Questions to Spark Meaningful Conversations
Image source: Wall Street Journal
The holiday season is upon us and it’s the time of year for connection and gratitude!
People naturally default to standard small talk about traffic, the weather, or sports, but these topics are rarely memorable or engaging and often lack the sustenance to nourish relationships.
As we spend time with family and friends and toast to another year of productivity with our colleagues, how do we make our interactions and connections more meaningful?
Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions cultivates interesting conversations and strengthens rapport and trust.
Here are some fun questions to get started:
What‘s something new you’d like to try?
Where would you like to go on your next vacation?
What is something you’re proud of?
What’s your favorite kind of pie/food/book/movie (or another category)?
What’s your best family vacation memory?
How do you know the host/hostess?
If you could start a business, what would it be?
What do you love about your hometown?
How did you choose to work in [field]?
What has been the highlight of your day so far?
What are you most grateful for this year?
Having authentic and thoughtful conversations can promote continued genuine connections throughout the year. What other questions would you add to the list?
P.S. Just don’t forget the other important aspect of a good conversation—listening! When someone truly listens to us, we feel heard, understood, and valued. And we are more able to be our authentic selves. Read on for five ways to improve your listening skills!
Resources to Encourage Conversation
If… (Questions for the Game of Life) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywell
An oldie but a goodie, this book should absolutely accompany you to your next dinner party. Filled with questions ranging from reasonable to absurd, meaningful, and hilarious, this is a timeless book that will foster authentic conversations and bring joy to any event.
Something to keep in the car or bring out after dinner, Our Moments contains 100 thought-provoking conversation starters for the whole family. No two answers will be the same, and you’re bound to learn a little something about yourself and the people around you!
Appropriate for all ages, this set of questions is sure to entice everyone to put their phones down. With questions prompting participants to reflect on the past, present, and future, it’s sure to bring laughter!
Pull out a card and watch the fun begin! This could also make a great host/hostess gift.
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