Once in a while we all have trouble breaking that iceberg between us, no matter how long we've known each other or how linguistically cultivated we are. This blog is going to help you navigate just that.
Conversation starters are not that difficult of a hill to climb. If broken down, it is merely a matter of finding a common thread between that person and you. It is ofcourse easy, if it's someone you'd already known like a coworker or a friend of a friend.
Here, we give you ten conversation starters which would make you seem honest, fun and genuine with your approach because 'breaking the ice' is the most important step when it comes to building a positive, long-lasting relationship.
1. Pick out some random topic that you know would interest them atleast on a minimal level
Do you believe in astrology? (If you have some basic knowledge about astrology, this could be a good yet unconventional starter)
Did you watch yesterday's match? It was amazing!
2. Touch upon the most controversial news you recently came across.
Did you see what happened in X place
Hey, did you hear about the new currency policy ?
3. Talk about a personal detail you know about the person you're talking to.
Hey, I heard/ know that you are from X country which is facing political issues. How're you holding up? Still got any family up there?
4. Joke about something in relation to the person (only if you have a harmless sense of humor; otherwise you might risk the cordiality)
Side note: Keep it appreciative
Hey man! how do you keep out-performing all of us? Spill some beans if you could
Are you planning on making us all go out of job by always performing so well?
5. Talk about their achievements/ talent
Hi there! I wanted to tell you that you have a great singing voice. You sounded so good! How long have you been singing?
Note: Always ask an open-ended question that would invite semi-detailed answers from the opposite party
6. Ask about their experience (at work place)
Hey, you're the new recruit right? Did you work anywhere else before this?
So, how's your first day in office going so far?
7. If you are the newbie then ask a generic question about the city or the office to that person
Hey I'm new here. Can you tell me which is the one item I should never get from our office cafeteria? Just that I had a very bad first day experience at my previous workplace because of food
Hello! Since I'm new here, can you tell me which is the best restaurant in town?
The above mentioned points and questions are something that you can apply to semi-formal and informal situations/ relationships but what about the other end of the spectrum?
How can you start a conversation with a senior at work without sounding pretentious?
We've got you!
8. Ask something about them that you are genuinely curious about/ interested in
Hi Mr.X, do you have a minute to spare? I've been working on developing my 'Y' skills and I know that you've got immense experience in the same, can you please help me understand the 'Z' aspect of it?
Note: Avoid extremely generic and irrelevant questions. Your office seniors won't be interested/ simply don't have time for that.
9. Ask a follow-up question on a topic they've previously talked about
Hey Jay, I was meaning to ask you. Remember the time you told us, how one decision had changed your entire life? How did you know that it was the right choice at that time?
10. Ask them industry related questions relevant to the time
Hi Mr. C, can you tell me what is the one skill I need to have inorder to climb the corporate ladder.
Hi J, what do you think is the best technology in our field right now?
Note: READ THE SIGNS! meaning : Make sure you ask questions as such only when the time, the circumstance and their mood permits it. Also, these are only the first step in having a conversation. Learn to build the conversation up in an enjoyable manner with a suitable follow-up question.
Thanks for reading!
Akshara Dinakaran
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