125+ Small Talk Questions to Use as Conversation Starters

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Plus, how to give good answers that strengthen relationships
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Small talk questions are a great way to fill the silence and start a conversation in any situation, whether you bumped into a colleague or are chatting with a total stranger. But small talk can get pretty awkward sometimes. So, how can you avoid this and get better at small talk? We talked to image and relationship experts and compiled a list of questions that can help you start a conversation with friends, strangers, crushes, kids, and more!

The Top Small Talk Questions

  • How’s your day going?
  • Any fun plans this evening?
  • Are you a dog or cat person?
  • What’s your favorite thing to talk about?
  • What are you most passionate about?
Section 1 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Business & Work

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  1. Whether you’re chatting with your boss, networking with your teammates, or trying to land an interview, stick with small talk that’s not too personal. In other words, ask questions that you also wouldn’t mind answering in a work setting. As certified image consultant Lynda Jean advises, stay away from conversation starters that could be controversial. For instance, try asking: [1]
    • How was your drive in?
    • Have you had a nice day so far?
    • What’s your go-to caffeinated beverage?
    • If you weren’t working here, what would you likely be doing?
    • What’s surprised you the most about today?
    • Any podcast suggestions for the commute?
    • What brings you to the area?
    • What are you having for lunch today?
    • Where’s the last place you traveled?
    • How would you describe yourself in three words?
    • Have you had a chance to explore the office?
    • Can you tell me a bit about the company and what it offers?
    • How would you describe this position?
    • Is there anything specific you’d like to know?
    • How do you like to unwind after a busy workday?
    • How do you manage your work-life balance?
    • What’s your favorite part about working with a team?
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Section 2 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Everyday

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  1. Sometimes, the simplest of questions are the best to ask! Whether you’re chatting with a friend, stranger, or coworker, these questions are great for getting to know someone better without overstepping any boundaries:
    • How’s your day going?
    • Have you watched any good movies or shows lately?
    • Have you been to that new restaurant?
    • What do you like to do in your free time?
    • What’s your favorite season?
    • What do you think about the weather today? [2]
    • Anything coming up you’re looking forward to?
    • What books would you recommend reading?
    • What’s your secret to staying motivated?
    • What’s the best thing you did today?
    • Are you currently working toward any goals?
    • Would you rather wear a rain jacket or carry an umbrella?
    • Where’s the most exciting place you’ve ever been?
    • What’s your favorite holiday?
    • Is there a restaurant you’d recommend checking out?
    • How was your weekend?
    • Do you have any lunch plans today?
    • What made you smile today?
    • Any fun plans this evening?
    • What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up? [3]
    EXPERT TIP

    Chloe Carmichael, PhD

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist

    Have a couple of small-talk questions ready for any situation. Having a small-talk topic or question to fall on during a lull in conversation can save you from awkward encounters. So, keep some questions that you can bring up whenever.


Section 3 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Your Crush

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  1. So, there’s this guy or girl you like—how exciting! Small talk is a great way to break the ice and get a conversation started . Plus, it allows you to get to know them more! Here are some small talk questions you can ask a guy or girl you have a crush on: [4]
    • Do you have any pets?
    • What did you want to be as a kid?
    • If you had a superpower, what would it be?
    • What’s your dream vacation?
    • What puts you in a good mood?
    • What’s the most surprising thing about you?
    • What do you like to do in your free time?
    • What’s your favorite way to spend a night at home?
    • What’s your favorite way to unwind?
    • Are you a night owl or an early bird?
    • What’s your go-to joke?
    • How would you spend a million dollars?
    • Do you have a favorite meme?
    • Who would narrate the book of your life?
    • What are you most passionate about?
    • How would your best friend introduce you? [5]
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Section 4 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Friends

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  1. If you’re trying to fill awkward silence with a friend, bring up subjects you know they love talking about. Maybe you ask them about their day or a specific scenario. For instance:
    • Do you prefer sunny or rainy days?
    • What did you think of the latest episode last night?
    • What’s your go-to concert outfit?
    • What’s the silliest thing you witnessed today?
    • Would you rather have pancakes or waffles?
    • Are you a dog or cat person?
    • Have you read any good books lately? [6]
    • What are you most excited about in your life right now?
    • What’s your biggest fear?
    • What’s the nicest thing anyone has done for you?
    • What’s on your bucket list?
    • What’s your biggest regret?
    • What’s been the highlight of your week so far? [7]
    • Would you rather be a time traveler or a mind reader?
    • Which TV show would you choose to live in?
    EXPERT TIP

    Eddy Baller

    Dating Coach
    Eddy Baller is a Dating Coach and the Owner of a dating consulting and coaching service, Conquer and Win, based in Vancouver, Canada. Coaching since 2011, Eddy specializes in confidence building, advanced social skills, and relationships. Conquer and Win helps men worldwide have the love lives they deserve. His work has been featured in The Art of Manliness, LifeHack, and POF among others.
    Eddy Baller
    Dating Coach

    Make a comment about something around you. If you’re chatting with someone in real life, comment on something you’re near to get a conversation started. This is a creative way to help break the ice, no matter the situation.

