're speaking to a friend, a stranger, or a colleague, these questions are perfect for getting to know someone more without crossing any lines:
- How’s your day been so far?
- Seen any great movies or TV shows recently?
- Have you tried that new restaurant yet?
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
- What’s your favorite season of the year?
- How do you feel about the weather today?
- Anything exciting coming up that you’re looking forward to?
- Which books would you recommend reading?
- What keeps you motivated?
- What’s the best thing that happened to you today?
- Are you currently working on any personal goals?
- Would you prefer to wear a rain jacket or use an umbrella in the rain?
- What’s the most thrilling place you’ve ever visited?
- What’s your go-to holiday?
- Do you know any good restaurants to check out?
- How was your weekend?
- Got any lunch plans today?
- What made you smile today?
- Got any fun plans for this evening?
- What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?
EXPERT ADVICE
Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Always have a few small-talk questions ready for any occasion. Having a go-to question or topic in mind during those awkward lulls in conversation can save you from uncomfortable situations. Keep a set of questions handy that you can use anytime.
Small Talk Questions for the Workplace
Ask your colleagues or clients polite yet intriguing questions to break the ice. Whether you're chatting with your boss, networking with colleagues, or trying to land that interview, stick to questions that stay professional. These should be questions you'd feel comfortable answering in a work setting. Certified image consultant Lynda Jean advises against controversial topics, so stick to safe conversation starters. For example, try asking:
- How was your drive in today?
- How’s your day going so far?
- What’s your favorite coffee or tea?
- If you weren’t here, what would you likely be doing?
- What’s been the most surprising thing today?
- Got any good podcast recommendations for the commute?
- What brings you to this area?
- What’s on the menu for lunch today?
- Where’s the last place you visited?
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Have you had a chance to check out the office space?
- Can you share a bit about the company and what it offers?
- How would you explain your role here?
- Anything you’re particularly curious about?
- How do you like to unwind after a long workday?
- How do you maintain a good work-life balance?
- What’s your favorite part of working as part of a team?
Small Talk Questions for Your Crush
Ask your crush about their hobbies and passions. If you’ve got a crush on someone, small talk is a great way to break the ice and start a natural conversation. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about them! Here are some small talk questions to ask someone you like:
- Do you have any pets?
- What was your dream job when you were little?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
- What’s your ideal vacation destination?
- What makes you happiest?
- What’s the most surprising thing about you?
- How do you like to spend your free time?
- What’s your favorite way to relax at home?
- How do you like to unwind?
- Are you a night owl or an early riser?
- Got a favorite joke you like to tell?
- If you had a million dollars, how would you spend it?
- Do you have a favorite meme?
- If there was a book written about your life, who would you want to narrate it?
- What are you most passionate about?
- How would your best friend describe you?
Conversation Starters for Friends
Ask more personal questions when talking to a friend. If you want to fill those awkward pauses with a friend, bring up topics you know they enjoy discussing. You could ask about their day or something that happened recently. For example:
- Do you like sunny or rainy days more?
- What did you think of last night’s episode?
- What’s your go-to outfit for a concert?
- What’s the funniest thing you saw today?
- Would you choose pancakes or waffles?
- Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
- Read any interesting books lately?
- What’s the most exciting thing happening in your life right now?
- What’s your biggest fear?
- What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you?
- What’s on your bucket list?
- What’s your biggest regret?
- What’s been the highlight of your week so far?
- Would you rather travel through time or read minds?
- If you could live in any TV show, which one would it be?
EXPERT INSIGHT
Eddy Baller
Dating Coach
Dating Coach
Make an observation about something nearby. When you’re speaking with someone face-to-face, commenting on something in your vicinity can be a great way to spark a conversation. This approach helps break the ice in any setting.
Conversation Starters for Strangers
Ask a stranger about their background to get acquainted. As someone once wisely said, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. Don’t hesitate to initiate a conversation and ask questions to turn a stranger into a potential friend! Psychologist Chloe Carmichael advises that you adapt your questions to the context of the location or activity. For example, at an event, you could ask about their favorite experience there. If they’re wearing an interesting graphic T-shirt, inquire about it.
- Where are you from?
- Where’s a good place to grab coffee nearby?
- What are your hobbies or interests?
- What’s your favorite color?
- What brings you to this event?
- What’s your go-to conversation topic?
- What do you do for work?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- Have you been here before?
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- What are you passionate about?
- What was the last concert you attended, and how did it go?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH US
What’s your favorite go-to question for small talk?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with our poll!
