10 Questions to Start a Conversation in English
But not impossible. And our online lifestyle isn’t forever.
The key to a successful conversation is to have interesting questions ready to ask.
If you’ve wanted to start a conversation with a neighbor or coworker but you weren’t sure what questions to ask, today you’ll get 10 of my favorite conversation starters to use in a conversation with anyone in English.
Plus, I’ll share 2 bonus questions, including one that my students usually think is very strange (but it’s a great way to get the conversation going!).
Watch the video below to find out what my Top 10 Conversation Starters are, why they work, and how you can use them.
10 Questions to Start a Conversation with Anyone in English
Why I love it:
It sounds a lot like a common job interview question, doesn’t it? Thankfully in a casual conversation, there isn’t the same pressure and the reason this question works is you’re giving the speaker control of the conversation. They can decide what they want to share or talk about.
How you can use it:
This is perfect for transitioning from an introduction into getting to know someone. Use it immediately after meeting someone, for example, “It’s really great to meet you. So, tell me a bit more about yourself.”
Why I love it:
It is 100% open-ended. This means your conversation partner must give you an answer. A real answer. Not a yes/no answer.
And the answer you get will be a surprise. Your conversation partner gets to decide what to say. No matter what, you’ll learn something interesting. It is another way to say, “Tell me about you.”
How you can use it:
This is an informal question, so it is best used for casual events such as dinner parties, meeting someone new at a bar or cafe, networking events, etc.
Why I love it:
Instead of asking the common ‘what do you do’ question, this one leads to a more interesting discussion and is more focused on something positive from work.
How you can use it:
This is a perfect question for getting to know your colleagues! Use it at work. But it’s also great when getting to know someone in a casual situation.
Good alternatives questions include:
- Are you working on any interesting projects right now?
- What do you love about your work?
Why I love it:
Because it’s easy. Honestly, this is perfect for getting to know someone at work or chatting with your neighbor.
It’s a quick conversation starter and it’s appropriate to ask in every situation. Well, almost every situation. Maybe not best if you’re meeting the president for the for the first time.
How you can use it:
This question is informal and we usually use it with people we know.
Now, maybe you’re at a party and you just met someone 20 minutes ago. Can you still ask it?
Yes! Maybe you’ve been chatting for the past 20 minutes and you’re having a great conversation. Now you know each other, so keep it going with this question.
Why I love it:
This question immediately brings a focus to something interesting, exciting, or even unusual. There no end to the possibilities when answering this question.
How you can use it:
It’s great for catching up with a friend or coworker. You could even use it at a conference and change the question to, “What was the highlight of the conference for you?”
Why I love it:
This is one of my favorites. I use it when I feel stuck or nervous. I use it when I’m meeting someone new and I don’t know what to say.
I like it for two reasons:
- I always learn something interesting.
- Everyone seems to like this question. Do you like sharing information with people? So does everyone else.
Plus, there are so many variations. You could also ask, “What is the most interesting film you’ve seen recently?” Or, “What is the most interesting book you’ve read recently.” No matter what topic you’re interested in, this question is perfect.
How you can use it:
It’s great for conversation. Use it the next time you talk to someone at a conference, lecture, or networking evening.
Why I love it:
This is the perfect way to frame a follow-up question or continue a previous discussion. For example, “Last time we met you told me about your scultping classes. Those sound really interesting. Tell me more about them.”
These 4 simple words make continuing a conversation easy and smooth.
How you can use it:
Use this any time you want to easily continue a conversation or get more details.
Why I love it:
Because I’m curious. And because it is easy to ask follow-up questions after you learn where a person is from. (Keep reading for some examples.)
In the United States, we ask everyone this question. It can be used if someone is from another country or just another city.
How you can use it:
Use this question when you’re traveling, when you meet someone new in your home city, or at an international conference.
Why I love it:
Almost everyone loves to talk about travel! Don’t you?
With this question, you can share stories and favorite memories. And maybe you’ll even get an idea for a new destination for your next vacation!
How you can use it:
Use it in almost any social situation. Need a great follow-up question? Try, “What did you like about it?” Or, “What would you recommend if I decided to go there?”
