Whether you’ve known someone for a while, or the relationship is brand new, sometimes it’s difficult to get a conversation going. Instead of grasping for topics to talk about with adults or kids, use these ready-made questions!
Then, watch as you find common ground and the discussion takes off with little effort!
Good Topics to Talk About
First, we start with the old classics. These good things to talk about get the conversation going even if you know nothing about the other person.
1. Family
If you both have kids, this is the biggest common ground you can find. If not, ask about siblings, parents, and other relatives.
- How big is your family?
- Do your parents and siblings live close?
- Do you have kids? What are their ages?
- What do your kids love to do?
2. The Weather
When in doubt, you can ALWAYS bring up the weather!
- The weather sure is _____ today.
- What is your favorite type of weather?
- Do you think it will rain later this week?
3. Sports
Bringing up your favorite sport will get them talking about theirs too.
- What sports do you like to watch?
- Do you play any sports?
- Who is your favorite team?
- Do you go to any games?
4. Work
We spend an enormous amount of our time working, so it makes sense to ask about it.
- Where do you work?
- What do you do there?
- Do you enjoy your work?
- How long have you been doing that?
5. The Weekend
As in, what are your plans for the weekend? Or, did you do anything fun last weekend? These are simple but always effective!
6. What You Eat
These days many people have special or particular diets. Even with no restrictions, it’s fun to find out what a person enjoys to eat.
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
- What do you eat for breakfast?
- What’s your go-to for lunch? Snacks?
7. Places to Go
As habitual creatures, we tend to go to the same places over and over. Find out where your person enjoys going!
- What do you do in the city for fun?
- Where did you go this week to get out of the house?
8. Your Home
Now, explore where your new friend lives.
- Do you live in an apartment or a house?
- How do you like the neighborhood?
- Do you want to stay there forever?
9. Favorite Restaurants
Asking someone about their favorite things usually gives us inspiration to try something new!
- What is your favorite restaurant?
- Where do you find good ______ (sushi, pizza, steak, etc.)?
- If you were going out to a special dinner, where would you go?
10. Music
Music helps us tap into our inner emotions and is proven to release stress. Let’s see what they prefer!
- What is your favorite type of music?
- When do you listen to music?
- Do you prefer music or quiet?
11. Cooking
Cooking is an essential part of everyone’s day. So, why not ask about it!
- Do you like to cook?
- Who cooks most of the meals in your house?
- What are your favorite weeknight dinners?
12. Clothes/Fashion Styles
You can discuss what “all the kids” are wearing these days, or simply give the other person a compliment about something they are wearing.
- That shirt is really nice! Where did you get it?
13. Pets
If you both have pets, you can talk for hours about your sweet animals.
- Do you have any pets?
- Does your dog like to take walks?
- Does your cat go outside?
- What do you need to take care of your hamster?
14. Different Cultures
The way different cultures approach things is endlessly fascinating.
- Where is your family from?
- Have you ever lived in another culture?
- What did you enjoy about living there? (or what you saw)
15. Seasons
We all have times of the year that we especially cherish.
- What is your favorite season? Why?
- What’s your least favorite season?
16. Things That Bug You
Even the most positive people see things that bother them!
- Don’t you hate it when __________?
- What is something that drives you crazy?
17. Daily Routines
How a person spends a typical day tells you an enormous amount about their life.
- What time do you get up?
- What do you do when you get up in the morning?
- How do you like to wind down at night?
18. Books
If you are both readers (or you are an aspiring reader), ask about great books!
- What’s your all time favorite book?
- If I wanted to read about _____, what would you recommend?
19. Stress Relief
So much overload happens in our world today, and it can be good to see how others deal with it too.
- When you are stressed what helps you relax?
- Do you ever get anxiety?
- What kinds of things trigger stress for you?
- Are you stressed about anything lately?
20. Your Relationship
If you are both in a relationship, it’s one of the best topics to talk about. (If the other person is single, obviously avoid these questions).
- How long have you been (together) married?
- Where did you meet?
- How do you enjoy spending time with your partner?
- What is something that has changed in your relationship with time (or kids)?
21. Liberal Art Preferences
What does your new friend think about art, dance, and theater?
- Do you enjoy going to see shows or plays?
- Have you ever been to the symphony?
- What kind of artwork do you enjoy (or put in your home)?
22. Sleep Habits
It can be an interesting topic to explore with someone else.
