Interesting Topics to Talk About - From Talent to Trivia!
It can be hard to know what to talk about if you want to improve your English speaking skills.
You don't want the conversation to fizzle out, do you?
Conversation Tips
If you're an English learner, thinking of a good conversation starter can be daunting. However, by following a few simple tips, you can quickly become a proficient conversationalist.
First, focus on interesting topics. This will help you to stay engaged in the conversation and avoid awkward silences.
Second, try to ask deep questions that will encourage your conversation partner to share their thoughts and feelings on their favorite subject.
Finally, don't be afraid to be yourself! Be genuine and let your personality shine through.
Do these things and you'll be sure to have great conversations in no time.
We've got you covered with this list of discussion topics to talk about. From current events and personal interests to family and friends, we've got something for everyone.
Choose from lighthearted subjects like celebrity gossip to heavier conversations about world events - there's something for everyone here. So grab a friend and get talking!
Best Tips to Keep a Conversation Going
- Pick a topic you're both interested in
- Take turns talking and listening
- Ask follow-up questions to get more information/details
- Make sure to keep the conversation respectful
- Avoid sensitive subjects unless you know each other well
- Have fun and enjoy yourselves!
Great Conversation Starters
A great conversation starter should spark interest, encourage engagement, and establish a connection between the participants. Here’s what makes them effective:
- Relevance: They connect to what's happening, the event, or what people like. If you're at a conference, asking someone what they think about a main speech makes sense.
- Open-ended: These prompts encourage more than a yes/no answer. For example, "What's your opinion on..." or "How do you feel about..." invite detailed responses and can lead to deeper conversations.
- Personal Interest: Asking about the other person's experiences, thoughts, or feelings can make conversations more interesting. Questions like "What made you..." or "How do you feel about..." show you care about what they think.
- Current and Trending Topics: Talking about the latest news, trends, or popular topics can start exciting conversations, as long as they fit the place and the people there.
- Compliments: Genuine compliments can be great icebreakers, as long as they're sincere and appropriate.
- Humor: Light, Humor that everyone gets can ease tension and make people feel at ease. But, it's key to know your audience so the joke isn't taken the wrong way.
- Inclusivity: Make sure the question is easy to understand and respectful, not assuming anything about people's backgrounds, beliefs, or experiences.
- Flexibility: Being ready to change or respond based on what you hear. The best talkers can smoothly switch topics as the conversation flows.
Good conversation starters change based on where you are, who you're talking to (friends or strangers), and what you have in common. Choosing the right way to start a conversation based on these things can make talks more fun and meaningful.
Examples
Dream job: Ask the people you are talking to what their dream job would be and why?
Travel: Ask about the best place they have ever visited or where they would like to go in the future.
Interests: Ask about their hobbies and interests outside of work or school.
Books/Movies: Find out what books and movies they like and why.
Food: Ask about their favorite foods or ask for restaurant recommendations in your area.
Goals: Ask the people you are talking to what their short and long-term goals are, both personal and professional.
Family/Friends: Inquire about their family and friends - how do they all get along or what is the best memory they have shared with each other?
Philosophy: Ask about their outlook on life and how it has changed over time. What do they find inspiring?
Future Plans: Ask about their plans for the future - where do they see themselves in five years and what steps are they taking to get there?
Technology: Ask people about the latest technology trends, which products and companies they like, or what apps they use most often.
Sports: Find out if there are any sports fans in the room and discuss teams, players, strategies, and statistics.
Real Life Lessons: Discuss lessons learned from past experiences and how those were applied moving forward.
Funny conversation starters
A funny conversation starter effectively starts conversations with humor, making it easier for people to connect. Here are some things that make a conversation starter funny:
- Unexpected Twist: Humor often comes from a surprising change in how we see things. Starting with something we know and then changing it unexpectedly can make us laugh and keep us interested.
- Playfulness: Fun and easy comments or questions make the conversation relaxed. They show that the chat is supposed to be enjoyable and not too serious - and can lead to a fun discussion.
- Puns and Wordplay: Using fun words or jokes can be funny and help start conversations.
