Tips on how to make small talk
12/15/25 6:23pm
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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Make Small Talk Like a Pro in Any Situation.
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To make small talk with anyone, start off with a good icebreaker question to get the other person talking and keep the conversation moving. Some easy questions you can use as small talk conversation starters include:
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- What was the highlight of your weekend?
- What do you like most about what you do?
- Have you read any great books lately?
- How have you been enjoying this weather?
- What hobbies are you involved in?
- What's the last thing you watched that you absolutely loved?
If you’re feeling awkward or weird about making small talk, simply focus on the other person. Be engaging with meaningful questions because they help you interact in a way that feels more authentic and less superficial. Instead of asking yes or no questions, try open-ended questions that start with “How” or “What”. For example, “What are your thoughts on this event?”
Listen to truly hear them instead of half-listening while thinking about how to respond. Then, reflect back what you heard by paraphrasing what the other person said. For example, “It sounds like you’re really enjoying this event.” If you practice open-ended questions, active listening and reflecting back on what you hear, other people will respond very positively.
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Listen to truly hear them instead of half-listening while thinking about how to respond. Then, reflect back what you heard by paraphrasing what the other person said. For example, “It sounds like you’re really enjoying this event.” If you practice open-ended questions, active listening and reflecting back on what you hear, other people will respond very positively.
To keep small talk more enticing, stick to topics that are emotionally compelling – favorites, family, pets, or hobbies. Don't talk about things that are cerebral, like work or school. Never talk about your health conditions or focus on negative things. Try to ask about things that are going to make the other person feel good, and focus on positivity.
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