- How much sleep do you think you need?
- What helps you fall asleep at night?
- Do you have trouble with staying asleep?
23. Health
Everyone has health issues at one time or another. This is the chance to let them tell you about it.
- Have you had any health problems in the past?
- What do you do to stay healthy?
24. Your Past
Overall, we love comparing our past to a present situation.
- How was it different when you were a kid?
- Do you think it has changed for the better? Or for the worse?
25. Friendships
With adults, some friendships last decades and can be a great source of conversation.
- Do you see your friends as much as you’d like to.
- What are your friends like?
- How long have you known your friend? Where did you meet?
Interesting Topics to Talk About
Now, the following topics to talk about get more in-depth and will provide you with some entertaining and even funny conversation.
26. Hobbies
Sometimes hobbies tell more about a person than their work life.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Tell me about one of your creative passions.
27. Prized Possessions
This question will get to the heart of it:
If you could only save three things in your home from a fire, which would they be?
28. Movies
Most people have specific movie preferences. So, compare your favorite movie genres and the blockbuster hits.
- What is your favorite movie of all time?
- What is a good movie you’ve seen recently?
- What is your favorite type of movie?
29. TV Shows
This topic is easy, and is usually something that people love talking about.
- What tv series have you watched multiple times?
- What current show are you really into?
- Have you seen _______?
30. Current Events
There tends to be plenty of things to talk about regarding what’s happening in the world lately. Just keep in mind that news can be biased and tends to be “doom and gloom.” (So, pick other topics as well)
- Did you see what happened?
- What do you think about ______?
31. Politics
In this day and age, this can be REALLY tricky. But it will certainly be interesting!
- Who are you voting for?
- What issues are important to you?
32. Preferred Adventures
Now, we get to the ways a person branches out and explores.
- Do you like amusement parks? Or climbing mountains?
- Do you enjoy physical challenges?
- What is your favorite type of adventure?
33. Things You Have or Have Not Done Before
This epic have you ever game is meant for kids, but it will be a winner for adults and groups too. Use a few questions from it and you’ll learn a ton about the other person (while laughing).
34. Your Habits
- What habits would you like to stop?
- What good habits do you have now?
- What would you like to add into your day?
35. Shopping
Find out what kind of a shopper your friend is.
- Do you like to go shopping?
- What types of things do you typically buy?
36. Your Name
A person’s name can tell a lot about his or her family.
- Is there a story to your name?
- Do you like your name, or do you wish you could change it?
37. Your Favorite Family Rituals & Traditions
Traditions are the glue that binds a family. These questions show what rituals they love bonding over.
- What are your favorite holiday traditions?
- What do you enjoy doing with your family every week? Every day?
38. The Places You Have Been
Find out the cool places your person has been to. Often, people love telling you about them.
- What is the coolest place you’ve been to?
- What made it so special?
- Where else have you traveled to? Would you go back?
39. The Places You Want to Travel To
Now, we all keep a mental list of the places we’d love to travel to. Find out theirs.
- What are the top 3 places you’d like to visit.
- Do you have plans to go there anytime soon?
40. What You Are Learning
It’s good for all of us to be a student at something!
- What are you studying or learning about right now?
- What new skill are you developing at work?
41. Podcasts, Blogs, & Websites
We spend more time online than ever before. That means we like to talk about the places we visit frequently.
- What podcasts do you listen to often?
- When you’re online, what websites do you visit most?
- Do you enjoy any blogs or social media accounts?
42. Previous Jobs or Career
It’s not uncommon to switch careers these days, and this topic could open a whole new world.
- Have you always done your current job?
- Why did you leave that career path?
- Did any skills transfer over?
43. Coffee or Tea
Many people are a little obsessed with their tea or coffee! Let’s get them talking to see.
- Do you drink coffee (or tea) in the morning? How much?
- Do prefer a specific brand?
- Do you grind whole beans or buy ground coffee?
- What do you put in your coffee (or tea)?
44. Alcohol (Adults Only)
Like coffee, cocktails are a fun way to be creative and make something to your tastes.
- Do you drink alcohol? What kind?
- Do you make a signature cocktail?
- Have you ever explored making different kinds of drinks?
45. Languages You Know
Most of us don’t know if another person speaks a second language until we ask.
- Have you ever learned another language?
- How much of it do you use?
- Do you speak it at home?