Why I love it:
It’s another great follow-up question. It’s perfect after, “What do you do?” And with this question you can learn about someone’s history, why they love their work, and much more.
How you can use it:
To continue the conversation you’ve already started with, “What do you do?”
2 Bonus Questions to Start a Conversation with Anyone in English
We love to combine a compliment with a question to start a conversation.
Just because they asked where you purchased the item, it doesn’t mean they want to go buy it. It’s just an easy way to get the conversation going.
This is my FAVORITE conversation starter.
But as you can see, it’s quite personal. This is best used with friends or coworkers you know well when you’re enjoying non-work related conversation.
In fact, I have two challenge questions for you today.
- Choose your favorite question from this list and share your answer in the comments. It’s a great way to get practice with these common questions!
- Do you have a favorite conversation starter that isn’t on this list? If so, what is it? Share in the comments section so others can use the question as well.
Have a fantastic Confident English Wednesday!
~ Annemarie
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Can I chat with somebody
My favourite starter question is ” I like your sweater, where did you get it?” Quite common.
Hi Svitlana, here Georg from Bavaria! Fantastic start with your question to starting talk. And my favorit question , to explain: You have absoluly extraordinery Energie! Where comes that, could you say me? Thanks n advance!
Hi, Anne Marie! Your classes are rather practical and exciting 😉 It’s admirable to find out new things on each topic you present for learners! I enjoy listening to your speech 🙂. You always sound persuasive and kind in every video you demonstrate for us. Great job!!! Your performance is worth following up in order to learn successful ways of communicating confidently and smoothly. Best regards, Svitlana.
Hello Annemaria Im from iran, and I have started watching your videos for 3 monthes and I should say that your lessons are so useful and interesting,and I’ve decided to follow them for rest of my life. And about my favorites sterter questions: one of those bonus questions, I love your shoes…..! Where did you get it/them?” You know, its a common question in our culture to start conversation, and I should confess when some one ask me such a this question,I feel my self-confident in a high level and this question makes my day… My second favorite question is… Read more »
Hi Annemarie, my favorite starter question is: What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to? Because even though I haven’t travel a lot I really like to know about other places, cultures, food, etc. And having the personal point of view of someone who has been there feeds my imagination, and as you mentioned in this lesson I always get a very interesting story.
Thank you for this lesson!
Liz
Yes; There is a question what is the most favorite for me ;
“Which is your favorite food?’
Hi Annemarie, I hope it’s not too late in posting a comment here. I just started watching your lessons late last year, and I am so impressed with how you teach and share ideas. In regards to this topic, here are my favorite questions: What was the highlight of your day/week/weekend? This is a good starter for weekly meetings with our employees and clients. What do you wish you had more of in your life? I love this one, particularly when I evaluate employees and conduct an interview. More power to you, and I am pretty sure to continue following… Read more »
Hi Emily,
It’s never too late to share a comment! 😊 I’m glad to know my lessons are helpful to you.
I love hearing how you’ll use some of these questions in conversations. What a great idea t use the ‘what do you wish you had more of’ with employees and in interviews. I teach a course on job interviews in English and that is definitely the kind of question an interviewer might ask as an unexpected question.
hey what are you doing today
Hello Annemarie, sorry for the late answer. I wasn’t feeling good. Actually it is an amazing lesson. Thanks again for your excellent lessons.
1- What’s the most interesting movie you’ve seen?
The most interesting movie that I’ve seen recently is called “Lion”.
It’s about a 5 year old Indian boy from a poor family, who fell asleep in a train and woke up a 1000 miles away from home….he was adopted by an Australian family….25 years later…. (It worth watching)
2- How do you cope with covid-19 pandemic restriction?
Hello dear Annemarie,
Happy new year to you and your family.
Thank you so much for this practical lesson.
I think all the questions are perfect for starting the conversation but my favorites are:
1) Are you working on anything interesting/exciting recently?
2) What was the highlight of your day/week/weekend?
3) What is the most interesting thing you’ve done recently?
4) What is the coolest/most interesting place you’ve ever been to?
And also “what do you wish you had more of in your life”?
