How to Keep Conversations Going: 3 Conversation Topics

Communication plays a key role in the success of a team and company, and effective communication results in quality performance, optimized workflows, and better results. Developing your communication skills allows you to more efficiently establish project timelines, discuss feedback, and collaborate on assignments. Communication skills are also important for networking and building professional relationships that assist your career. By connecting with your coworkers and manager, you set yourself up for growth and long-term success.

After practicing your conversation skills, you can have organic discussions with fewer awkward silences. Follow these tips to develop your skills as a conversationalist:

1. 1. Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions generate conversation because they require longer explanations than a simple “yes” or “no” question. Phrasing your thoughts as open-ended questions is a simple way to set the conversation up for a natural flow. Begin your questions with “what,” “how,” “when,” or “why” rather than words like “do,” “is,” and “has.”
   
2. 2. Be an active listener and ask follow-up questions. Instead of trying to brainstorm a new topic or question as the other person speaks, listen to what they’re saying and comment on their idea. If you engage in active listening as the other person talks, you can generate follow-up questions and reflections to create a conversation that feels natural and discussion-based. You can also use your body language to show the person you’re actively listening to them. Make eye contact and nod your head at appropriate times to show the other person you’re engaged in the conversation.
3. 3. Brainstorm topics beforehand. If you’re going to a networking or work event where you plan to meet many new people at once, brainstorm a few points of conversation before attending the event. This will ease some of the pressure in the moment, as you’ll have questions or topics to raise if the conversation starts to ebb. For example, brushing up on trending industry news is a great way to develop a few backup conversation starters for a work-related event.
   
4. 4. Talk about common ground. Another way to keep the conversation flowing is to develop common ground with your conversation partner. A good conversation connects both individuals, so finding commonalities as you continue to talk helps you avoid awkward silences.

Try these tips to start interesting conversations at work or in a social setting:

1. 1. Ask for an opinion. To generate conversation at work, ask a team member for their advice or opinion. This is a great way to demonstrate you value their knowledge and expertise. Asking, “What are your thoughts on this assignment?” or “How do you think I can improve this project?” is an easy way to start a collaborative conversation.
2. 2. Discuss favorites. Get to know your colleagues with small talk about their favorite things, such as a favorite TV show or restaurant. This casual conversation allows you to get to know your colleagues on a deeper level. Ask, “What TV shows have you been watching lately?” or “What’s your favorite restaurant nearby?” Follow-up by saying, “Tell me more. What’s your favorite part of the show?”
3. 3. Share industry news. You share common ground in a work environment—you and your team members work in the same industry. Use this as a conversation topic during awkward silences; talk about trends in the field, or ask if they plan to attend an upcoming conference. As with any workplace conversation, pay attention to nonverbal cues and be self-aware; some colleagues may be introverts or too busy to chat at the moment.

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