hey everyone and welcome to top tank today we're going to learn about seven conversation starters
that actually work now let's begin number one where are you from this is a tried and true
conversational starter millions of conversations have started this way and millions more will
follow because this conversation starter fits every occasion from networking to first states you
can always ask someone about their hometown it's safe it's friendly and it opens the door for a
longer conversation now you may discover that you and this person have something in common you're
from the same city or maybe you have relatives who live there either way you have a wide variety
of new subjects to talk about but what if you don't know anyone who lives there hey that's
not a problem either you can always ask questions like did you enjoy growing up there or what was
it like living in that city people like to talk about their home towns so feel free to ask as many
questions as you'd like this conversation starter is a jack of all trades but a master of none
it's very common so it's not the most exciting or funny or unique but sometimes average is all you
need alright let's say you're at a convention for work trying to meet new contacts this conversation
starter will be your best friend you can use this question to get the ball rolling with anyone if
you need to learn people's names don't be afraid to use this line over and over again but what if
you're trying to stand out what if you want to get someone's attention now this opening line isn't
exactly memorable or exciting but hey we're going to cover all kinds of great flexible conversation
starters on this list so if you pick the right opening line you can start every conversation
on a high note number two do you know practical questions make natural and effective conversation
starters asking something simple like do you know the time gives your conversation a purpose you're
not talking to talk you're not pulling questions out of thin air your interest doesn't seem fake or
forced so no one's going to think you're desperate when you ask practical questions people give
practical answers but a question gets your foot in the door and sometimes hey that's all you need
your questions can be as simple or complicated as you want at a conference you could ask do you know
who's speaking next at a party you could ask do you know this song on a first date you could ask
do you know what food is good here even though they have simple answers all of these questions
get the conversation going once you've started the conversation continuing the conversation is much
easier number three settle an argument for me this conversation starter requires a bit of confidence
but if you put yourself out there it begins each conversation with a fun and unique introduction
this opening line jumps right into the action instead of awkwardly exchanging
names you can turn small talk into a playful debate the key is picking the right topic
now the topic you choose depends primarily on the situation if you want to talk to someone
you're interested in pick something funny or flirtatious for example a guy might say to a
girl settle an argument for me do girls like guys who wear glasses now this question immediately
sets the tone of the conversation especially if you wear glasses yourself now if she likes you
she'll play along offering easy opportunities to flirt and to get to know each other but what if
you're talking to someone from work instead how could you use this question to network
now in these situations choose a question that's interesting curious or career oriented
instead of stimulating a playful back and forth these subjects encourage more thoughtful opinions
you'll easily make connections if you ask for and value people's perspectives if you
want to make a new friend this conversation starter is a great way to make each other laugh
choose something lighthearted or downright ridiculous if someone shares your sense of
humor they'll have fun weighing in on the conversation if you tailor your subject to
each occasion you can effectively make connections bond with friends and flirt with romantic partners
number four how do you know the previous conversation starter is a little tricky
so let's talk about a safe and easy opening line this question only works in certain contexts but
it's foolproof in the right setting you should use this opening line at a party or social
event hosted by someone you know now at these events everyone is connected to the host somehow
they may be relatives they may be co-workers or maybe they're just friends or friends no
matter how they're connected to the host this subject is a safe place to start all
right let's say you approach a stranger at your best friend's party they may say something like
we work together at the office and just like that you can take the conversation in several different
directions you could ask them about their job you could ask them why they chose their career path
if you want something milder just ask about a funny story your friend told you from work
all of these questions are fair game so use this conversation starter whenever you know the person
hosting even if they're a complete stranger you know you always have one thing in common
number five throw a curve ball this conversation starter isn't limited to one line or formula
it's one of the riskiest opening lines on this list but also the most unique
and creative if done right this can be a fun and memorable way to start any conversation
now instead of using a well-known opening line start your next conversation with something out
of left field just throw this person a complete curveball not only does this give you a chance to
make them laugh it also shows your personality better than any of the lines on this list
so why do oddball comments make good opening lines because weird funny and ridiculous
comments break them old and that gets many people excited people don't like rehashing the same
questions a thousand times when you throw them a curveball they'll be excited to throw you one back
so what do curveballs look like in a conversation sometimes it's a strange question think of the
strangest story or scenario that's ever happened to you ask someone if that's ever happened to
them if it has they'll probably tell you their story if it hasn't then you tell them your own
either way you've created an opportunity to talk and laugh together and nothing brings
people closer than laughter if you want a more conversational curveball you could also try a
crazy hypothetical just ask if the world ended in 15 minutes what would you do these hypotheticals
catch people by surprise but they're a lot more engaging than stale opening lines number six
i really like if you're feeling bold start the conversation with a compliment it takes courage
to use a compliment as your opening line but a compliment may instantly win someone over as long
as you do it right there are right and wrong ways to give a compliment let's say you see a girl that
you're interested in if you walk up to her and comment on her figure she's going to turn you down
these compliments are like shooting yourself in the foot instead of saying something nice and warm
you're coming off creepy and intrusive so what should you say instead if you want to give someone
a compliment target something small and personal pick an item of clothing or a piece of jewelry
if you want to get physical you can compliment their eyes or their smile but don't use your
compliment to tell someone how attractive they are the purpose of your compliment is to
start a conversation so make sure you do start a conversation if you compliment a piece of jewelry
then ask about it that way the conversation will get rolling without falling into awkward silence
number seven having fun if all else fails this opening line can be your backup plan all right
let's say you can't think of anything exciting to say you've run through a dozen lines in your
head but they all sound terrible but instead of giving up and walking away you simply ask a
stranger if they're having a good time this conversation starter is great for people
who get nervous and quiet it requires very little thought and very little preparation
because you're asking the same question every time this opening line works in every situation
it works on friends connections and possible partners no matter who you're talking to
this question can start a longer conversation but don't expect the same answers in every context
if you ask this question while networking expect to talk about work the event or the
venue if you ask this question at a party expect their answer to be more personal and relaxed
like many of the opening lines on this list this conversation starter has one flaw sometimes it's
a dead end all right let's say you ask someone if they're having fun and they simply say yes
where do you go from there normally people don't give short and simple answers like these but just
in case have a few more questions waiting if you need them once you've started the conversation
you have a lot more flexibility so use this conversation starter whenever you're nervous or
tongue-tied it may not be clever but sometimes a simple opening line is all you need hey thank you
for watching top think and be sure to subscribe because more incredible content is on the way