10 things to talk about with someone you just met
Whether you're attending a birthday party, wedding, or even a small dinner gathering, you're bound to meet people you've never met before! If you find yourself sitting next to a new-to-you face, and don't know what to talk about, never fear! Here are some simple, conversation-starting questions so you can go beyond "What's your name? Nice to meet you" at your next event. Cheers to avoiding awkward pauses and genuinely getting to know someone new!
1. Ask how they know the host, then ask:
Do you have any funny stories about them?
What were they like as a kid/in middle school/back when you first met?
Or, get the convo going by sharing your own anecdotes about your shared friend! Friendly tip: try staying away from stories that might embarrass your mutual. Nobody wants that!
2. Ask where they’re from, then ask:
What’s the best thing to do in your hometown? Any local spots or must-try food?
Do you go back to visit often? What's your favorite thing to do when you're back?
If you're already familiar with their hometown, share with them what you like about it!
3. Ask where they work, then ask:
What’s something most people don't know about your job?
Have you always done this kind of work or have you worked in other areas?
Reminder: some people might not like talking about their work life outside of the office. If you're getting that vibe, it's totally fine to move on to a new topic!
4. Ask what they’re doing for an upcoming holiday, then ask:
Do you or your family celebrate with any fun traditions?
Is this one of your favorite holidays/what is your favorite holiday?
5. Ask if they’ve been on a trip recently, then ask:
What was the best thing you ate/saw/did?
Are you planning any other trips? Where to?
If the following topics come up in conversation, try these follow-up questions:
6. If you’re talking about popular movies/TV shows, ask:
What was the last show you binge-watched?
Are you more of a movie or TV show person? Why?
People love talking about things they like - follow up by asking them for entertainment recommendations! You might just get your new favorite show out of it.
7. If you’re talking about kids, ask:
When you were a kid, what were your favorite toys?
What's something kids have nowadays that you wish you had when you were a kid?
8. If you’re talking about their significant other, ask:
What did you do on your first date?
What do you all like to do for fun? Any shared hobbies?
If both parties are present, ask them to share their "How we met" story! Gotta love a meet-cute.
9. If you’re talking about college, ask:
What did you major in? If you could go back, would you still pick that major?
What did you do for fun outside of classes and studying?
10. If you’re talking about current events, ask:
Did you hear about…?
Do you have any thoughts on...?
Note: Be sure to brush up on current events before going to the party and we recommend avoiding potentially sensitive topics (politics, for one). If you do bring up anything that might be sensitive, be sure to keep an open mind when listening to their response — these are your friends' friends, after all! Now get out there and start conversing! You can do this.