46. Getting Older
Some don’t mind getting wiser, while others wish to stay young forever.
- Does getting older bother you?
- How have you changed in the last 5 or 10 years?
47. Your Self Care
We take care of ourselves in different ways.
- What types of things do you do for yourself?
- How do you take care of yourself during the week?
- What activities bring you bliss?
For help with self-care, check out these free resources:
48. Investing
If you know that your person has invested in something you want to get into, this is your chance to learn more!
- How did you get started in ___ investing? (real estate, stock, etc.)
- What do you like about it?
- What advice would you give to someone else?
49. Goals
Striving towards something is important for growth and happiness.
- What goals are you working on right now?
- Why are these goals important to you?
50. Your Bucket List
This is quite personal, but also fun to see the exciting things others want to do.
- What’s on your bucket list?
- If you only had a year to live, what would you make sure you crossed off of it?
- Conversation Topics for Kids
Now, these topics to talk about with kids that are appropriate, but still super fun!
51. Free Time
Free time equals play time for most kids! Does it for this kiddo as well?
- What would you want to do if you had a few extra hours of time?
- Do you get enough time to do things you enjoy?
52. Favorite Games
Whether it’s board games or video games, asking about what they like to play will be a winner every time.
- What board game do you love most?
- What is your favorite card game?
- Do you have a game that you always win at?
53. Money
Kids are just learning about the power of money. These questions will tell you what they think.
- If someone gave you $100 dollars today, what would you do with it?
- Have you been saving up for anything cool?
- Do you prefer to buy many small items or one large thing?
54. Birthdays
Your birthday is one of the best days of the year for a kid!
- What is your favorite thing about your birthday?
- Do you do anything special on your birthday?
- Do you feel older on your birthday? More mature?
55. Holidays
Holidays break up the mundane for kids (and adults). They are just plain fun!
- What is your favorite holiday? Why?
- What is the best family tradition you do? (See my holiday tradition ebook if you need help!)
- If you could make up a new holiday, what would it be?
56. Animals
If your child is an animal lover, this is one of the most plentiful conversation topics to talk about with kids!
- What animal do you wish you could have for a pet?
- What animal is really weird or scary to you?
- What animal do you think is super cute?
57. Growing Up
Kids go through a lot of change and development through the years.
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- Would you rather grow faster or slower than you are now?
- What do you miss about being younger?
58. School
This topic covers the basic aspects of being at school.
- Do you like going to school?
- What is the best part of the school day?
- What is the worst part of the school day?
59. Friends
Now, learn how your kid navigates peers and friendships.
- Do you like playing with other kids, or would you rather play alone?
- Do you have a best friend?
- What do you like to do with friends?
- Do you see your friends outside of school?
60. Colors
- If you picked a color for your personality, what would it be?
- What’s your favorite color? Why?
- What’s your least favorite?
61. Chores
Learning to do chores is a part of most kids’ upbringing.
- Do you do chores?
- What is your favorite chore?
- What chore do you hate?
62. Superpowers
Superhuman heroes are a fascination of most young kids. (And adults too!)
- What superhero do you think is the coolest?
- Which superpowers would you prefer to have?
63. Family Activities
Next, find out the real truth about how they spend time with family.
- What do you do with your family that you love?
- What do you wish you did more with your family?
- What do you hate doing with them?
64. Relatives
Extended family is a big part of childhood too.
- What do you like to do with your grandparents?
- Do you see your cousins often? What do you do together?
65. Favorite Day of the Week
These questions get kids thinking about the days that bring an element of fun.
- What day is your favorite?
- What makes this day the best?
66. School Subjects
As for learning, let’s find out what interests are there.
- What subject in school is the most interesting?
- What subject is the most boring?
- What would you love to learn more about?
- How do you think you learn best?
67. Cartoons
- What is your all-time favorite cartoon?
- What cartoons did you watch when you were younger?
68. After-School Activities
What a kid does after school tells a lot about his/her interests.
- What activities do you do after school in a typical week?
- What extracurricular activity would you like to do soon?
69. Dinosaurs
Some kids LOVE telling you about prehistoric dinos.
- What dinosaur is the most powerful?
- What dinosaur is your favorite?
- Would you ever want to see a dinosaur up close?
70. Your Bedroom
A kid’s personal space is crazy important!
- What do you love most about your bedroom?
- What’s your favorite item in your room?
