Choose topics that are of interest to many people - hobbies, sports, and tech gadgets are a good place to start.
Choose a topic that you know is important to your conversation partner. Examples include hobbies, an upcoming event, or a work project.
You can also expand on this new subject by asking for more information about the item or feature you are complimenting. For example, “Where did you get that great tan?”
Ask a “conversation starter” question, such as: “What’s the oddest job you’ve done?” or “If you can have dinner with any three people, who would they be?” [2] X Research source Be honest if you’re feeling uncomfortable! Say something like “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and I’m not sure what to talk about. Can we take a 2-minute breather and jump back in?”
With strangers, stick to small talk. Since you don’t know the person, you can’t know what subjects might be touchy for them. The weather is almost always a safe topic. If you’re trying to get to know someone, trade information. For example, ask the person why they are at the conference where you just met. [4] X Research source With friends or co-workers, you can trade opinions. If you want to change the subject, give your opinion of a related topic. For example, your friend is complaining about the food at a restaurant that you chose, and you want to change the subject. Ask something like, “Isn’t this music unusual?” With close friends and family, you can discuss feelings. This is the most intimate topic of conversation, but emotions are a valid topic if you are trying to change the subject with your spouse or your sister. Ask how the person is feeling about something you discussed in a previous conversation.
Get your conversation partner thinking. Ask “How many people do you think are here?” Point out something unusual in the environment. For example, “Did you see that huge dog over there?”
If neither of you knows anyone at an event, suggest going together to a lively group and introducing yourselves together.
Use a common excuse. Take a trip to the restroom, or to the buffet, or to get a few minutes of fresh air. [5] X Research source
Use ‘word association’ to shift from one topic to another. For example, if you have dragged on the subject of skiing or snowboarding too long, go on to talk about the weather up north, which can eventually branch to talking about the weather down south.
For example, if you don’t want to hear any more about cars, you can say, “I love fast cars! But I’m actually really into running fast. ” [6] X Research source Other transition words/phrases include: “That reminds me of…” and “By the way…”
Make your questions open ended. This means they cannot be answered by a yes or no. Begin your question with the Who, What, Where, When, Why, or How to get a more detailed answer. [7] X Research source
