Spinoff - So what IS a good conversation starter?

[Glib Gurl]

Besides asking people about what they do for a living (which rubs some people the wrong way), what are some good conversation openers - say if you meet someone at a happy hour or party?

 

[Love Always]

I like to ask where the person is from.

 

[rabs77]

I like to ask where the person is from.

Me too.

So are you originally from _____________?(In most cases is no)
So what brings you to ____________?(Normally its school, work)
Oh really? Work, SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

Now whats wrong with that line of questioning?

 

[Carrie A]

It's easier to start conversation at a specific event with a theme ie National Book Fair on the Mall, festival, or a show, or a happy hour linked to some event- then you can reference the event and go from there.

I have a cold bar example but I'll come back later to post........

 

[Duchesse]

Yeah, asking someone where they are from is usually what I do. Then you can BS from there and get to the work part. It's more personal and inviting.

 

[laCriolla]

where do you know (the host) from?

nice shirt....

how about those yankees?


where are you mentally? (ok just kidding but i know someone who swears by this one)

 

[Bunny77]

My best ever line: "I've never ordered carnitas on my burrito before! How are they?"

(I met this guy in line at Chipotle. He got my number by the end of the meal.)

 

[Amerie123]

What do you usually like to do on your spare time?

 

[Prudent1]

Anything genuine and not too contrived.

Hi, my name is X. What's your name? I'll comment on their clothes, the events going on around us, sports, current events if I know they are abreast also. Really a wide variety of things. I work with the public so I always have to be ready with conversation.

 

[Nyssa28]

That's a nice (insert piece of clothing), where do you like to shop?

 

[Glib Gurl]

These are good suggestions

 

[CurliDiva]

OK, I hate asking what someone does for a living. Some guys think that you are sizing up their wallets - which can sort of do.

I had a guy back off when he realized that I was "white collar" (his words, not mine) compared to his job. The rest of the conversation was about how he "struggles" . I guess I really was not the one.....

 

[MizAvalon]

I agree with most of the answers. Any general topic can be used to start conversation. The weather, sports, birthplace, travels, family, weekend plans, movies, etc. Just about everyone has something to say about at least one of those topics.

 

[CurleeDST]

Depending on the event I typically ask "so how do you know the host/hostess". "Oh you work together"? "Ah so you are at SSA as well". Blah blah blah. I typically like to ask where people are from and if I have been there compliment their city by naming something I enjoy doing or going in that city.

 

[Theo]

Oh that drink/food looks really good. What is it?

I like that __________. Do you know where I could find good __________? I'm shopping for my mom/brother/nephew.....

Compliment/ Comment on his accent. Hey do you mind me asking you where you're from? Oh, I asked because I have a friend from _______ and you sound just like him.

Compliment/ Comment on his shirt/shoes/clothing color/etc. and act like its unique.
Oh I think its cute when guys wear purple! Why don't more males wear that color?

I always do this if a guy is wearing either pink or purple. Usually leads to a lighthearted conversation about the differences between males and females. Just don't make it argumentative.

 

[pisceschica]

Me too.

So are you originally from _____________?(In most cases is no)
So what brings you to ____________?(Normally its school, work)
Oh really? Work, SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

Now whats wrong with that line of questioning?

Thats what I do to..