When you’re meeting someone new, whether it’s a friend, a potential partner, or even a professional connection, you’ll want to make a good impression.
While the best advice is genuinely just to be yourself, there are some things you can do and say that will make you more likeable and more interesting. Here are some phrases you can use to show interest in people, get to know them better, and make yourself someone people love chatting to.
1. “What’s keeping you busy these days?”
Source: Unsplash This open-ended question lets the other person choose what to share about their life. They might talk about work, a hobby, or a personal project. It’s a great way to get a sense of what’s important to them right now. Their answer can give you clues about their priorities and what they’re passionate about, helping you steer the conversation in a direction that engages you both.
2. “I’m looking for a new podcast to get into. Got any recommendations?”
Asking for podcast suggestions is a cool way to learn about someone’s interests. Whether they’re into true crime, comedy, or educational content, their answer can spark a great conversation about shared interests. Plus, you might discover a new favourite podcast for your own listening queue.
3. “What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?”
This question encourages positivity and gives insight into what the person values. It could be something big or just a small moment that made them smile. Either way, it’s a great way to get to know them better. It also sets a positive tone for the conversation and can lead to sharing your own recent good experiences.
4. “I’m trying to expand my reading list. Any books you’ve loved recently?”
Book recommendations can tell you a lot about a person. Whether they’re into fiction, non-fiction, or haven’t read a book in years, their answer can lead to interesting discussions about ideas and stories. You might find yourself swapping book suggestions or debating the merits of different genres.
5. “What’s your go-to place to unwind in this area?”
This question can give you insight into how the person relaxes and what they enjoy doing in their free time. It’s also a great way to discover new local spots. You might even find you have a shared favourite place or get ideas for your next outing.
6. “I’ve been thinking about picking up a new hobby. What do you do for fun?”
Asking about hobbies is a classic for a reason. It gives the other person a chance to talk about their passions and can help you find common interests or learn about something new. Who knows, you might get inspired to try out their hobby or find someone to join you in starting a new one.
7. “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?”
This question shows you’re curious and open to learning. It can lead to fascinating conversations about all sorts of topics, from science to pop culture. You might end up sharing your own recent discoveries, turning the conversation into a fun exchange of ideas.
8. “If you could instantly become fluent in any language, which would you choose?”
This fun hypothetical can reveal a lot about a person’s interests, heritage, or travel aspirations. It’s a light way to potentially uncover deeper topics. You might find yourself discussing the benefits of different languages or sharing stories about language-related mishaps.
9. “What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday?”
This question gives insight into how the person likes to relax and what they value in their downtime. It can lead to relatable conversations about weekend rituals and guilty pleasures. You might discover you share similar ideas of the perfect day off, or get some new ideas for your own relaxation routine.
10. “Have you been to any good events in town recently?”
This is a great way to learn about local happenings and get a sense of what kind of activities the person enjoys. It can also give you ideas for future outings. You might end up sharing your own recent experiences or making plans to check out an upcoming event together.
11. “What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever got?”
This question often leads to meaningful conversations about life experiences and values. It shows you’re interested in learning from other people. You might find yourself sharing your own influential advice or discussing how certain words of wisdom have shaped your decisions.
12. “If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would you choose?”
This classic icebreaker can reveal a lot about a person’s interests and values. It’s a fun way to get to know someone’s perspective on the world. The conversation could evolve into discussing what you’d ask your chosen dinner guest or why certain figures are inspirational to you.
13. “What’s something you’re looking forward to in the coming months?”
Source: Unsplash Asking about future plans or events shows interest in the person’s life and can reveal what they’re passionate about or excited for. It’s a great opportunity to share your own upcoming events and potentially find common ground or shared experiences to look forward to.
14. “Have you tried any new restaurants lately?”
Source: Unsplash Food is always a great topic of conversation. This question can lead to discussions about favourite cuisines, cooking, or local hotspots. You might end up swapping restaurant recommendations or sharing funny dining-out stories.
15. “What’s the coolest place you’ve ever travelled to?”
Source: Unsplash Travel stories are often exciting to share and hear. This question can lead to interesting anecdotes and reveal a lot about the person’s experiences and interests. You could find yourself planning your next trip based on their recommendations or sharing your own unforgettable travel moments.
16. “What’s a skill you’d love to master someday?”
Source: Unsplash This question gives insight into the person’s aspirations and interests. It can lead to conversations about personal growth, bucket lists, and shared goals. You might discover you have similar ambitions or inspire each other to pursue new skills.
