How to Start a Conversation: 5 Conversation Starters

Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert , initiating casual conversations with a group of people you’re meeting for the first time can be intimidating. Try these tips to help get the conversation going: 1. __Ask general questions__. To start a group discussion at social events, ask broad, open-ended questions that anyone can answer. For instance, ask about bucket list trip destinations or dream jobs. Ask follow-up questions to help further the conversation. 2. __Comment on surroundings__. One of the best icebreakers is to comment on the surroundings you share with a person or group. At a concert, ask what others think about the opening act or how long they’ve been a fan of the headliner, or ask the person in front of you at a coffee shop if they have a favorite restaurant they recommend in the area. 3. __Develop common ground__. Discovering a commonality breaks the ice and makes two strangers feel more comfortable. For example, if you’re at a party, ask how everyone knows the host, or, if you’re at a volunteer event, ask the other volunteers how they got involved with the organization. 4. __Focus on favorites__. Asking about a person’s favorite movie, TV show, podcast, or book is a great conversation starter. In addition to media, ask about favorite places to travel, favorite foods, or the sports teams they follow. Talking about favorite things and what you do in your free time can break the ice and open the discussion to discover potential commonalities. Perhaps you share a favorite book or author—this can turn small talk into a deep conversation. 5. __Show genuine interest__. Be an active listener and show interest in what the other person is saying through your body language; make eye contact and nod your head to show agreement. Asking relevant follow-up questions shows your interest and helps prevent any awkward silences or breaks in the conversation. Here are some tips to help you [improve your interpersonal communication skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-interpersonal-communication-skills) and initiate conversations at your current job or a networking event: - __Ask for an opinion__. Query your coworkers for their perspective or feedback on one of your active projects, or ask a potential [mentor](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-mentor) for career advice. This initiates a conversation and demonstrates you value your team member’s thoughts and ideas, which helps build trust and establish rapport. - __Give a compliment__. Use a sincere compliment as an icebreaker. When praising a colleague, be genuine and specific. For example, congratulate them on a new assignment by saying, “Great work on your last piece. Your analysis was just what the project needed.” - __Prepare small talk questions__. When you speak with colleagues at the office or a work-related event, prepare for a more productive conversation by formulating questions and topics beforehand. When your colleague asks, “how are you?” avoid a one-word answer; mention a movie you saw last week or an article you read last night and ask if they saw the movie or agree with the opinion in the article. This opens up the conversation and helps build friendly working relationships with colleagues. - __Share industry news__. You share common ground in a work environment—you and your team members work in the same industry. Use this as a conversation topic; talk about trends in the field, or ask if they plan to attend an upcoming conference. As with any workplace conversation, pay attention to nonverbal cues and be self-aware; some colleagues may be introverts or too busy to chat at the moment. All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former editor in chief of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. Discover good conversation starters for social events and professional settings, and learn how to start a conversation with these tips.