Some people have the gift of the gab. They can probably skip this page. For most of us, however, making polite, yet stimulating conversation with complete strangers can be daunting. Have no fear, check out our Conversation starters!

Conversation Changers

Of course you can ask people what they do for a living or whether they have children. Most people like the sound of their own voice and before you know it your new table buddy is droning on about little Stevie’s allergies or the intricacies of his incredibly dull job. To get him off topic, try one of these distractions:

The Knife Trick
Find a lull in the conversation or create a diversion (knock over a glass of water, always works), and casually say: “Do you know the knife trick?” Works wonders, even with the most boring people!
Tired of the knife trick? There are plenty more! The cork trick, for instance, or ‘the one with the egg’….

Not handy with a knife? Try good ol’ conversation.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

  • If you were a super hero, what special ability would you like to have? (for instance: flying, breathing under water, seeing through walls)
  • Is there a word for ‘fluffy’ in your language?
  • Who’s your favorite Beatle?
  • Some say we are all connected in six steps or less, how might we know each other?

Subjects you may want to avoid: sex, soccer and politics.

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