How to Come Up With Good Conversation Topics

The ability to come up with good conversation topics for some people is easy, while for others, it's difficult. The ability to converse with people is an important social skill that's worth learning. It can improve your work life, social life and self-esteem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Prepare ahead of time. Make a list of subjects to talk about before you are face to face with a person. Take the type of social situation and the kinds of people you'll interact with into consideration when you make up your list of topics.
2. Ask open-ended questions to get a sense of the person you are talking to. Open-ended questions are questions that require more than a one-word response. Questions such as, "What do find most interesting about your job?" encourage a longer response.
3. Listen to the person's answers. Her answers will give you more information about her and open up other possible topics of conversation.
4. Offer some information about yourself so the person gets a sense of who you are. Don't reveal very personal information that will make the person uncomfortable. Talk about hobbies you are interested in or activities in which you are involved.
5. Talk about a recent book you've read or movie you've seen. You can also use current news events as a conversation starter.
6. Find some common ground with the person. Ask him about his hobbies, interests or travel plans.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek out situations where you can continue to practice this important social skill.