Do you ever find yourself standing around awkwardly at a party, wishing you could come up with something witty and engaging to say? If your answer is "yes," you're not alone. It can be hard to start up a conversation with strangers, but don't hide off in the corner or you'll miss the opportunity to make some potentially great connections. Have a New Year's Eve party coming up? Well, don't stress about it anymore because we're here to help.
Click through for a list of conversation starters that will get you breaking the ice like a pro at your next party or event!
1. What's your favorite season? Guess what- talking about the weather is not lame! It's a neutral topic that's relevant to anyone, and asking a question like this opens the door to some more back and forth.
2. How do you know the host? This is a classic, but it works because it's always interesting to find ways that we're connected to other people.
3. What's your favorite holiday? Great conversation opener because it's expressing interest in the other person, but it's not too personal.
4. Do you sing in the shower? A little wacky, maybe, but it can get a great reaction from the right person.
5. Do you prefer paper or e-books? If you ask a non-reader you might have a problem, but almost everyone has a strong opinion on this debate.
6. If you could invite anyone in history to dinner, who would it be? This one is used a lot, but that just proves it's a good one. It gets the other person thinking and can spark some great conversation.
7. Those are great earrings (shirt, bag, or whatever)! Where did you get them? Everyone loves a compliment, and if there's a story in there, the person will love to tell it.
8. The food here looks so good! What have you tried? Who doesn't like to talk about food?
9. Have you ever met anyone famous? Everyone is intrigued by famous people, so the other person will love to tell you about it if he or she has. And if the answer is no, you can always tell your own story.
10. Do you speak any other languages? This question gives other people a chance to tell you a little about themselves.
11. What's the farthest place you've ever traveled? This can lead to some great conversation.
12. Do you like spicy food? Almost everyone loves to talk about food- see #8.
13. What's the craziest thing you've ever done? Sort of personal, but can be answered any way they want, and it gives you the opportunity to trade stories.
14. Do you watch reality TV? If the answer is "no," you might have to try again, but if it's "yes" you could probably keep talking for days!
15. How awkward is it when you feel like you have nothing to say? Nothing wrong with saying it like it is!
Try these the next time you feel the pressure, or prepare before your event and come up with some of your own. Also remember to look friendly and approachable: Stand with your head and chest up, don't cross your arms, and smile. You might not be comfortable at first, but here it's really important to "fake it 'til you make it," and in no time you'll be breaking the ice like nobody's business!
