Know what to say
Question lists for first meetings, and the listening habits that keep a conversation going once the first question lands.
7 guides · Updated September 25, 2026
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Questions about starting a conversation
What are good conversation starters with strangers?
Open questions about the person's week, the place you're in or something they chose recently tend to work best, because they invite a story rather than a yes or no.
How many questions should I prepare?
Three or four is plenty. One good follow-up question does more than a long list.
What should I avoid asking?
Skip salary, relationship status and anything that sounds like an interview in the first few minutes. The speed dating list has a section on questions to avoid.