7 Better Alternatives To Small Talk

Let’s face it, for a species that prides itself on having intelligent interactions full of conscious thought, our first stab at conversing with strangers often results in a lame sequence of squeamish small talk. “This humidity really is something, huh?” or the ever-drab “So, what do you do?”

So last week, I asked my LinkedIn network if anyone had better alternatives to the humdrum questions that normally dominate the first conversation with someone new. I’ve gathered their questions and shared them with you all below.

Try these on for size next time you’re at that Christmas party where you only know one person or a corporate networking event where the shades of blue shirts outnumber the types of intros people are willing to try.

What’s your favorite way to have potatoes?How do you spend a free day?What Instagram account do you wanderlust for?Babbling brook, crashing ocean, crunchy snow, or desert wind?What are your top five TV shows?What’s the most memorable book you’ve read recently and why?If you were famous, what would it be for?Have a great small-talk alternative? Share it in the comment section below!