- If you could add one thing to your room, what would it be?
71. Fears
This helps kids open up and have a real discussion about what they are afraid of.
- Do you ever have nightmares? Why do they scare you?
- Is there anything in your home that makes you nervous?
72. Reading
Kids read for school and for fun. Find out what they like.
- What do you like to read about?
- Do you like to read fiction or non-fiction?
- Do you prefer picture books or chapter books?
- Which is better, the book or the movie?
73. Entertainment
Learn how this kiddo prefers spending time.
- Do you like video (or computer) games?
- Would you rather watch a movie or a show?
- Do you like going out or staying in?
74. Homework
Unless the child is a toddler, he or she is familiar with the concept of homework.
- Do you get a lot of homework?
- Do you like to get your homework done early or wait until the last minute?
75. Technology
Technology is a HUGE part of our kiddos’ lives these days.
- What is one piece of technology you couldn’t live without?
- Do you prefer the computer, ipad, video game console, or phone? Why?
- Do you think you could go a day without technology?
Deep Topics to Talk About
What are some deep topics? You’ll find them here!
76. Love
Whether it’s romantic or family love, this emotion plays a central role in all of our lives.
- Have you ever been in love?
- Who are the people you love most?
- How do your family, partner, friends show love?
77. Your Values
Our values guide our entire lives behind the scenes. So, learning someone’s values get to the heart of what that person believes.
- What are your top 3 values in life? (Ex. integrity, truth, love, compassion, health, family, etc.)
78. Your Purpose
Having a purpose is essential to a life lived with any kind of intention.
- How do you feel you contribute to the world?
- What gets you out of bed in the morning?
- What do you want others to say about your life when you are gone? (for a deeper look into questions like these, check out my self-love & discovery journaling prompts)
79. Your Strengths
Every single one of us is a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. With awareness, this knowledge can help us.
- What are you good at?
- What do you do in your job that no one (or few) can do?
- What personality trait do you have that has helped you in life?
80. Your Weaknesses
- What are you not very good at?
- What do you prefer getting help with or delegating?
- What personality trait has gotten you in trouble in the past?
81. Happiness
One of life’s greatest achievements is simply to be happy. Find out what your person thinks of the deep conversation topic.
- Would you say that you are happy? Why?
- How does a person know he or she is happy?
- What activities make you happiest?
82. Vision Board
What are their biggest dreams and desires? If you can both open up about this, you’ll be talking and bonding for hours.
- Where do you wish to be in a year?
- How does that look different from today?
- Which area of your vision is most important to you?
83. Wisdom
We all carry with us the lessons of our past. Listen and learn from the person you are talking to.
- What do you believe is true that most people would disagree with you on? (source)
- What has been your biggest life lesson?
- What would you tell your younger self about life?
84. Your Favorite Charities/Philanthropy
Where a person gives his or her money tells a lot about beliefs and life experiences.
- Do you give money to any charities or organizations? Which ones?
- Do you ever volunteer? What do you like to help with?
85. Your Childhood
We all come from somewhere, and a childhood stays with you for life.
- How did your family life as a kid shape who you are today?
- What did you learn from your childhood?
86. Beauty
We should all be exposing ourselves to beauty often. Now, find out what is considered breathtaking to another person.
- What’s the most beautiful sight you’ve ever taken in?
- What beauty do you experience on a daily basis?
- What simple life pleasures bring out the beauty in your day?
87. People You Admire
The kind of people we look up to tell a lot about us.
- Name one person you admire, are inspired by, or try to be more like. Why?
- Who would you love to be your mentor or coach?
88. The Universe
Now, get into exploring one of the topics to talk about that have no clear answers for us.
- How big do you think our universe is?
- Do you think we will ever be able to explore it all?
- What do you think we will find out about our universe?
89. God
Once you know someone well, finding out his or her beliefs around God and religion introduces a new realm of discussion.
- Do you believe in God?
- Are you part of a faith or religion?
- How much are your beliefs a part of your family life?
90. Proudest Moments
- What are you most proud of in your life right now?
- Name a time you had immense pride.
91. Best Memories
Memories help us relive the best moments of our past, and most people LOVE sharing this with others.
- Name your best memory. (Or handful of memories)
- What made these moments so special?
92. Money Philosophy
A person’s money philosophy will guide her or his entire life, and is worth understanding.
- Is being wealthy important to you?
