Imagine this:
you're having a casual conversation at a social gathering or a
networking event. You've introduced yourself and covered the basics.
You want to keep talking with this person, but you feel a bit stuck.
What should you say next? In this video,
you'll learn how to ask better questions and keep the conversation going in
American English. We'll talk about 17 neutral,
but interesting topics of conversation so that you're prepared whenever you need
to make small talk. Knowing how to ask simple,
yet engaging questions can help you feel more confident anytime you find
yourself making small talk, whether that's in the workplace,
with acquaintances or friends at a social gathering,
or even with strangers that you've just met.
We'll talk about neutral topics of conversation so that you can be prepared
without worrying that what you say may be inappropriate.
Before we get started with the questions, I want to share my biggest secret,
that will help you become a great conversationalist in American English. No,
it's not learning how to talk at length on more and more complicated topics.
It's not changing your personality and becoming more outgoing. It's so simple,
but it really works. Ask more questions. Why is this?
In conversations,
the person who's asking the questions is the person in charge of
the conversation. When you're asking questions,
you don't have to think about what you're going to say. Instead,
you're listening to what the other person has to say and showing your interest
in them.
This is super important for connecting with others when making small talk.
A great conversationalist keeps the conversation going.
By asking more questions, you learn more about the other person.
For this reason, even if you don't have a lot to say about the topic,
you can ask the other person more questions to keep them talking.
Most people love talking about their interests, their passions, their hobbies,
and their unique expertise. If you ask them for suggestions,
they'll usually be more than happy to share their knowledge.
Most of the topics we'll cover in this video start with an observation followed
by a question. This is the best way to get people talking about themselves.
If you find five questions you feel comfortable asking,
you'll be much better prepared next time you have the opportunity to make small
talk. Let's start off with neutral topics focused on daily activities,
things we do every single day.
These topics are general and they give you a chance to feel the other person
out, to see if they want to engage in a longer conversation.
Let's talk about recent weather over the past few days.
Weather is the most common topic for small talk and some people feel like it can
be boring.
Make talking about the weather more interesting by relating it to the other
person's hobbies or routines. It's been so warm out lately.
Have you spent any time outside recently? The rain has been nonstop this week.
Are you getting tired of staying indoors? It got cold so quickly.
I finally had to break out a heavy jacket. What about you?
Now let's move on to traffic or the daily commute,
especially in larger cities. Everyone has to get around one way or another,
and we usually have an opinion about it.
There was so much traffic on my way to work. I took I-5,
but there has to be a better way. How did you get here?
Today on my way to school,
there was an accident involving a truck carrying a load of oranges.
I've never seen anything like that. They were all over the road.
Have you ever seen anything like that?
My commute was so short today that I didn't get a chance to finish my podcast.
What do you like listening to on the way to work?
What do you like to listen to in the car?
What do you like to listen to on the train? The red line was super slow today.
It was so frustrating. Did that affect you too?
Now let's look at neutral topics related to entertainment.
You can come prepared with something you read about or saw on social media.
Did you hear about...? Have you seen that article about...?
Have you heard anything about...?
I read the craziest thing on Facebook yesterday. Did you happen to see it?
Similarly, you can bring up recent viral YouTube or Facebook videos,
especially the ones about animals. Just about everyone watches funny,
interesting, or even shocking videos on YouTube.
If you've seen something amusing or inspiring,
you can use that as a conversation starter.
Did you see that video of a raccoon stealing a donut?
I saw the cutest video the other day. It was about...
What did you think of that video about...? Have you seen it?
You may choose to mention local sporting events,
especially if the team is having a good season.
But you have to remember that in some cities,
there are big rivalries between competitive sports teams,
so be careful when expressing controversial preferences.
I saw that the Celtics had a great game last night. Did you see it?
Last night's baseball game went into overtime. I couldn't stay awake any longer.
How did it turn out? I don't know much about American football.
Do you have a favorite team? How are they doing this year?
Another option is to talk about major television or entertainment events.
Every few months,
there are major television events that are watched by a lot of people,
such as the Super Bowl, the Grammys, the Oscars,
the American Music Awards, and the the Emmys.
These are convenient conversation topics if they've happened recently.
Even if the other person didn't watch the event,
they've probably heard something about the results.
Did you watch the Grammys this year? What did you think?
I loved the Super Bowl halftime show this year.
The performing artist was awesome. Did you think it was as good as last year's?
I can't believe this movie won the Oscars.
I thought that movie was going to win. What about you?
You may also choose to bring up popular TV programs,
Netflix series or recent movies, like blockbusters.
While not everybody watches a lot of TV or movies, it's a good,
neutral conversation. Topic.
Try to ask questions about current series that are really popular, series
or season finales, movies that have been recently released,
or whatever is currently popular on Netflix.
Have you been watching this series? What did you think about the latest episode?