Best regards,
Hi Annemarie,
first of all I would like to say “Thank you” for your encouraging lessons and for appreciating all of your students.
I prefer the following question: “What was your highlight of the last weekend?
–
“What do you wish you had more of?” is also interesting although it focuses on the insufficient abilities someone has. So it’s a bit negative.
Thank you so much.
Dear Annemarie , I am very grateful to you about sharing yours starters because i get in softly in your English . In Italian “Tell me about yourself is not only the title of a song , but has become obvious about all in the job interview . I appreciate more ” What was the highlight of your week end ” addressed to a parson whom I respect or find interesting …. “Have you been working on anything interesting ?” is really a very elegant starter . In this way you allows to your interlocutor to speak about the pleasant… Read more »
Hello.
My favorite question is:
Tell me something about yourself, in my opinion, is a perfect way to show interest in people, and they have the opportunity to feel comfortable. On de other hand It´s the most common question which I use in my job. Tell me something about your present problem, The patients can show their symptoms and of course their feelings about their worries
I completely love your recommendations
Thanks
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the lesson, Julia! Thanks for sharing your favorite question from the lesson. This would certainly be helpful in your work.
Hello Annemarie, It’s a pleasure to me to find your page and reading the information that you share with us. It’s my fisrt time here and the experience has been awesome. My english is a work in progress however I would like to be in your academy.
The best question for me is:
Are you working on anything interesting/exciting recently?
I like this question because it has made me rethink in giving a goal each day to my life.
Nice to meet Annemarie =)
Hi Carli and welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found this lesson useful. Thanks for sharing your favorite question. I’m glad it was thought-provoking for you.
Hello..
Happy new Year to you and your family.
I really enjoy your lessons and the best part is the your perfect pronunciation…..
The best question for me is
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done recently?
Hi Lucia, Happy New Year to you as well. I’m glad to hear you’ve found a new conversation question and that you enjoyed the lesson.
Hello Annemarie, I’m happy to start my year with your classes. Thank you for this first one!
Answering your questions:
2. I didn’t use to speak in english (this is my goal to 2021), so I don’t have (yet) any sugestions to give.
Thank you for this class! Have a great year!
See you on next week!
Anna Beatriz.
Hi Anna, thanks so much for sharing your favorite questions from this lesson. I hope you’ll tell me how it goes when you try using them in an English conversation and I wish you much success in your 2021 goal!
Hi, Annemarie , I ‘m glade to receive Email from you , thank you very much for your beneficial lessons , I love all of questions especially that one which asks about getting in profession , to have experience from others .
I think as always the topic was great. thank you very much for your valuable English course. My favorite question is What do you wish you had more of in your life?
Excellent, Mohammad. I’m glad you’ve got a new conversation starter to use.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
in this lesson of Conversation Starter, more than ever, I would ask this question to a very good friend “ What do you wish to have more in your life?”. Due to the stringent measures to slow the spread of the virus, life is full of challenges for many of us. I would love to hear the perspective on this difficult time from my friend.
Hi Annemarie, I am happy to be a part of your community. My two favorite starters from the list are
how did you get into <em>(your profession)?andtell me your story.Hi Olena, I’m thrilled that you’ve found some new conversation starters to use in English!
Hi Annemarie, Happy new Year
Best wishes for you and your family 🙏
Thank you for teaching us kindly.
I like this question: What is your story?? Because I think we can have a long conversation with this open question .
I have to answer this question a lot while I am looking for job in new country 🥴
Hi Somayeh, you’re right. It is a good question for a long, interesting conversation because it’s open-ended. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson.
Hi Annemarie, I’m very grateful for your lesson and explanation of the topic with many useful examples. My favorite question is: “What is the most interesting film you’ve seen recently” This topic is perfect to start a conversation with friends or coworkers. I think that “I love your shoes/bag/scarf” it’s a great connection a compliment with a question to start a conversation (not only with friends but in informal situation). It makes that every person feels good and usually answers with pleasure. It really works, I know 🙂 And “Where are you from originally” is fantastic question to start conversation… Read more »
Happy New Year, Agnieszka! I’m glad you’ve found some effective questions to start conversations in this lesson. Like you said, I love using ‘Where are you from originally?’ when attending a conference. It’s an easy way to get a conversation going.
your lessons are smart, wonderful and effective. I loved it, Thank you
Thank you.
