Hi curiously,
So, you don't want to talk about the weather! :) Just kidding of course!
During my youth I was very bashful and tongue-tied in social
situations. Going to a party put me in panic mode very quickly.
Thank goodness that didn't continue into my adult years!
The best conversation starters are questions that require more than a
yes or no answer.
My first recommendation would be a fun besteller book: The Book of
Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. It's cost is minimal - $6.95 and
size is 4 inches by 6 inches. There are no right or wrong answers...
just questions. It's not a trivia book either.
You can read all about the book and reviews by people who purchased
the book at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0894803204/002-8645511-2200849?v=glance
From the Back Cover
"Ask your friends. Ask your parents. Ask someone you hardly know. The
Book of Questions gives you permission to ask those things that are
too bold, too embarrassing, or just too difficult to ask by yourself.
You will find questions of integrity; of sex; of what you would do for
money..."
Reviews:
"Fun and versatile
While a simple concept, this book is surprisingly fun and amazingly
useful in a variety of circumstances.
I first started carrying it as a way to start conversations in
parties. A naturally shy person, I dreaded being in a social situation
and not having anything to talk to people about. If things got
awkward, I could simply pull out the book and say, "Pick a number
between 1 and 122."
I've found it useful in business as a way to get to know my co-workers
or to inspire brainstorming during meetings. The questions may not
have anything to do with the topic at hand, but considering the
answers and discussing them gets the creative juices flowing.
In playing traditional role-playing games, I've found the book useful
in developing characters. I ask my players to pick a number and answer
the question in character. It's a great way to build depth into the
characters and I imagine it would be useful for actors and directors
of stage or screen as well.
All in all, you won't regret having this book as a resource and even
if you never share the questions with others, thinking about your own
answers will let you explore the fullness of your self."
and...
"a conversation starter
If you have problems with topics for conversation keep this gem handy.
There are some questions that are sure to peak everyone's talking bug.
Some light hearted topics that will keep you talking for plenty of
hours. Serious, humorous, thought provoking..."
Some examples from the book include:
"When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
What do you value most in a relationship?
Would you like to be famous? In what way?"
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On the internet...
Conversation Questions
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/nov/conv.htm#Reading
Subjects include:
"Houses & Architecture
The Environment & You
Politics & Government
Space & Space Travel
Animals & Pets -
Art
Socializing & Friendship
Adventure
Entertainment Science & Medicine
The Media
The Paranormal
Movies
Shopping
Music
Travel
Dating & Relationships
Technology
Crime & Justice
Learning Languages
Dreams & Sleep
Drugs & Medicine
Work
Food"
From Socializing & Friendship
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/conversation/cqsocial.htm
"How did your parents meet?
How many friends have you kept from childhood? Tell about them."
From The Paranormal
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/conversation/cqparanormal.htm
"What do you for good luck? Do you think it works?
Do you think that UFOs carry visitors from another planet?"
Music Questions
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/conversation/cqmusic.htm
"What musician would you most like to meet? Why?
Do you play a musical instrument? What instrument? Did you take lessons?"
Technology questions:
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/conversation/cqtech.htm
Do you think that people will ever visit Mars? How about live there?
What do you think the world will be like a hundred years from now?"
===============================================================================
Conversation Starters compiled by Christine and Val while hanging out at Borders.
http://www.ncsingleparent.com/conversation_starters.htm
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
What place do you want to visit most?
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
What's your favorite word? What's your least favorite word?
Do you believe in God? Karma?
When you get to heaven, what do you hope that God says to you? What
do you think he will really say to you?
If you could interview anyone living or dead, who would it be?"
[edit]
"If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go, and what would you do?
When you have a snack, do you prefer something sweet like chocolate or
salty and crunchy, like chips?
Tell me about the best novel you?ve read."
===============================================================================
Christmas party clangers (Office party do's and don'ts)
http://www.jobserve.com/news/NewsStory.asp?SID=2349
Ideal Conversation Starters:
"Positive comments about the party venue
Enquire about colleagues? plans for the festive season
Positive comments about how good it is to get everyone together"
===============================================================================
The Book of Fabulous Questions: Great Conversation Starters About
Love, Sex and Other Personal Stuff by Penelope Frohart has good
reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0966114469/002-8645511-2200849?v=glance
===============================================================================
Links on the web regarding conversing with strangers:
http://www.lovebuilders.com/Conversation-Starters.html
http://entertainmates.com/conversation/convers_tips_002.asp
http://sc.essortment.com/artofconversat_ryyo.htm
Search:
I have The Book Of Questions and found it to be most entertaining when
interacting in a social situation.
Google search:
conversation starters
stimulating conversation
party conversation starters
communicating in social situations
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