Start QuizExplore More QuizzesSmall Talk Questions for Children
Keep it light and fun when talking to kids. When chatting with a child, focus on simple and fun topics. Keep the conversation on easy subjects they can relate to, and feel free to ask them about things they enjoy if you're familiar with their interests.
- What did you learn at school today?
- What’s your favorite subject in school?
- What’s your favorite movie to watch?
- How would you describe the weather today?
- What did you have for lunch?
- What did you do over the weekend?
- What do you like to do when you’re having fun?
- What’s the best outdoor activity to do?
- What’s your favorite food to eat?
- If you could be any animal, which one would you choose?
- What’s something that always makes you laugh?
- What’s your favorite knock-knock joke?
- What did you dream about last night?
- What’s the best part about being a kid?
- If you could invent a new game, what would it be like?
- If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would you pick?
- What’s a secret talent you have?
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- What’s something that scares you?
- What’s something you’re really good at?
Small Talk Questions for Dating
Focus your questions on dating when you're on a date. Stepping into the dating world—good for you! According to dating coach Lisa Shield, a great date conversation revolves around one main topic. Avoid hopping from one subject to another, and instead, try to stay focused on one topic at a time and let the conversation naturally shift. Here are some questions to help you start the chat, whether in person or online:
- What would your perfect date look like?
- What’s your love language?
- What’s the longest relationship you’ve been in?
- Have you had any unforgettable dates?
- How do you flirt?
- Do you consider yourself to be romantic?
- Do you have a specific type?
- How would you describe your ideal match?
- What’s your biggest deal breaker on a date?
- If you could go anywhere for a date, where would it be?
- What’s the best relationship advice you’ve received?
- Do you believe in the idea of soulmates?
- What’s your go-to conversation opener?
- What’s the funniest pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
- What does love mean to you?
- Who would play you in a romantic comedy?
- How would you describe your dating life?
- Who should pay for the first date, in your opinion?
- What are you looking for in a partner?
Small Talk Questions for Customer Service
Focus your questions around your company or service. In customer service, it's important to keep your small talk relevant to what you're offering the customer. Ultimately, ensuring a positive experience for the customer is key. Here are some example questions:
- How can I assist you today?
- Is there anything else I can help you with?
- Did you find everything you were looking for?
- Have you been here before?
- What brought you to our store today?
- Are you shopping for yourself or someone else?
- Do you have any questions about our products or services?
- Was there a particular reason you chose this product?
- Are you buying this as a gift?
What is small talk?
Small talk refers to light, casual conversation with little depth. It typically takes place between individuals who are not very familiar with each other, are experiencing an awkward silence, or simply want to pass the time in a polite manner. Small talk questions are an excellent way to initiate a conversation. By asking these questions, you open up a fun discussion and also get the chance to learn more about the person you're talking to.
How do you engage in small talk?
Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest to master small talk. Engaging in small talk is simple! Just make a comment about your surroundings or pose open-ended questions and actively listen to the responses. Here are some tips and tricks for good small talk:
- Ask a compelling question. Begin with an icebreaker that encourages more than just a "yes" or "no" answer. Look at the examples in previous sections for inspiration!
- Follow up on their answer. Don’t hesitate to ask a follow-up or share your own story. This shows you're engaged and interested in the conversation.
- Find mutual interests. Ask questions related to your own hobbies or experiences. If you discover a shared interest, dive deeper into it.
- End the conversation politely when needed. Don’t feel pressured to prolong the conversation. If it’s running out of steam or if the other person seems uninterested, politely wrap it up with something like, "It was nice talking to you," and return to what you were doing.
How to reply to small talk questions
Be straightforward and share your honest thoughts. Responding to small talk questions is easy! Just answer as you would to any other question. When you're comfortable, say whatever comes to mind first. This is a great way to reveal a bit about yourself and see if you connect with the other person. Here are some examples:
-
Question: What did you do over the weekend?
Answer: I went to a concert. It was awesome! I even ran into some friends there. -
Question: What’s your job?
Answer: I’m a writer. I work for a website where I can dive into my passions and explore all kinds of topics. What about you? -
Question: How’s your day been so far?
Answer: It's been alright. A few things didn’t go as planned, but it seems like things are getting better!
Adapt your response to fit the context. While small talk is simple, it's still crucial to consider who you're speaking to and the setting. For example, the way you converse with a friend differs from how you'd talk to your boss. The same principle applies to small talk. Make sure your response is suitable for the specific situation.
- For instance, during a job interview, you’re unlikely to enthusiastically discuss your favorite music in the same way you would with a close friend or romantic interest, as you want to maintain professionalism and a business-like demeanor.
