I usually hate small talk… sometimes it’s alright, especially when you just cannot avoid it. Whenever a stranger is involved, that is usually the time where it is inevitable. Honestly, I force myself to keep making conversation and it turns into a real conversation, which makes the whole situation lighter and more enjoyable! I think first dates with strangers or someone you just met are the ultimate small talk situation.
Some creative conversation starters* that I saw online and remembered from personal experiences are:
1) What’s your favorite infomercial? (Honestly, I think this could go either way. Some people really like infomercials and some people could care less. I personally think a lot of infomercials are hilariously horrible and this would definitely lead to a conversation!)
2) What is the best meal you have ever eaten? (I chose this one from online because I think food can really show a person!)
3) Is the glass half empty or half full? (This can also show a person’s personality from the way they answer! Are they an optimist, a realist or an opportunist?)
4) What are your pet peeves? (More often than not, I find myself bonding with other people as we agree or disagree on certain pet peeves. It’s a great conversation starter!)
These may sound a little crazy and random but I would suggest using the typical small talk to start out with (the simple questions like, “How was your day?” or “Where are you from?”) but leading to the more creative conversation starters. It depends on you to keep the date and/or conversation moving but at least you know you will have made the date memorable with these unusual questions. If your date turns into more and you start becoming more comfortable, these questions won’t seem so strange anymore! Good luck!
P.S. If you have any quirky conversation starter tips for us, we’d love to hear them!
*For more creative conversation starters, visit: http://voices.yahoo.com/good-unusual-conversation-starters-a-2673992.html
