Conversation Talk People Start Small Weather Begin News

Sometimes it can be difficult to "strike up" (start) a conversation with people we don't know well, but it is even more "awkward" (uncomfortable) to stand "in silence" (without saying anything). So here are some suggested "conversation starters" (phrases or questions that can be used to start a conversation) that might help generate "small talk" (unimportant conversation used to pass time).

A lot of small talk is about the weather. A conversation starter like, "Isn't it a beautiful day?" or, "How much longer do you think it will rain like this?" can help people relax and begin to talk about the weather.

Sometimes it is helpful to talk about "current events" (things that are happening in the news), as long as the news stories aren't too "controversial" (with people having very strong opinions and disagreements). A conversation about sports might begin with a question like, "Did you see the Lakers game last night?" Or a conversation about the local news could start with, "I read a story about how...."

At a social event, it can be easy to start a conversation by asking how people know the "host" (the person who is organizing the party). "So, how do you know Karl?" Or the conversation can "turn to" (begin to talk about) the "refreshments" (food and drink) with a phrase like, "These appetizers are delicious. Have you tried the stuffed mushrooms?"

To start a conversation with a "co-worker" (colleague; someone one works with), we can ask about their plans for the weekend: "Do you have anything planned for the weekend?" Or we can talk about things that affect everyone in the organization: "What do you think of the new vacation policy?"