Have you ever been to a social gathering and felt like you were an outsider? You’re not the only one. Many of us struggle to find the right words to start a conversation and make meaningful connections with others. 

Fortunately, the right conversation starter can help you spark meaningful conversations with new people and build lasting relationships. So, whether you’re at a party, a networking event, or even just meeting with friends, here are twelve conversation starters that will help you make meaningful connections.

1. “What’s the most interesting thing that happened to you this week?”

Asking about the most interesting thing that happened during the week is a great conversation starter because it’s specific to the present time, and it opens up the conversation to a wide range of topics. It shows that you’re interested in the other person’s daily experiences, and it can lead to a more personal discussion.

2. “What do you think is the most important thing in life?”

Asking someone about their perspective on the most important thing in life can be a profound conversation starter because it opens up the discussion to deep, philosophical topics. This question can lead to a meaningful conversation about values, morals, and life purpose, which can help you connect with someone on a deeper level.

3. “What’s one thing that you’re passionate about?”

Asking someone about their passion is a great conversation starter because it shows that you’re interested in their interests and values. This question can lead to a lively discussion about hobbies, career aspirations, and personal goals, which can help you connect with someone who shares similar passions.

4. “What do you like to do for fun?”

Asking someone about their hobbies and interests is a classic conversation starter for a reason. It’s a great way to find common ground and get to know someone’s personality. Plus, it can lead to fun and engaging follow-up questions like “What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?” or “How did you get into that hobby?”

5. “What’s something new you’ve learned recently?”

Asking someone about something new they’ve learned recently is a great conversation starter because it opens up the conversation to a wide range of topics. You never know what someone might have learned recently that could spark a fascinating discussion.

6. “What’s your favorite thing about this event?”

Asking someone about their favorite thing about the event is a great conversation starter because it shows that you’re interested in their opinion and experience. It can also lead to a discussion about what makes events enjoyable and how they can be improved.

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7. “What are your favorite books, movies, and music?”

Asking someone about their favorite books, movies, and music is a great way to get to know them on a deeper level. It can reveal a lot about their personality, interests, and values. Plus, it can be a fun way to exchange recommendations and find new things to explore.

8. “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?”

Asking someone about the best advice they’ve ever received can be a powerful conversation starter because it allows them to share something meaningful and personal with you. It can also lead to a discussion about the importance of seeking guidance and mentorship in our lives.

9. “What lessons have you learned from past experiences?”

Asking someone about the lessons they’ve learned from their past experiences can be a great conversation starter because it shows that you’re interested in their personal growth and development. It can also lead to a discussion about the importance of learning from our mistakes and challenges.

10. “What would you do if you had an extra hour in the day?”

Asking someone about what they would do with an extra hour in the day is a fun and creative conversation starter that can reveal a lot about their priorities and interests. It can also lead to a discussion about time management and productivity.

11. “What’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever done?”

Asking someone about the most challenging thing they’ve ever done can be a great conversation starter because it allows them to share a personal story that’s meaningful to them. It can also lead to a discussion about the importance of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and taking on new challenges.

12. “If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?”

Asking someone about their dream travel destination can be a great conversation starter because it allows them to share their passions and interests. It can also lead to a discussion about different cultures, travel experiences, and bucket list destinations.

Conclusion

Starting a conversation with someone new can be intimidating, but with the right conversation starter, you can spark meaningful connections and build lasting relationships. The key is to ask open-ended questions that allow the other person to share their interests, experiences, and perspectives. 

Whether you use one of the conversation starters we’ve discussed or come up with your own, remember to be genuine, curious, and engaged in the conversation. With a little practice, you’ll be able to start conversations and make meaningful connections with anyone you meet.