- Self-deprecation: Jokes about oneself can make people feel relaxed and more willing to talk.
- Observational Humor: Making a funny comment about what's around or happening can help people connect because it's something both can relate to right away.
- Common Ground: Jokes about things we all know or feel can be funny because we all get them.
- Light Teasing: Teasing someone gently in a friendly way can be fun and make your bond stronger. But, you need to be careful to make sure they like it.
- Absurdity and Exaggeration: Using big exaggerations for laughs or asking silly questions can make conversations fun and creative.
When starting conversations with humor, it's important to know your audience's mood and likes to make sure the joke is okay and not offensive. The best jokes make everyone feel happy and help people feel more connected and open.
Examples
Here are some fun topics to talk about
What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?
If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?
If you had three wishes, what would they be?
What is your favorite joke?
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
What is the strangest dream you've ever had?
Who is your celebrity crush and why?
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
What makes you laugh uncontrollably?
If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?
What would be the title of your autobiography?
What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
Are you a dog or cat person?
If you could have any superpower, which one would it be?
General Conversation Topics
Examples
What is the best thing about having a best friend?
How would you describe your perfect day?
What makes you laugh out loud?
What are some of your fondest family memories?
If you could pick any place to visit in the world, where would it be and why?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
What is your favorite song and why?
If you could pick one celebrity to be your best friend, who would it be?
Do you have a hidden talent that nobody knows about?
What's the craziest thing you've ever done for fun?
What would be the most daring adventure you'd like to try?
What do you think is the most rewarding thing about life?
What are some of your favorite activities to do alone or with friends?
What have been some of the best moments in your life so far?
Free Time Conversation Starters
Examples
What are your favorite hobbies?
What do you like to do to relax after a long day?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Who is your role model and why?
Do you have a favorite book or movie that you like to watch?
What would your dream vacation be?
What is something you have always wanted to learn how to do?
Do you have any funny stories from when you were younger that you can share?
What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
What's new and exciting?
What's something that you are passionate about?
If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
What is one thing that you are grateful for today?
Do you have any hidden talents or skills?
Deep Conversation Starters
Examples
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
What do you think makes life meaningful?
Are there any causes or organizations that you support?
Do you believe in the power of forgiveness?
What is something that has profoundly impacted your life?
What do you think is the most important lesson that life can teach us?
Do you believe in soulmates or a higher power?
What would be your perfect day?
How do you define success and happiness?
What piece of advice has had the most impact on your daily life?
What do you think of the idea that we can learn something from every person we meet?
Is there anything you would like to change about the world?
How do you practice self-care and stay positive in difficult times?
What do you think is the most essential quality of true friendship?
Do you believe that life has a purpose or a larger meaning?
What kind of music do you like playing when...?
- you're getting ready to go out on a date
- you're working out at the gym
- you're studying for a test or focusing on work
- you want to relax after a long day
- you're getting ready to go out
- you're in the mood for love
- you need some cheering up
- you want to get pumped up for a workout
How to Keep a Conversation Interesting
5 Essential Tips
- Ask open-ended questions - Invite your conversation partner to share more than yes/no answers by asking questions that begin with “why,” “how,” or “what.” These can lead to more interesting answers.
- Show genuine interest - Demonstrate a desire to learn more about the other person by making eye contact, nodding your head in agreement or understanding, and asking follow-up questions.
- Share something about yourself - Reveal interesting aspects of your own life to encourage others to open up as well.
- Encourage humor - Use jokes and lighthearted stories to add levity to the conversation without making it feel forced.
- Listen carefully - Listen intently and with focus so you can pick out the nuances in what is being said and respond appropriately. It shows respect for the other person’s opinion and encourages further dialogue.
Topics to Talk About
Work
Talking about work can be a great way to get to know someone. You can find out what they do for a living, how they feel about their job, and what their goals are.
- What are your thoughts on the current state of the economy?
- Do you think that automation will eventually replace most jobs?
- How do you feel about the increasing global competition for jobs?
- What do you think is the most important skill to have for success in the workforce?
- Do you believe that employees should be allowed to work from home?
- Should there be a limit on the number of hours that employees can work?