- What would you like to do with your money?
- Are you a spender or saver?
93. Problems in Society
Next, find out how involved your friend (or family member) is with solving our greatest world problems.
- What do you think our greatest societal problems are? (Ex. health, poverty, crime.)
- How do you think they would be best fixed?
94. Other Planet Life
Now, try a few deep topics to talk about that get you thinking outside of the box.
- Do you believe in aliens?
- Do you think we have ever made contact with extraterrestrial life?
- Do you think we ever will?
95. Ghosts
How superstitious is the person you are talking to?
- Do you believe in ghosts?
- Have you ever encountered a ghost presence?
- Would you spend the night in a haunted house?
96. What You Are Grateful For
When you find out what someone is grateful for, you understand what is most meaningful to that person.
- What are the top 5 things you are most grateful for?
- What simple blessings do you try not to take for granted?
97. Retirement
Now, let’s look ahead to the future together. This is one of the most fun things to talk about.
- How do you want to spend your golden years? What does your life look like?
- Who are the people and where are the places you want to visit?
98. Adversity
Life struggles happen to all of us.
- Do you think adversity is important?
- What have your biggest challenges been and how have you overcome them?
99. Your Legacy
Deep down, we all hope to leave a legacy worthy of a life well-lived.
- What do you hope to leave behind when you are gone?
- What do you hope others say about you and how you lived when you are no longer here?
100. The Future
Next, the world is changing fast. Is it for the better?
- What do you think the world will look like in 1,000 years?
- Will technology help us or destroy us?
- Will our planet be the same as it is now?
Tech Topics to Talk About
These days, tech is embedded in our daily lives. It’s everywhere – from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. So, get to know someone by exploring the topic.
101. Internet Usage
Whether it’s for work or fun, everyone spends time online.
- If you were to track your usage, how many hours a day do you think you spend online?
- What’s the longest you’ve ever “unplugged” for?
- When you get online, what do you always want to look at first?
102. Apps You Like
Apps are like personal possessions. See which ones your friend holds near and dear.
- Of all the apps in your phone, which one improves your life the most?
- Which one is a waste of your time, but you can’t seem to quit it?
103. Online Games
Different games draw in different types of people.
- What games on your devices do you play the most?
- What device do you prefer to play online games on?
104. Phones
Nothing in your life is with you as much as your phone is. (Isn’t that kind of weird?)
- Do you usually upgrade phones when a new one comes out?
- What phone do you have now?
- Have you ever lost or broken your phone?
105. Podcasts
Podcasts are excellent for learning and entertainment. Plus, they’re free!
- In the last year, which podcast have you listened to most? Why?
- What’s a podcast that you’ve heard of, and hope to listen to someday?
- If you could pick one category of a podcast to listen to, what would it be?
106. Streaming Services & Subscriptions
Almost everyone has a streaming service. You can find out a lot about a person when you get a glimpse of what he/she watches.
- Of all your streaming services, which one could you not live without?
- What do you like and dislike about your services?
107. Privacy & Security
Online privacy has been a hot debate in recent years. Explore how you each feel about it.
- Does it bother you that online sites and stores can keep your information to use for selling later?
- What do you think can be done to protect the privacy of individuals online?
- Do you think your information is secure online?
108. Remote Working
Now more than ever, workers are logging in from home. Is this a good or bad thing? Let’s find out!
- What are the pros and cons of working from home?
- Do you have better work-life boundaries when you work in the office or when you work remotely?
109. Virtual Reality
- What virtual reality have you tried in the past few years?
- Do you think VR has a future in an office setting?
- How would you like to see virtual reality devices used in the future?
110. Future Innovations of Technology
Tech is our future. And only our imagination tells us the limits!
- Do you think self-driving cars will become a reality? How long will it take?
- Would you put a chip in your brain if it allowed you to communicate with others silently?
- Is cloning a good or bad thing? Does it depend on the situation?
Want a Topics Cheat Sheet to Have Handy?
Tips for Things to Talk About:
Before you go, I leave you with a few tips while discussing your topics to talk about.
1. Start with the easy topics to talk about
With people you don’t know well, stick to the good and interesting topics sections. Those are all safe for easy to discuss.
2. Follow the lead of the person talking.
If your person looks visibly uncomfortable, change the subject. If he or she seems like they could talk about this topic forever, then stay with it and go with the conversation flow.
