Thirty questions to engage someone, beyond How Are You?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can always use open-ended questions for starting conversations, or as topics for impromptu speeches (like Table Topics at a Toastmasters club meeting). There is an article by Wendy Rose Gould at VeryWellMind on August 25, 2024 titled 30 Questions to Engage Someone Beyond ‘How Are You?”

 

With the contractions removed, her thirty questions (for three categories of familiarity) are:

 

Someone You Have Just Met

What is your connection to (this event/the host/this location)?

What do you think about the music/vibe here?

Did you come with anyone, and who are you hoping to meet? (i.e. business contacts, new friends, etc.)

Have you been here before, and what inspired you to attend?

How did you find yourself here today?

What did you think about (specific part of the event, such as a speech, performance, or activity)?

What do you usually order/do here?

How did you find out about this (place/event)?

Have you met anyone here that you thought was especially unique or interesting?

Any big plans for later in the day/tomorrow?

 

Someone You Already Know

What has been going on since the last time we met up?

Whatever happened with (XYZ thing they brought up last time)?

Have you experienced anything new that’s impacted who you are lately?

Anything exciting going on in your life?

Have you learned or discovered anything cool lately?

What are you most excited about in life right now?

Have any new goals or plans you’re working on?

Read/watched anything good since we last met up?

How is (person important to them) doing?

What is a rose (good thing) and a thorn (bad thing) happening in your life right now?

 

Someone You Have Known a Long Time

What has been on your mind and heart lately?

How are you really doing? Is there anything I can do to support you right now?

How have you been doing with (challenge/goal)?

How have you been spending your time, and what have you been investing your energy into lately?

What are you looking forward to today/this week/this weekend?

How is it going with (person important to them)?

Is there anything you have wanted to talk about with me lately?

What was your high and low today?

Any major life or work updates?

Is there anything you would like to share {which] you are proud of that I can celebrate with you?

 

The silhouettes image came from here at Openclipart.