Notes

That is a very nice sweater. Do you mind sharing where you got it?
I love your hair. Do you have a favorite salon?
Your lunch looks delicious. Did you make it yourself?
2. Start a general conversation but make sure you are sharing too so that it doesn’t feel like an interrogation.
How are you?
What do you think of this weather?
Have you read any good books recently?
What have you been up to since I last saw you?
3. Ask open ended questions.
Do you like sports?
Where do/did you go to college? What is/was your major?
How do you like to spend your weekends?
Do you enjoy reading?
4. Ask “If you could only” questions.
What are the three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
You can only eat five different foods for the rest of your life, what are they?
If you could pick anyone, who would you like to spend an afternoon with?
You are stuck in a cabin for two years. What five books would you take with you?
5. Here are some first date ice-breakers.
Where did you grow up?
What was it like growing up in your family?
Are you a cat or dog person?
Do you like to read? Do you like movies?
Who is your favorite actor?
6. Start a conversation at work.
How was your weekend?
What is your favorite lunch restaurant?
Is it cold/hot in here or is it just me?
How is your day going? Are you busy?
Do you have a vacation planned?
7. Find a common ground.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Who is your favorite author?
Do you like to go to concerts?
Do you like to travel?
Have you been in other countries before?
Describe your dream vacation.
8. “Would you rather” questions.
Would you rather go without your smartphone or without a car for a month?
Would you rather be really busy in a job you love or be able to slack off at a job you are only vaguely interested in?
Would you rather be the most popular person or the smartest person in your social group?
Would you rather be the worst person on a great team or the best person on a good team?
9. Let’s get serious.
If you were granted 3 wishes, but you couldn’t use them to wish for material things, what would you wish for?
Who has had the most influence on creating you as a person?
Describe the happiest day of your life.
Are people basically born good or bad?
What quality do you like best in yourself?
If you could choose your own first name, what would you choose and why?
10. Use the S.O.F.T.E.N. technique to help create a great non-verbal impression.
– Smile
Open up your posture
Forward lean
Touch by shaking hands
Eye contact
Nod when the other person talks