Hi Annemarie mam,
1. Q. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done recently?
It’s a great question, you can ask this question to anyone.
Ans: Now a days I started learn a English lesson from “Speak Confidence English” on YouTube and I wanna improve my speaking skills with the help of this video’s.
2. My favourite Q
What are you planning to do in this summer vacations?
Do you have any plans for the summer vacation?
Thanks a lot😊
Dear Annemarie! I found a lot of intersting suggestions and phrases to use.Thank you so much for your hard work!
I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve found some useful phrases, Ilana!
My chosen questions are: 1. Where are you from originally? Ans: I come from Ghana. 2. What do you think is the most interesting thing in your city? Ans: Well, I think the most interesting thing in my city is our culture. Why do I think so? The rationale behind it is that the way of life of my people is extraordinary. Especially, how festivals are being embraced and celebrated. There is a festival in my city called, “Adae festival.” There are many activities that go on during this festival celebration and it foster unity among the inhabitants in my… Read more »
Hi ma’am! Good to be here, I want to know more about english conversation, and was able to speak english confident. Thank you for your article, Its helps a lot. My favorite question is how do you do? As you said it is common question but its nice to hear about their accomplishment and they do everyday in his daily life.
I’m happy to hear the article was helpful to you, Marichu.
One important thing to know is ‘how do you do’ isn’t really a question. Instead, we use it in formal introductions and its meaning is similar to ‘nice to meet you.’
Annemarie!
I am really thankful for your lessons!! They are made in SO kind and SO positive way!This inspires!
Definitely, my favourite question is “What is the coolest thing you’ve done lately?”
Why?
Because of it so easy to find an answer! There always is! at least one thing that a humam beeing has done by gladness resently!And it is so cheerful and pleasant to share it in a genuine conversation.
Me,I ve met an interesting orderer (a client) and had gladness to discuss a future work with her!
I totally agree with you, Artemii. That’s one of my favorite questions too. 😊
When I meet so.eone,I usually ask, where are you from?
I’m from India. India is a motherland of aii arts, cultures and civilizations.
What is the most interesting thing have you done lately?
I love this question. I had a chance to give presentation on ” consciousness” in Gynae department of my. Medical College. It was a great success. I really did hard work for that.
‘What is the most interesting thing you have done lately?’ sure is a great question that could lead to some fabulous answers and interesting conversations! How wonderful that you gave a presentation on consciousness! We are glad to hear that your hard work paid off and your presentation went so well! Thanks for sharing with us, Doctor!
Hi Annemarie! today is the first time I watched your video, but it is really interesting. I understand english and speak in a medium level
but it is hard for my to follow a conversation, for one I don’t know all the vocabulary and idioms and my pronunciation makes me a little shine of having a conversation.
My favorite question is, did you hear/read about. because there is always news to talk about.
Thank you so much I really like your teaching!
Welcome to my community, Mercedes! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the lesson and found it useful to you! And I love your favorite question. 🙂
There is a funny start question in a small talk in our country :Have you have breakfast or lunch or dinner.I don’t why but it is often used among old people.However,It is used more and more rarely among young people.
My favorite question what I used to start my conversation is compliment when I talk to a lady in my country, such as beautiful clothes, lovely shoes , popular or personalized hairstyle .I don’t know if it is okay in English-speaking country.
Have a good day
Wow, that is definitely an interesting question to start a conversation. I’m so glad you shared it.
Hi Annemarie,
I am a newbie in your training. And response to your question, I like the question “where are you come from originally” – – because the answer of it will likely open profiling of your opponent. Sometime one specific area associated with specific character.
Regards
Susi
Hi Susi and welcome! I’m glad you’re here. And I think you’re right. That’s a great question to get the conversation going. It opens many possibilities.
Yeah, you are right
Dear Annemarie,
Best , I think that you gave good conversation discussion to other fantastic acknowledgment.
