Questionaire
Questionaire
Questionaire
You don’t necessarily have to start a conversation with an icebreaker question. You can also
share a piece of advice you’ve recently learned from a book you’re reading, mention a funny
restaurant experience, or comment about something in your surroundings.
Remember: opening up the conversation is often the most challenging part. If you take the step
to initiate, you’ll likely make the other person feel more comfortable contributing. Should you
still feel nervous, use personal anecdotes to ease into the conversation and create jumping-off
points for the other person to share their point of view.
If you’re speaking with a best friend, on the other hand, asking personal questions about the
craziest thing they’ve ever done and what their love languages are is often fine.
Here are some versatile questions to use whether you’re striking up a conversation with a
stranger or initiating a chat with a new colleague:
If you’re in a laid-back, casual setting, this could be as simple as posing funny would you rather
questions. If you’re in a more intimate, you may want to ask interesting questions to get to know
the other person on a deeper level.
Here are some of the best questions to get to know others personally:
Whether you’re at a work party, community event, or meeting in-laws for the first time, asking
light-hearted questions is a great way to get to know the unique personalities around you. Fun
questions can make others laugh, loosen up tension, and make connecting easier.
Here are several go-to questions to ease nerves and make a positive first impression:
It’s normal to feel hesitant about diving into deep discussions. However, it can be a fast way to
build connections through shared experiences and understanding. You may even find comfort in
learning that a previous subject you felt alone in is relatable to someone around you.
It can feel vulnerable to share personal information, so when you do so, it shows the other person
that you trust them. Remember: if you’re having a serious discussion with someone, always
remember to listen actively and make their feelings feel valid.
Here are some examples of deep questions you can ask to build close connections and trust:
Here are some work-friendly questions you can ask your colleagues or higher-ups:
Be curious
Staying curious opens you up to a world of knowledge and valuable insight. You’ll learn more
about yourself and the people around you through the stories, ideas, and perspectives they share.
And if you never ask questions, you’ll never know what life experiences they hold.
A hint of curiosity will help you navigate through the conversation naturally and ask follow-up
questions. And in doing so, your conversation partner will also perceive you as engaged,
receptive, and thoughtful.
No conversation should feel like an interrogation. A good talk flows naturally and has equal give
and take. Remember: your questions are the conversation starter, not the entire show.
Ask a couple of questions to build familiarity, find common ground, and let the chatter carve its
own path. Don’t be afraid of silence — sometimes, pausing provides an excellent opportunity to
reflect on what’s been said.
Active listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying and listening
to understand rather than to respond. Use eye contact to show interest, and remember to give
your full attention to your conversation partner.
Keep in mind that a lot of human communication goes unspoken, so you may want to practice
using body language to show others you’re listening and engaged.
Building confidence can help you become less hesitant about asking questions.
When you’re secure in your communication skills and valuable traits, you’ll be less worried
about how others perceive you. You can build these skills by asking more questions or attending
events that place you outside of your comfort zone.
1. Avoid “Yes” or “No” questions: Closed-ended questions are a fast way to shut down a
conversation. When you ask too many queries that require one-word responses, your
conversation partner can’t offer a detailed answer. Instead, ask open-ended questions to
allow others to reflect and provide more meaningful responses.
2. Be careful when discussing personal beliefs: Not everyone has the same beliefs, and
that’s okay. Sometimes, discussing political or religious values can quickly become
heated, even with people you consider friends. If you’re unsure about a topic, you should
ask if they’re comfortable discussing it before posing any questions.
3. Don’t only ask questions: Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas when others
ask about you. A conversation is also a way for new people to learn more about you.
When you don’t share information, the other person may feel you don’t reciprocate their
want for connection.
A deep conversation builds trust and shows others that you care about their perspective and
ideas. Remember to read the room, listen attentively, and ask follow-up questions to keep the
ball rolling.