How’s it going is a question that is frequently used to start a conversation. Or perhaps you use “how are you doing”. Everyone is busy, moving from one thing to another while at the same time trying to maximize time through more meaningful interactions. Especially if you are in a networking situation. Asking better questions lead to better conversations. Here are 25 questions to help break the ice and engage with people.
Questions to Ask to Have Better Conversations
- What made you smile today?
- Who inspired you today?
- What has made you laugh today?
- Is there anything on your mind you’d want to talk about?
- What did you learn today that you didn’t previously know?
- What is something you saw that made you think?
- Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.
- What is something that challenged you today?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
- What was the best thing that happened today?
- What made you feel proud today?
- If you switched places with your boss tomorrow, what would you do?
- What was your least favorite part of the day?
- If there is one question you do not want me to ask you, because you are sick and tired of answering it, what question would that be?
- I’m working on an article about the best and worst conversation starters ever. Any particularly good or terrible ones you’ve heard tonight?
- As we’re both here at the (buffet, bar, waiting room), I feel I should introduce myself. I’m [name] from [company].
- What a beautiful venue. Have you been here before?
- I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed by all of the great info that’s being given to us today. What is the one nugget of brilliance that’s really resonating with you?
- What’s your story?
- So, what brought you here today?
- I really liked when you said [refer to anything they said that resonated with you].
- What’s a fact about you that’s not on the internet?
- What are the common misconceptions about your job?
- What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read lately?
Entering a conversation with someone, especially at an event where you don’t know people, can be awkward and clumsy. Having an interesting and meaningful conversation starts by having a good conversation starter. Forming connections with people is an important skill to have. By having a few of these questions in your tool box, ready to use, will help you better connect with those you are speaking with.
Elements of a Good Conversation Starter
There are four main areas that help you have better conversations and more meaningful dialogue.
Open-ended
Closed questions aren’t engaging and can make it difficult to continue the discussion. Asking open-ended questions encourages engagement because they are broad in nature. This gives you many possible ways to further the discussion.
Unexpected
Disrupt their thinking and break the routine by asking questions that others aren’t asking. You will have a more meaningful discussion and increase your chances of being memorable.
Professional
The questions should never make the other person uncomfortable. Keep it professional by picking the questions that are appropriate for your audience.
Relevant
Where possible, keep the questions timely or specific. This can include current interests, your industry, the news or the event/meeting.
Interacting with people and entering into a conversation is full of opportunities. If you are asking thought provoking, relevant and engaging questions. You have an opportunity to learn more about your industry, the other person’s objectives and what their passions are. Asking better questions leads to better conversations and builds connections by helping the other person open up and engage with you.
Last updated on October 17th, 2018 at 05:28 am