- Do you think that employers should provide childcare facilities for their employees?
- Do you think that employees should be given more flexible work schedules?
- What are your thoughts on the current state of the job market?
- Do you think that the government should do more to help the unemployed?
- Do you think that unions are still relevant in today's workforce?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the workforce today?
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices are a personal matter, but they can also have an impact on work/life. This conversation topic looks at different lifestyle choices and how they can affect work/life.
- How do you feel about work-life balance?
- What are your thoughts on flexible work arrangements?
- Do you think that more emphasis should be placed on work-life balance?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing workers when it comes to lifestyle choices?
- What are some ways that workers can make lifestyle choices that work for them?
- Do you think that there is a stigma attached to making lifestyle choices that impact work life?
- What do you think are some of the most important factors to consider when making lifestyle choices?
- Do you think that people are under more pressure to succeed nowadays?
- Do you think that the current generation is more materialistic than the previous ones?
- Do you think that people are becoming more health conscious?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the current generation?
- Do you think that technology has had a positive or negative effect on society?
- Do you think that people are becoming more individualistic?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing society today?
- Do you think that our current economic system is sustainable?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the world today?
- Do you think that people are becoming more polarized in their views?
- Do you think that people are becoming more accepting of different cultures?
Dating Apps
Dating apps have become extremely popular in recent years, and there are a variety of different ones to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a casual hookup or a serious relationship, there’s an app that will suit your needs. What's your opinion on dating online?
Examples
- Is 'ghosting' on the rise because of dating apps?
- Do people who use these apps have higher standards?
- Is it harder to find love if you're using a dating app?
- How do people feel about a first date with someone they met online?
- What are the most popular apps for dating in your country?
- Have you ever used a dating app? Would you recommend it to others?
- How do you think such apps have changed the way people date?
- Do you think that these types of apps are making it easier or harder to find a partner?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing people who use apps for dating?
- Do you think these apps are creating more meaningful relationships?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the world today when it comes to dating?
- Do you think that people are becoming more accepting of different cultures when it comes to dating?
Careers
Finding the right career can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
Examples
- How do you think the internet has changed the way we find jobs?
- Do you think that social media is making it harder or easier to get a job?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing people who are looking for a job?
- Do you think that the recession is making it harder or easier to find a job?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the world today when it comes to finding a job?
- Do you think that technology is making it harder or easier to find a job?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge young people face today when it comes to careers?
- hat do you think is the biggest challenge older people face today regarding their careers?
Health
The World Health Organization defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". So, when it comes to our health, it is important to maintain a balance to achieve optimum well-being. However, this can often be easier said than done.
Examples
- How do you think our healthcare system should be reformed?
- Do you think that mental health is given enough attention in our society?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the world today when it comes to healthcare?
- Do you think that the way we currently treat addiction is effective?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge facing young people today when it comes to their health?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge older people face today when it comes to their health?
The Environment
Our environment is the sum of what surrounds us. It includes both the natural world and the built world. We have to be good stewards of both. To do that, we need to understand how they work together.
Examples
- Do you think that climate change is a real and pressing problem?
- What do you think are the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint?
- Do you think that the way we treat the environment is a reflection of our values as a society?
- What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues facing our world today?
- Do you think that we have a responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations?
- What do you think are the most effective ways to raise awareness about environmental issues?
- Do you think that our consumption habits are sustainable in the long run?
- What do you think would be the most effective way to make our economy more environmentally sustainable?
- Do you think that population growth is a major contributor to environmental problems?
- What do you think is the most important thing we can do to protect the environment?
Ambitions
Share your ambitions with others and see if you can find common ground. Perhaps you share similar ambitions, or maybe you can offer each other support in achieving your goals. Ambitions can be big or small – what matters is that they are important to you.
Examples
- What are your ambitions in life?
- Do you think that having ambitions is necessary for success?
- What do you think are the most important things to consider when setting ambitious goals?
- Do you think that it is better to have specific or general ambitions?
- What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of being ambitious?
- How do you think one can achieve their ambitions while still maintaining a sense of balance in their life?
- What do you think are the most common obstacles that prevent people from achieving their ambitions?
