Hobbies Start a casual conversation by asking about their day or weekend. “How’s your day been going so far?” “So what’d you get up to this weekend?” Talk about what you like to do in your free time. “I like to do home improvement projects, actually. This past weekend I started planning out how to build a shed, so we’ll see how that goes…” “I went to the baseball game yesterday. I’ve been a fan since I can remember but I haven’t been in a while, so it was fun. Would’ve been better if they’d won, though...” Bring up easy topics like food, music, movies, or books. “This food looks amazing. I’ve always thought I was a decent cook, but this is way out of my league. Pasta and sandwiches are more my speed.” “Have you seen that new Steven Spielberg movie?” “I just finished up a book yesterday, actually. It was really good, but now I’m out of reading material. Have you read anything good you can recommend?” “That’s a great show. Have you heard they’re planning a second season?” Family and Friends Tell them what you’re comfortable with about your family, but don’t push them to share. “I think my daughter would love this place! She just started college, maybe I’ll bring her here as a treat once she’s back for winter break.” “That reminds me of something my brother said the other day, actually…” Talk about your friends if it comes up naturally. “You’d get along great with my friend Rachel. She has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know.” “My coworker was actually the one who recommended this place, so I’ll have to tell him whether we approved or not.” Bring up your pets for an easy conversation starter. “Do you have any pets? My dog is really excited to meet you!” “We just got a cat and I actually had to get a cat sitter to watch her tonight so I could meet you. Can you believe that?!” Career Ask them what they do, and share a bit about yourself. “So what do you do for a living?” “I work in human resources at a tech company downtown. I never thought I’d do something like that, but I’ve actually really enjoyed it.” Talk about any interesting goals or passions you have. “I’d love to open my own business someday.” “I’ve actually always wanted to be an artist. I paint in my free time and I’m thinking about trying to sell some of it.” Travel Talk about your hometown a little, and ask about theirs. “I actually moved here originally because it reminds me of the town I grew up in.” “So how did you end up here in the city? Did you grow up around here?” “I’ve only lived here a couple of years, but it really feels like home.” Tell them about an interesting recent trip, if it’s relevant. Ask where they’ve gone recently, too. “I haven’t had tacos since I got back from Mexico a couple weeks ago. I think I had them at every meal and I really needed a break from that. I think I’m ready to try again, but we’ll see…” “So are you going anywhere for summer? Any vacation plans?” “I haven’t traveled in a while, actually. I went to the Philippines a few years ago and it was great, but since then I just haven’t had the time. I’m looking into it, though. Do you have any suggestions?”