Section 5 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Strangers

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  1. As a wise person once said, strangers are just friends waiting to be made. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and ask get-to-know-you questions to turn a stranger into a pal! Psychologist Chloe Carmichael recommends tailoring your questions to location and activity. Say you’re at an event, ask about their favorite activity so far. If they’re wearing a graphic T-shirt, ask them about it.
    • Where are you from? [8]
    • Where’s a good place to get coffee around here?
    • What are your hobbies and interests?
    • What’s your favorite color?
    • What brings you here?
    • What’s your favorite thing to talk about?
    • What do you do for a living?
    • What’s the best part of your job?
    • Have you been here before?
    • What type of music do you like to listen to?
    • What are you passionate about?
    • What was the last concert you went to, and how was it? [9]
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Section 6 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Kids

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  1. If you’re talking to a kid, don’t get too deep with your question. Instead, stick with simple, everyday topics they can engage in. Better yet, ask them questions about their interests (if you know them personally). [10]
    • What did you learn in school today?
    • What’s your favorite class in school?
    • What’s your favorite movie?
    • How would you describe the weather?
    • What did you eat for lunch?
    • What did you do this weekend?
    • What do you like to do for fun?
    • What’s the best thing to do outside?
    • What’s your favorite food?
    • If you could be an animal, what would you be?
    • What’s something that can make you laugh?
    • What’s your favorite knock-knock joke?
    • What did you dream about last night?
    • What’s the best part about being a kid?
    • What’s a game you would invent?
    • If you could invite anyone over for dinner, who would it be?
    • What’s your secret talent?
    • What do you want to be when you grow up?
    • What’s something that scares you?
    • What’s something you’re really good at?
Section 7 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Dating

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  1. So, you’re putting yourself out there—that’s great! Dating coach Lisa Shield explains that a great date conversation surrounds one subject. Try to avoid jumping from topic to topic. Instead, Shields advises to focus on one topic at a time and letting the conversation naturally change subjects. Here are some questions to get the conversation started in person or online: [11]
    • What’s your idea of a perfect date?
    • What’s your love language?
    • What’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had?
    • Have you been on any memorable dates?
    • What’s your flirting style?
    • Do you consider yourself romantic?
    • Do you have a type?
    • How would you describe your ideal partner?
    • What’s your biggest deal breaker on a date?
    • Where would you love to go on a date?
    • What’s your best relationship advice?
    • Do you believe in soulmates?
    • What’s your go-to conversation starter?
    • What’s the silliest pick-up line you know?
    • What does love mean to you?
    • Who would play you in a romantic comedy?
    • How would you describe your love life?
    • Who do you think should pay on the first date?
    • What are you looking for in a partner?
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Section 8 of 10:

Small Talk Questions for Customer Service

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  1. If you work in customer service, keep small talk questions centered around what you’re offering the customer. At the end of the day, the customer’s experience is most important. Here are some example questions:
    • How can I help you today?
    • Is there anything else I can assist you with?
    • Did you find everything okay?
    • Have you visited us before?
    • What brings you to the store today?
    • Are you shopping for yourself or someone else?
    • Do you have any questions about our services or products?
    • Is there any reason you chose this particular product? [12]
    • Are you ordering this as a gift?
Section 9 of 10:

How to Respond to Small Talk Questions

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  1. Answering small talk questions doesn’t have to be hard! Simply answer them as you would any other question. As long as you’re comfortable, say what first comes to mind in response. This is a great way to share a little bit about yourself and see if you vibe with whoever you’re chatting with. [13] Take a look at these example conversations:
    • Question: What did you do this weekend?
      Answer: I went to a concert. It was pretty great! I even met up with some friends there.
    • Question: What do you do for a living?
      Answer: I’m a writer. I work for a website that allows me to dive deep into my passions and research all types of information. What do you do?
    • Question: How’s your day so far?
      Answer: It’s okay. Some things didn’t go as planned, but things seem to be turning up!
  2. While small talk isn’t rocket science, it’s still important to know who you’re talking to and when. For instance, how you chat with a friend is likely different to how you talk to your boss. The same rules apply with small talk. Ensure your answer is appropriate for the given situation.
    • For example, in a job interview, you likely won’t gush about your favorite music the same way you would with a friend or crush as you want to remain professional and business-like.
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Section 10 of 10:

What is small talk?

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  1. This type of conversation is usually done between people who don’t know each other very well, who are sitting in awkward silence, or who just want to politely pass some time. [14] Small talk questions are a great way to start just such a conversation . By asking small talk questions, you’re opening a lighthearted discussion while also trying to get to know someone better.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/small-talk-guide
      2. ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/09/deep-conversations-strangers
      3. ↑ https://time.com/6976468/conversation-starters-small-talk/
      4. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/151-questions-to-ask-a-guy-theyll-actually-like-answering
      5. ↑ https://time.com/6976468/conversation-starters-small-talk/
      6. ↑ https://feedingthesoil.com/2019/08/19/skip-the-small-talk-questions-to-go-deeper/
      7. ↑ https://time.com/6976468/conversation-starters-small-talk/
      8. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/02/who-is-the-queen-ways-get-talking-to-strangers
      9. ↑ https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/small-talk-guide
      1. ↑ https://www.parents.com/conversation-starters-for-kids-8403594
      2. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/151-questions-to-ask-a-guy-theyll-actually-like-answering
      3. ↑ https://www.ytel.com/blog/customer-experience-keep-them-engaged
      4. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/10/15/923962314/good-conversations-take-time-and-attention-heres-how-to-have-better-ones
      5. ↑ https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/small-talk-guide
      6. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/10/15/923962314/good-conversations-take-time-and-attention-heres-how-to-have-better-ones

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