Small talk can be some people’s personal hell, but for others, it’s like second nature. Do you know those folks who can effortlessly chat with anyone and always seem to know the right thing to say? It’s not a mystery—they’ve mastered a few key phrases that keep the conversation flowing and make others feel comfortable. Want to up your small talk game? Here are 15 phrases that people who are great at small talk always use, and why they work so well.
1. “How’s your day going?”
This is a simple and easy way to kick off a conversation. It’s not too personal but gives the other person a chance to share how they’re feeling. Whether they had a great day or a stressful one, it’s an opener that always works. It also lets the other person decide how deep they want to go, which sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.
2. “That’s really interesting, tell me more about that.”
This phrase shows genuine curiosity. People who are good at small talk know that the best conversations happen when you give the other person a chance to talk about something they’re passionate about. By saying, “tell me more,” you’re inviting them to keep the conversation going—and the best part is, you don’t have to do all the work.
3. “I’ve been meaning to ask you…”
Using this phrase makes the conversation feel more intentional. It tells the person that you’ve been thinking about something specific, and now you finally have the chance to ask. It could be about their work, a hobby, or even something they mentioned in passing before. It shows you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.
4. “How do you know the host?”
This is a classic at parties or gatherings where you may not know everyone. It’s an easy way to start a conversation without diving into anything too personal. Plus, it helps find some common ground—maybe you know the same people or have similar experiences that can keep the chat going.
5. “I heard you mention [hobby or interest]. How did you get into that?”
If you overhear someone talking about something that sparks your interest, jump in with this phrase. It shows you’re paying attention and want to learn more about them. People love sharing how they got into their favorite hobbies, and it’s an easy way to keep the conversation going naturally.
6. “Seen any good shows or movies lately?”
This is a go-to when you’re not sure what to talk about. Most people are watching something on Netflix or Hulu, and they’ll be keen to share their opinions on the latest true-crime documentary or installment of their favorite show. Plus, it opens the door for recommendations or shared interests if you’ve both been watching the same thing.
7. “I love your [shoes/watch/bag], where did you get it?”
A genuine compliment can work wonders for breaking the ice. People appreciate when someone notices something about them, and asking where they got it gives them a chance to talk more about their style or tastes. This is an easy way to get a conversation rolling, and it’s always nice to make someone’s day with a sweet compliment.
8. “What’s been keeping you busy these days?”
This is a much better alternative to the typical “What do you do?” It allows the other person to share whatever they’ve been focused on lately—whether it’s work, a new hobby, or just life in general. It’s an open-ended question that doesn’t box them into just talking about work.
9. “What’s the best part of your week so far?”
Asking this puts a positive spin on the conversation. It gets the other person to think about something good that’s happened, which usually leads to an upbeat conversation. It also gives them a chance to share something personal or interesting about their week, which can help you pivot into other areas of discussion.
10. “Did you hear about [insert current event here]?”
Bringing up a recent event or news story (as long as it’s not too controversial) is a great way to keep things moving. It gives the other person something to comment on without feeling like they have to think too hard about what to say. This works particularly well with pop culture news because, let’s face it—everyone has an opinion. It’s a quick and easy way to dive into something relevant and timely.
11. “Any fun plans for the weekend?”
This one’s a classic for a reason. People love talking about their weekend plans, whether they’re doing something exciting or just planning to relax. It’s a light, easy question that helps you learn more about what they like to do in their free time. If you want to keep the conversation going, this is a great way to pivot from small talk to getting to know someone better.
12. “I’ve always wondered…”
This phrase is great because it shows curiosity and invites the other person to share their opinion. It could be something light like, “I’ve always wondered why everyone loves pumpkin spice lattes,” or something more thoughtful. It’s a playful way to get a conversation going, and it keeps things from getting too serious.
13. “How did you get started in…?”
People love telling the story of how they got into their job or their favorite hobby. It’s a question that gives them a chance to tell a grand story, and it often leads to a much deeper conversation than just asking what they do. You’ll also get a better snapshot of that person’s passions and the path they’ve taken to get where they are.
14. “What’s something you’re excited about right now?”
This is a fantastic way to shift the focus to something positive and personal. It lets the other person share something they’re looking forward to—whether it’s a trip, a project, or just a fun weekend plan. If you ask this in the right way, it shows you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them better.
15. “It was so great chatting with you—let’s catch up again soon!”
Ending a conversation on a positive note is just as important as starting it and keeping it going. This phrase lets the person know you genuinely enjoyed talking to them and leaves the door open for future conversations. It’s a warm and friendly way to wrap things up while letting them know that you enjoyed talking to them.