- What do you think is the best way to overcome these obstacles?
Siblings
Examples
How many siblings do you have?
Do you think having more or fewer siblings affects your personality?
Are there any benefits to being an only child or having a ton of siblings?
Which do you prefer- being an only child or having siblings?
Would you rather have zero siblings, one sibling, or two siblings?
Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest child?
How do you think having siblings has affected your life?
Social media platform
Examples
How do you select which social media platform to use?
What are your thoughts on the impact of social media on society?
Do you think social media is addictive?
What kind of content do you post on social media?
Do you think social media is good for promoting your personal brand?
If you could only use one social media platform for the rest of your life, which would it be?
What is your favorite social media platform?
Do you prefer TikTok, Facebook, or Twitter?
What is your favorite thing about using social media?
Do you think social media has had a positive or negative impact on society overall?
Personal life
Examples
What is something you've done that you are genuinely ashamed of, but have never told another soul?
What's the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you?
Did you ever do something that got you in trouble, but made everyone laugh in the end?
Have you ever been caught doing something that you shouldn't have been doing?
What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done?
How do you feel about turning 30?
Do you like your life so far?
What are your hopes for the future?
What are your fears for the future?
Are there any regrets that you have about your past?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What's your favorite kind of ice cream?
Go-to karaoke song?
Favorite internet meme?
What's your most bizarre pet peeve, and why?
Sleep
Examples
How long do you usually sleep?
What's your favorite sleeping position?
Do you have any sleep disorders?
What's the longest you've ever slept for?
How much sleep is too much?
Do you think you get enough sleep?
What time do you usually go to bed?
What time do you usually wake up?
Do you have any dreams that you remember?
Favorite season
Examples
What's the best thing about your favorite season?
The worst thing about your favorite season?
What's the best thing about your least favorite time of the year?
If you could have a season that didn't exist, what would it be like?
General / Good / Interesting Subjects to Talk About
Examples
What is your spirit animal and why?
Are you a cat or dog person?
Have you ever had any embarrassing moments that still make you laugh today?
What was the best birthday gift you have ever received?
Do you prefer modern art or traditional art styles?
What would be your reaction to discovering alien life forms on other planets?
What are your thoughts on reality TV shows?
Who is your favorite family members and why?
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
What theme tune would be playing for the soundtrack of your life?
What interesting things have happened to you lately?
Where is your favorite restaurant and what do you like to order there?
What have been some of the funniest moments in your life?
Have you ever had a run-in with the law or gotten into trouble?
Are there any places that you would love to visit if money was not an issue?
Do you prefer being outdoors or inside? Why?
If you could learn any new skill, what would it be and why?
What are your thoughts on current political events and topics?
Who do you look up to and why?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
What types of music do you enjoy listening to?
Are there any causes that you are passionate about?
If you could go back in time, what era would you visit and why?
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in life?
Do you believe in soulmates and true love? Why or why not?
How do you think technology has changed the way we communicate with each other?
Are there any values that are important to you when it comes to decision-making?
What do you think the world will be like fifty years from now?
How do think the education system can be improved?
If you had one wish, what would it be and why?
How have your experiences shaped your outlook on life?
Are there any life lessons that you live by?
Is there anything in particular that you are currently working towards or striving to achieve?
What brings joy and happiness into your life?
Conversation Skills
Having great conversation skills is like having a superpower. It opens doors and creates opportunities for deep conversations. In a world where small talk is the norm, being able to hold a meaningful but fun conversation is a rare and valuable talent.
There are a few tips that are guaranteed to get a conversation flowing. Find out what someone's favorite movie is and why. Ask about the musical instruments they play, favorite food, or an upcoming holiday. Asking interesting questions and giving thoughtful answers will also keep the conversation positive and flowing. And if you're looking for something a little deeper, try asking about someone's first date or their siblings.
Of course, not everyone is born a natural conversationalist. If you're finding it hard to make small talk, there are plenty of conversation classes you can take to improve your skills. You can decide which are the most interesting topics to talk about. And if all else fails, remember that simply being positive and keen to chat will go a long way toward making any conversation enjoyable.