Have you seen this movie yet? Do you recommend it?
Do you plan to see this movie?
I started watching this series on Netflix.
Is there anything else you think I should watch?
What shows have you gotten into this season?
Another option is to talk about local tourist attractions.
If you're new to the area, or even if you aren't,
you can ask the other person about places to visit.
Most people love to give recommendations about their hometown or city.
Have you been to the beach this summer? How was it? What's your favorite beach?
I was thinking of going for a walk or a hike this weekend.
Any suggestions in the area? I haven't been to the Museum of Fine Arts recently.
Have you? Did you like the latest exhibition?
Let's move on to neutral topics based on vacations and future plans.
If it's Thursday or Friday, you can ask about their weekend plans.
When you ask people about their upcoming plans for the weekend,
you show interest in their lives.
That way they can answer with as much or as little detail as they'd like.
Any special plans for the weekend? What are you up to this weekend?
If a long weekend or holiday is approaching,
you can ask about upcoming holiday plans.
Everyone looks forward to long weekends because they have an extra day to take a
short trip or do something special, even if that just means sleeping in.
That's why it's a good topic of conversation. I'm looking forward to Labor Day.
How about you? Any special plans for the long weekend?
Going anywhere for the holiday? If it's a high travel season like summer,
you can ask about upcoming vacation plans.
Many people take vacation during the summer and people with kids often take
school vacations.
Asking questions about upcoming travel plans gets the other person talking.
Are you planning on taking any trips this summer? Any vacation plans coming up?
What are your kids up to during their school vacation?
You can also ask about recent vacations, if they've just come back from one.
If your friend, coworker, or classmate has just come back from a trip,
then you can ask them about their travels and ask to see pictures.
How was your trip? How was Europe? Did you have a good time?
You just got back from California, right? Did you take any pictures?
I saw pictures of your trip on Instagram. How'd you like it?
Now let's talk about giving compliments and asking expert advice.
It's perfectly normal to give compliments on a hairstyle or a haircut.
If you like how the person styled their hair,
you can give them a compliment and ask them for advice on how to get the same
style, or where to get a haircut. Did you get a haircut? It looks great!
I love your new hairstyle. How did you do that?
I've always wanted to learn how to braid my hair like that. Any advice?
I love your new haircut. Where'd you get it done?
You can also give compliments on an article of clothing, accessories,
or a piece of jewelry.
Most people enjoy hearing compliments on their personal style.
Then you can follow up with a question. I love your scarf.
Where did you find that my husband has been looking for a tie like that?
Where'd you get it? I need a new spring jacket. I love yours.
Where did you buy it? Those earrings are so cool. Who makes them?
You can also ask questions about specialty items that you know the other
person's interested in, such as gourmet food, cool shoes or jewelry.
If you already know the other person,
you've probably noticed that they drink a lot of tea,
or they always go to the same coffee shop, they wear really interesting rings,
or they have colorful shoes.
This means they probably have opinions on these things,
and can give you some recommendations.
I noticed that you really like tea. Where can I get some good tea?
Have you found a good coffee shop around the office? I'd like a good latte.
I love your shoes. They're so unique. Where can I get some like that?
You always have the coolest necklaces. Where do you shop?
If you're somewhere where food is being served or it's mealtime,
food is another neutral conversation topic.
Most people enjoy talking about food or the special,
interesting diets that they're trying.
If you're in or near a place where food is being served,
this is an easy topic to bring up. I love the sandwiches from this restaurant.
Which one is your favorite? That salad looks delicious. What's in it?
I've been craving a red velvet cupcake. What's your favorite flavor?
One of my favorite topics is asking about cool apps or useful
websites, especially if they help you do something better.
With new apps and technology coming out every day,
the person you're talking to is probably using interesting apps and websites to
manage their daily life, do work, or interact with friends and family.
If you need any suggestions, you can ask for tech advice.
I've been looking for a good app for my to-do lists. What do you use?
I've heard that Evernote is so helpful for staying organized. Have you tried it?
I can't keep up with all the new apps. What are you using these days?
I love this new app I downloaded. It's called...
Do you have any other suggestions? Remember,
the biggest secret to becoming a great conversationalist is to ask more
questions. You may find that someone starts sharing right away,
or it may take two or three questions until they open up and start sharing more
details.
Try asking a few more questions until the other person starts sharing useful,
helpful information, or they show more interest in having the conversation.
Sometimes it can take a little work to get the other person talking.
By showing genuine interest and asking more questions,
you can encourage them to keep sharing. If the person likes the topic,
they'll probably start talking about it on their own.
It's your job to show that you're listening.
Remember to show active listening by responding to what you hear.
Check out this video for more tips. Once again, I'm Kim from englishwithkim.com.
If you like this video,
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Be sure to check out this playlist for even more tips on making better small
talk. Have a good one. Goodbye.