The goal with strangers and with work colleagues is to be friendly, but professional enough to avoid heated discussions.
Here are several categories of safe, engaging conversation starters for the workplace.
- The Weekend: “What Did you do over the weekend? anything fun?
- The Commute: “Did you commute this morning? It seems worse than usual today. How long is your commute?”
- Local Happenings: “Did you see the bookstore popup down the street?”
Work Focused Icebreakers
- Expertise: “I saw your presentation yesterday; how did you get so comfortable with public speaking? Did you go to toastmasters?”
- Workflow: “How are you staying organized when things get busy?”
- Career History: “How long have you been with the company? What’s the biggest change you’ve seen since you started?”
- Streaming/Movies: “I’m looking for a new show to watch any Netflix suggestions?
- Food: “I’m trying to meal prep. Where did you get your lunchbox?”
- Travel: “Do you have any trips planned for the summer? I’m looking for some travel inspiration. Did you see the deals on NAME A TRAVEL WEBSITE.
Topics to Avoid at Work and with Strangers
- Religion
- Abortion/Politics
- Personal Finances/Gossip/Family