Ever found yourself in a moment of silence that feels just a tad too long, wondering what to say next? Whether you're meeting someone new at a networking event, deepening existing relationships, or sharing a meal with friends, great conversations are the foundation of meaningful connections.
From lighthearted topics to thought-provoking questions, a good conversation starter can be just the nudge you need to spark engaging and memorable exchanges. Here, we've curated a list of 35 conversation starters, grouped into themes, to help you get past that initial pause and into a flow of genuine dialogue.

Our hottest tip!
Remember the most rewarding, or optimal conversations are the ones where you are listening 50% of the time if it's with one other person a 2/3 of the time with two other people - this ensures everyone feels included (and therefore also validated).
Breaking the Ice with Life and Aspirations
Sometimes, starting with questions about a person's life or aspirations makes for an inviting opening. Here are a few conversation starters that encourage people to open up about what’s happening in their world...
What are you excited about today?
What are you excited about this week?
Are there any projects you’re working on that you’re particularly excited about?
If you weren't here with us today, where else would you actively choose to be?
What’s one of the biggest challenges you’re facing these days?
These questions not only reveal someone’s current mindset but also allow you to foster a connection built on mutual interests and understanding.
Diving into Inspiration and Learning
Books, advice, and lessons learned are often gateways to deeper exchanges. Use these prompts to learn about someone’s influences and sources of inspiration...
What are you reading right now?
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Why?
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are your current favorites?
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned this year?
What's a recent article or post or something that inspired you to think differently?
By encouraging people to share what fascinates them, you can effortlessly spark a dialogue filled with value and insights.
Creating a Buzz Around Entertainment
Who doesn’t love talking about the movies, music, or shows they adore? These questions are perfect when you want to keep the conversation light and fun.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen this year?
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
What movie could you watch over and over again and never get tired of?
Entertainment-themed questions often lead to exciting tangents—before you know it, you’re sharing recommendations and swapping “must-watch” lists.
Thought-Provoking Personal Reflections
Want to take a conversation to a deeper, personal level? These questions help create intimacy by encouraging reflections on positive growth and life lessons.
Have you been given advice that you follow to this day?
Were there any super big moments in your life that led to positive growth? What did you learn?
Are there any great pieces of advice that stand out to you?
What do you wish you’d learned a long time before you actually learned it?
Which one of your family members or friends inspire you the most/ or you look up to?
Meaningful questions like these can create an atmosphere of trust and authenticity, ideal for both professional and personal interactions.
Fun and Quirky Icebreakers
Lighthearted, quirky questions help break monotony and add a spark of fun to conversations. These are great to keep the atmosphere lively.
Cats or dogs? Why?
What’s your favourite thing about where you live?
Where is the strangest place you’ve ever been?
What luxury item do you think is totally worth the money?
What’s your superpower?
Playful questions like these offer a light touch while still being fantastic springboards for longer exchanges.
Travel and Adventure
Get people talking about their experiences with these open-ended questions around travel and exploration.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
What’s the biggest adventure you’ve ever been on?
What’s your favourite vacation spot and why?
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Travel questions often bring out excitement and memories that people love to share, making them excellent conversation starters.
Work and Hobby Insights
These prompts help explore someone's professional and personal passions, creating pathways to shared interests or inspiring exchanges.
What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve received?
Are there any projects or careers you’ve always dreamed of pursuing but haven’t yet?
What’s your favourite hobby? Or what would you like your favourite hobby to me if you had extra hours in the day and didn't need to worry about how much it costs?
How do you like to spend time outside?
Questions that touch on values behind someone’s work or hobbies often lead to meaningful dialogue that feels personal rather than transactional.
Playful Curveballs
When in doubt, these intriguing and slightly unconventional questions can keep the conversation interesting.
What’s a question you wish people asked you more often?
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your time?
What’s your favourite question that people ask you?
These curveballs not only provide room for creativity but also help reveal fascinating insights into personality and individuality.
Take the Next Step in Building Connections
Great conversations don't just happen - they’re built on curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to listen. By starting with one or two of these prompts at your next social or professional gathering, you’ll open the door to meaningful exchanges that leave a lasting impression.
And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for keeping the conversation flowing. Listen for cues, follow where the dialogue naturally leads, and stay genuinely interested in the other person’s story. Remember our hot tip - listen as much as you are speaking! Balance is critical.
If you’re looking to go beyond just conversation starters and truly cultivate your personal or professional connections, Share-A-Table offers unique experiences designed to bring people together over meaningful dialogue. We also allow members to post events specific to their needs - date/ time/ location and interests.
Explore our upcoming events, connect with like-minded individuals, and take the art of conversation to the next level.
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