When you’re in a social situation and you’re talking with someone you don’t know very well, it pays to have a few get acquainted questions up your sleeve to get the ball rolling.  However, keep in mind that the questions you ask at a club or a party are very different from the things you’ll ask a potential customer at work.

Some good conversation topics for when you’re making a new friend.

To begin with, most people appreciate a sincere compliment.

In fact, breaking the ice with a compliment is an excellent way to start a conversation. For example, “Love your nails.” Or, “Great looking shirt! Blue looks nice on you.” When somebody takes the time to put themselves together, a nice compliment is always welcome.

Where are you from?

A simple “Are you from around here?” is an easy conversation starter. As a matter of fact, if they say they were born and raised there, the next question could be, “What was it like growing up here?” If not, then it’s gotta be, “So, where are you from?” To tell the truth, this is almost too easy.

A perfect get acquainted question could be asking what kind of business they’re in.

That’s because most people like to talk about themselves and what they do for a living. Either they love it or they hate it. To be sure, they’ll let you know one way or the other. With this in mind, a question like, “What kind of business are you in?” is a keeper. Additionally, a follow-up could be, “How did you learn to do that? Where did you go to school?“

Find out if they know how to speak other languages.

“Let me ask you something, do you speak any other languages?” If they don’t, you might ask, “What language would you like to speak?” And, when he or she says, for example, French, your conversation might turn to travel.

Discussing places you’ve traveled to is a great way to keep a conversation going.

“If that’s the case, I’d guess that if you had a free plane ticket to go anywhere, you’d choose France. Am I right?” Furthermore, you might ask, “Do you like to travel? What’s your favorite destination?“

Family and pets are welcome conversation starters.

“I have a dog that I’m crazy about. Do you have any pets?” “How about kids? Any little ones in your life?” You know you’re curious.

By the way, here’s a Dance Safari post about my dog, “A Dog Named Roxie…A Tale of Doggy Love“.

Questions about hobbies are a great way to get acquainted.

C’mon, you know asking about hobbies is a good conversation starter. “What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?” You’ll never know if you’ve met a fellow ballroom dancer if you don’t ask.

Everything is better with friends.

Use your get acquainted questions to make more friends. It’s our connection with others that makes our life complete. In the words of the great Bette Midler, “…ya gotta have friends.”

One last thing, check out these quotes about friendship. I’m sure you’ll find a few that hit the spot for you.