I think it’s very useful to have a question,I really like the “what’s unique or special” question because it encourages the other person
Regards,
Hi miss Annemarie
I’m little good in English but never I tried to speak in English yet I can understand all in written or by hearing language but now I want myself a good English speaker as fast as possible
hi maam,
my first favorite question is “where are you from originally?”
my answer is “I am from Tanzanian in Zanzibar island ”
my second question is ” That’s interesting .What do you think most interesting about your city?”
my answer is ” Our culture,the way of our living,the enviroment and so on “
Hey it was a useful questionnaire which anyone would like to answers. Coz ppl like to elaborate on these questions as all are open ended.
Thanks for me I didn’t had clue how & what type of questions should I ask to strangers. Certainly it will help !
Amazing Article. Keep up the good work!
Thank you. I’m glad it was useful to you.
Hi Annemarie,
My favorite question is “What most interesting place have you been?”
For me it’s Copenhagen. I like Scandinavian way of living, I love smørrebrød, Scandinavian huge, biking, swimming.
The Denmark people live very active – if they don’t bike, than run or swim and there aren’t fat people. If you see a fat one
that means he or she isn’t Danish, he/she is 100% foreigner.
Hi Evelyn,
Oh my, I love smørrebrød too!! Copenhagen is definitely a wonderful city. Thank you so much for sharing your favorite conversation question.
I really enjoy your lessons you know I don’t get bore when I’m ready the titles you share with us and I can see too much of improvement in myself
Hello Ahmad,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad that you enjoy my lessons and they are helping you improve your English.
I’m learning a lot of with your videos thankyou so much by share this videos!
Hi Wesley,
Awesome! Thanks for the comment. I’m glad they’re useful to you.
You are doing great. All the topics are really useful
Thank you so much for sharing the interesting materials
Thank you. I appreciate your kind comments!
Thanks~ first i want to start the conversation Hi~ and then i’m going to ask ‘Do you like trevel~?’. if he or she say yes, i wil ask How many cities have you been? and ‘what is the most interesting place you’ve ever been to?’ after he or she talk about his or her story, i tell him or her my favorit place, Paris. i’ve been to Paris with my best friend, Min Ju. you know Paris is known for romantic place. i absolutely agree to that. The place is Romantic. I know it’s little bit dirty but during sunset,… Read more »
Hello Dorothy,
Thank you for sharing your ideas to start a conversation. You have some great follow-up questions for, “Do you like to travel?”
And I agree, Paris is magical!! I live it Paris and I love it every day. I’m glad you enjoyed it here.
Thankful very much. .. my favourite question to someone I meeting is where are frome originally? so it give anopotortoniy to ask him about emportant city in his country and tourism &the culture
Hello Balighnustaf,
Thank you for your comment. I’m happy to know this lesson was useful to you and great choice for a conversation starter question! You’re right that it is a good question for follow-up conversation about culture and tourism.
Hello Anne,
My favourite question is: “Where are you from originally?
My answer is: ” I am from Pakistan.
And I have a Conversation Starter: “How are you?”
Great examples, Syed. Well done.
Love using virtually all questions highlighted but sometimes,it’s interpreted as being too personal. Don’t you think? kudos to your versatility in English though!
Hi Kelvin,
Thanks for your comments. I would say that the questions on this list are quite okay to use in nearly any situation if you follow the basic rules of small talk. We often use the acronym F.O.R.D. when considering what topics we can discuss in small talk: Family, Occupation (job), Recreation (hobbies/free time/vacations), Dreams. The questions on this list fall under those categories.
Best wishes, Annemarie
Hello Anne,
I am so proud to tell, Your teaching English is amazing & interesting.
Thank you so much.
What a kind comment. Thank you so much, Avish! I’m glad to know my lessons are useful to you!
~ Annemarie
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and brilliant design.
Hello Catherina,
Thank you for sharing that! I’m thrilled that you’ve found this page and thank you for the kind comments. I hope that you’ve continued to enjoy the weekly lessons!
I really like the “what’s unique or special” question because it encourages the other person to be specific while being thoughtful and it’s such a friendly question. Sometimes I ask people about books they might be reading if that seems like it’d make a good connection with the other person; their answers are usually intriguing!