2023 has arrived! It can sometimes be challenging to identify what your New Year’s resolution should be. If you cannot think of any resolution for this new year, here is a suggestion - create a plan on how you can effectively communicate with other people and create engaging conversations in 2023. 

 

It might sound complex, but with the right conversation starters in mind, you can improve relationships, build rapport with colleagues, make new friends, and feel prepared when meeting new people!  

 

It can be extremely hard to initiate a conversation with someone you barely know, and may sometimes feel unnatural. For most people, this can be one of the most awkward, and overwhelming situations they may encounter.  Indeed, we might find “small talk” unbearable or undesirable. Rather than starting out the conversation about the weather, season, or time, let’s learn to go that one step further…nothing beats a good, meaningful, and old-fashioned conversation, right? Start initiating an engaging conversation that will avoid either of you feeling bored. Here are 50 effective conversation starters to start using now… 

 

When you meet an acquaintance in public or at a social event: 

 1.  What was the last good book that you read? What made it so interesting to you? 

 2. Who is the best author that you know? What good books did he create that captured your interest? 

3. Can you recommend any good books? I just finished a book yesterday. 

 4. Do you drink coffee? How do you usually take your coffee? 

 5. What coffee shop would you recommend?  

 6. Which artist would you play if you were in charge of the playlist? 

7. Do you prefer hosting or attending events? 

8. Do you prefer cats or dogs? Do you have any pets? 

9. Do you know most of the people here? 

10. Have you recently taken any interesting trips? I'm trying to organise an upcoming adventure. Do you have any recommendations? 

11. What are the key elements for a successful event, in your opinion? 

12. What was the most recent movie or TV series you watched? 

13. What is the best gift you've ever received? My friend's birthday is coming up, and I'd love to hear some suggestions. 

 

When you are at work with your co-worker or leader: 
14. How are things going for you? How is the family doing? 

15. How long have you worked for the company? 

16. What are you currently focused on in your workload? 

17. What is one skill you'd like to perfect? 

18. What are the key leadership principles you have discovered that have contributed to your success? 

19. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? 

20. What is it that never fails to make you laugh? 

21. What has been your greatest failure? And what did you learn from it? 

22. How do you unwind after work?
 

23. What is one kind of thing a co-worker has done for you?

24. Have you recently tried any decent restaurants? What do you usually like to eat? 

25. What's your favourite part about living in this city?
 

26. What's the best gift you have ever received? 

27. Do you like attending concerts? What was the last concert you went to? 

28. What is one thing you cannot live without? 

29. What was the craziest dream you've recently had?
 

30. What countries have you visited? Where was your favourite? 

31. Do you listen to any podcasts? 

32. What made you smile today? 

33. What is your morning routine like? 

 

When you want to initiate a deeper conversation with someone: 

34. What are your goals for the future? 

35. What is one thing you wish you could do but are not sure if you'll ever be able to? 

36. What is your greatest fear? Why? 

37. What is the most dangerous thing you've ever done? 

38. What has been your most important accomplishment so far? 

39. How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader? 

40. What is your greatest life regret? 

41. Who is your inspiration? Why? 

42. When do you feel the happiest? 

43. What always makes you feel better when you're feeling stressed or upset? 

44. Who has had the greatest impact on you in your life? 

45. How have your priorities changed over the previous decade? 

46. Describe your perfect day. 

47. What questions are you asking yourself lately? 

48. What three books can you recommend on leadership? 

49. Can you please talk to me about “Execution?” What do you do to ensure that your strategic plans become reality?

50. What are the keys to developing the next generation of leaders in your world? 

 

No doubt, all the questions are guaranteed to spark engaging conversations. Once you use these conversation starters, you are more likely to avoid dull “small talk” that only captures "yes" or "no" responses.  

 

Finally, it’s best to avoid discussing topics such as religion, politics, finance, appearance, age, gossip and offensive jokes or sexual topics that might make others feel uncomfortable. 

 

 

Start Practicing These Conversation Starters Now! 

 

Every time you walk down the street, go shopping, take the bus, or take a stroll through your neighbourhood, you will usually come across new faces or bump into acquaintances. Sometimes, it’s worth initiating a conversation with someone new. You may also work at a place where you interact with new people daily. Why not take an opportunity to start an interesting conversation by bringing up a different topic that piques their interest?

 

It is critical that we sustain kindness through engaging in meaningful conversations with others, cultivating friendships, and building rapport. By doing so, we fulfil our need for human connection, because a lack of human connection leads to isolation.

 

Let’s start this new year strong, by initiating more meaningful conversations and forming deeper connections in 2023. 

 

Click here to learn more about The Confident Communicator’s Community, and how you can elevate your career or business, practice effective leadership and create emotionally intelligent relationships in 2023.