- Did this ever happen to you that you are speaking to someone and everything is going right, then suddenly there is an awkward silence and you find out that your mind is totally blank. Also, at that time it becomes a tough deal for you to decide what to speak and you feel that the other person is thinking the same that how to begin the conversation now.
- That scenario truly sucks- so here I have top 10 open ended questions that you can use in such moments and never run out of things to say in a conversation.
Questions are important to keep a conversation going, but asking questions is an art.
Today we will talk about the top 10 open ended questions that you can use in any conversion to receive a good response.
How would you feel if you could start a conversation – in English – with anyone? You might feel nervous? What can be the first topic that you can pick up without fear, without stress, without worrying about making any mistakes.
It might feel a little impossible. But the good news is, it’s not.
So, here are top 10 open ended questions.
1. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done recently?
When you meet someone for the first time or you don’t know something about that person then this turns out to be the best question. You will always learn something interesting in the answer of this question. Plus, there are so many variations.
You could also ask, “What is the most interesting film you’ve seen recently?” Or, “What is the most interesting book you’ve read recently.”
No matter what topic you’re interested in, this question is perfect.
2. Where are you from originally?
It is easy to ask follow-up questions after you learn where a person is from.
You may use this question when you’re traveling, when you meet someone new in your home city, or at an international conference.
3. What is the most interesting thing about your city?
It’s a perfect follow-up question to, “Where are you from?”
You could ask about someone’s city, their culture, their local cuisine, and so much more. The options are endless.
What do you do?
Everyone asks it. It is almost always the first question we ask someone when we meet for the first time. I know some cultures do not like to talk about their jobs in social situations. But if want to start a conversation with a native English speaker, do not be afraid of this question. Generally speaking, English speakers often feel a strong identity with their job and they like to talk about it, so it’s always okay to ask.
4. What is your very earliest memory as a very little kid?
This will help the person to think about the flashback of their memories.
Open-ended questions are also good because they provoke others to respond.
5. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?
Don’t you love talking about travel. You know with this question, you can share stories and favorite memories and maybe you’ll even get an idea about a new destination for your next vacation! You can come up with follow-up questions like “What did you like about it?” Or, “What would you recommend if I decided to go there?”
6. What is your favorite cuisine?
Everyone likes to eat and definitely will relate to this question and loves to answer. Also, you can ask whether he/ she is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian? Then you can tell about yourself as well.
7. What inspires you? Or Who inspired you?
This will allow anyone to think beyond the parameters and if they can connect that talk about something that you find motivating?
8. Do you like watching films?
Because everyone loves watching films!
Don’t you like it too?
May be you both have a common favorite actor or actress and in that case when you can talk about that for a long duration. And it builds a very healthy and interesting conversation.
9. What are your dreams?
We all have dreams. We always think about them, we work for them. So this open ended question will lead to an endless conversation and might be a good start to take it ahead!
Last but not the least,
10. What is your favorite season?
You can talk about – your likes or dislikes about that weather or even what trends are going around. You know, like Wedding season, with just a few practical steps and the right questions, you can be better prepared to start a conversation.
Open ended are your best way to never run out of things to say in a conversion.
Now you have all these questions – start practicing them with new people you’re meeting to sharpen your English communication skills.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, they are part of your learning journey. And if you don’t want to practice with new people or it’s difficult to find new people to practice such open ended conversations, then you can practice with English experts at Engvarta app.
For Regular English Practice with Expert: Download EngVarta Mobile App
