Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

5 small talk topics that keep the conversation flowing naturally

Scott Harris
By

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. Despite having a lot of thoughts and opinions, it’s fairly common to become tongue-tied, and whether you’re around some mixed company or your closest friends, it’s natural to experience lulls in conversation. To prevent the dreaded awkward silence, test out these five tips and topics to keep the conversation flowing, all without resorting to small talk about the weather.

A group makes small talk
Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

Ask for recommendations

Generally, people like to talk about themselves and the things they like.

Related Videos

Asking for recommendations can bring authenticity to your small talk by engaging in others’ interests as opposed to general topics. Just ask questions about things that genuinely pique your interest, and the conversation will be easier and more natural. Take a poll to see what the best new restaurant is, where to find the perfect pair of tennis shoes, or what movie will take the Academy Award for Best Picture. If all else fails, almost everyone has an answer to, “What are you binging on Netflix?”

Related

Before you know it, you’ll be engaging in a lively discussion, and maybe even a debate, about these shared interests. You also set yourself up for follow-up conversations in the future if you or anyone else tests out the shared recommendations.

A casual group makes small talk
Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

Entertainment

Entertainment is a cornerstone in the art of small talk. With the wide availability of streaming services at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to watch your favorite movies and TV shows, listen to newly released music and podcasts, and read through your ever-growing book list.

Because most streaming services are either free or provided at a low monthly cost, these entertainment experiences are easy to access. It’s a pretty safe bet that if someone isn’t in the know about the latest in pop culture, they can easily catch up.

Food and restaurants

Everyone eats, right? This small-talk topic follows the same principle as the weather: When it affects everyone, it’s much easier to discuss. However, unless you’re a passionate meteorologist, food is much more personal than the weather.

Whether you’re a fast-food aficionado or a bonafide home chef, you can encourage conversation with the simple question, “Have you eaten anything good recently?” If you’re comfortable diving into a stickier topic, ask about the weirdest, most exotic, or rarest food they’ve ever eaten. People who travel often, especially internationally, have likely taste-tested some dishes that you or others in the group never considered.

You’ll be surprised at the diversity you find in a topic about food and dining. From then on, this opens up opportunities to follow up and share recipes, restaurants, and kitchen hacks. Maybe you’ll even get a new lunch buddy out of it!

Gpoint Studio/Shutterstock

Sports

Not everyone’s a sports fan, but those who are will quickly jump at the opportunity to talk about their favorite teams and players, the big game, or any trending news of the day.

However, this topic isn’t just for the die-hard fans. The great thing about sports is that you don’t have to be invested in the nitty-gritty to enjoy the culture. Championship games and live events are great opportunities to bring people together, whether they’re focused on the players or the halftime entertainment. Although tight games can get tense, the competition is almost always good-natured and far more likely to lead to laughter than genuine anger.

Travel

A conversation on travel varies widely, changing based on the experiences and desires that are unique to each person. Traveling can be such a transformative experience, and many are willing to share and compare their highs and lows of their trips whether it was across the state or across the globe. If you haven’t had the time, energy, or money to travel, it’s always fun to talk about dream vacations. Simply ask where everyone would go if they could go anywhere in the world, and watch the room become absorbed in a heated conversation.

No matter your small-talk strategy, don’t forget to “read the room” before you jump into a topic, especially if that topic is PG-13 or higher. It’s fair to want to talk about your interests but it’s important to be socially courteous, match the flow of conversation, and listen as much as you speak. Once you’re in the small-talk flow, you’ll find it’s a fairly easy business, making you the life of the party in no time.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
5 great conversation starters to make small talk more natural
small talk easy group office

Perhaps it’s an underrated skill, but effective small talk is one of adulthood’s great minor talents.

Having pleasant small talk at the ready can put people at ease, amuse them, and even help strengthen or create relationships. This can apply at work, on a date, at a family reunion, or just about anywhere else. Although there isn’t a whole lot of small-talk data available, it seems likely that many, or even most, people aren’t so adept at shooting the breeze, meaning anyone who can fill the awkward silence might be viewed favorably just by doing it.

Read more
TikTok gross out. Videos by fast food workers may cure your craving for junk
Bacon cheeseburger and French fries

Ever wondered how your favorite fast-food meals are made? You may end up regretting that question.

Recently, fast-food workers have flocked to TikTok to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their daily lives. The videos have illuminated some unpleasant truths about the food preparation process that many fast-food customers would be happier not knowing. Here are some videos from six of the most popular national chains. But beware — these TikToks may make you a home cooking convert once and for all.

Read more
5 great collagen supplements under $25
Two spoons with liquid and pill form of collagen with the word in scrabble blocks.

There seems to be a supplement for anything and everything these days. Supplements to help parts of your body heal and grow (and regrow) are everywhere. You might take a daily vitamin to cover your bases when it comes to your diet. Maybe you have an iron deficiency and need to take a daily iron pill. Not that we want to add another one to your routine, but we need to talk about collagen supplements.

Do you want your skin to look healthier and feel more like its youthful self? Are you starting to see saggy and dull skin? Do you cringe when you see a new wrinkle pop up? Then you should look into taking a collagen supplement. Let’s check out if your skin and body could benefit from this amazing protein.

Read more