In this post, you will find a list of interesting topics and conversation starters.
Have you ever been talking with your friends when suddenly the room goes quiet? It can be kinda awkward when everyone has suddenly run out of things to say.
It might be time to arm yourself with a list of interesting topics to talk about to avoid the dreaded *crickets*.
Whether you’re having trouble finding something to discuss at parties or simply don’t want to be the “boring” friend, these interesting conversation topics should spark some fun, meaningful dialogue.
Interesting Topics to Talk About With Friends
1. Previous Jobs
Everyone has a story about a previous job! Topics can range from “best bosses” to “weirdest customers.”
2. Favorite Podcasts or Youtube Channels
One of the easiest ways to get people talking is by asking for recommendations. Let others share their impeccable taste with you!
3. Lottery Plans
“What would you do if you won the lottery?” Your real friends, of course, would give you a million bucks for your unwavering companionship throughout the years right? 🙂
4. Superpowers
Invisibility. Laser eyes. Super strength. You could spin the possibilities for hours.
5. Self-Care Tips
How does everyone like to unwind? Share your favorite indulgences and get inspiration from others, too.
Here are some self-care Sunday ideas to get you started!
6. Zombie Apocalypse
Zombies are one of those cool topics to talk about that never go out of style. You can discuss everything from your own survival strategies to famous books and TV shows about the undead.
7. Karaoke
Everyone has to name one song that they’d be willing to perform at karaoke night. Everyone! No exceptions!
8. Gadgets and Gizmos
“How’s the new iPhone?”
“Have you ever tried a FitBit?”
“What’s one piece of tech that you can’t live without?”
9. Pet Peeves
Perfect for a tipsy night with the girls, you can vent against the annoying things that people have said and done to you in the past.
10. Friendship
Get real for a minute by discussing friendship: what it looks like, what it means to you, and what you love about those you share it with.
Throw in some encouragement while you’re at it with these uplifting friendship affirmations.
11. Board Games
Board games are always fun to talk about amongst friends. If you’re lucky, the discussion will lead to a game night in the future!
12. Favorite/Least Favorite Hobbies
Spice up the usual hobby talk by directing it towards the best, silliest, or most embarrassing memories associated with it. The latter is sure to produce some funny stories!
13. Compliments
Ask your friends about the best compliments that they’ve ever received. (Remember what they say, and put them on birthday cards in the future).
You can also come up with ideas for what to write on this free compliments printable and cheer others up!
14. Hidden Talents
Many people have fun, memorable, or hilariously useless talents. Let your friends dazzle you with a demonstration of a hidden skill that you didn’t know they had!
15. Advice
“What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?” The answers might be quite illuminating.
Interesting Topics to Discuss in a Group
16. Favorite Books
From highbrow literature to guilty beach reads, books can be a lively group discussion topic. You might be shocked by who’s re-reading Harry Potter!
17. Family Traditions
Let’s be honest: Most families are a little weird. And that’s okay!
What are some of the wackiest family traditions that people in the group have?
18. Food
Food is always a fun topic, especially if you have passionate chocoholics, pizza fanatics, bread makers, or cheese connoisseurs in the mix.
19. Language Abilities
How many languages are in the room? If everyone’s a mono speaker, what languages do people want to learn?
20. Sports
In a group, there’s bound to be at least one person who cares about sports. Maybe they’re a fantasy football fan, or maybe they played soccer in high school. Draw these stories out.
21. Celebrity Crushes
There’s always one weirdo with a crush that you won’t believe! Who will be the guilty party in your friend group?
22. Definition of Success
If you’re looking for interesting group topics for discussion, try talking about success. You’ll always get a wide range of perspectives about it.
23. Viral Videos
From Gangnam Style to the latest dance crazes on TikTok, there’s always something new to discuss about social media, especially when it comes to videos going viral.
24. Extraterrestrial Life
“Do aliens exist?” Just drop the question and run away. The debate will go on for hours!!
25. Worst Haircuts
This is a fun, off-the-wall topic that’s sure to get people laughing, especially if there are older folks in the crowd who can recount the days of bouffants.
26. Time Travel
If you need to keep a conversation going, try this question: “If you could live in any time period, what would be your choice?”
You can learn a lot about someone by how they respond!
27. Fitness
From yoga to bodybuilding, many people have thoughts on fitness. This could be a discussion where everyone shares ideas, tips, advice, and so on.
28. Movie Characters
“Who’s the best villain that you’ve ever seen in a movie?” “Who’s a hero that you just couldn’t stand?”
29. Competition
Has anyone in your group ever competed in something? How did it go? It could be a contest, marathon, athletic event, or musical audition.
30. Trivia
Trivia is a gift that keeps on giving. You can share your own, ask for fun facts from others, and so on.
Interesting Conversation Starters
31. Names
This is one of the simplest icebreakers, but it’s a good one. You can compliment their name, ask them about its meaning, inquire about its cultural roots, and so on.
32. Current Events
You’ll need to be careful with this one, but as long as the topic is innocuous, it’s easy to start a conversation about stuff that’s been on the news.
33. Coffee Versus Tea
It’s an unusual icebreaker, but it’s sure to get a debate going. What hot drink wins?! Do they prefer coffee, tea, or something else entirely?
34. Favorites
There are many ways to show curiosity about another person, including with interesting questions to start a conversation. You can ask about their favorite songs, cities, holidays, ice cream toppings, and more.
35. Movies
Movies are always a safe thing to talk about. If they aren’t into movies, you can easily pivot to books, podcasts, TV shows, or other forms of media.
36. Beauty Tips
Compliment the other person on something they’re wearing or how they’ve styled themselves. Then, ask them how they did it.
37. Pets
Everyone has a goofy story about their cat or dog. Pull out “so, do you have any pets?” and let the conversation flow from there.
38. Zodiac Signs
“That’s such a Libra thing to say“!
Get the ball rolling on a conversation by talking about astrology.
39. Work/Careers
“What do you do?” is one of the most common icebreakers of all time. A fun variation could be, “What do you want to do?”
40. Emojis
Bring a little levity to the conversation by asking, “What’s the most-used emoji on your phone?”
41. Self-Confidence
Ask them what they do when they need to feel confident. The answers could range from silly to serious. If your friend needs a lift in this department, be sure to share these “confident woman” quotes with her.
42. Travel History (Or Future)
Ask about any interesting places that they’ve traveled to. If they’ve only daydreamed about traveling, ask about their ideal destinations.
43. Five-Year Plan
In a work setting, this question won’t raise any eyebrows at all. In fact, it might show good initiative on your part.
44. Prized Possessions
“If you could only save one thing from a house fire, what would it be?”
You’ll instantly learn something about your conversation partner.
45. Weather
The weather is a time-honored conversation starter. If you don’t want to go with the usual “how are you liking this rain?” then put a twist on it: inquire about their favorite seasons or craziest “bad weather” stories.
Interesting Conversation Topics for Adults
46. Family/Kids
To a parent, their kids are the most interesting topics in the world. This is a surefire way to keep the conversation going.
47. Alcohol
Get spirited with a discussion on spirits! What does everyone like to drink? What is something new they’ve tried?
48. Bad Dates
Most people have a horror story that also doubles as a funny, crowd-pleasing tale. You just have to draw it out of them.
49. Accomplishments
What have they achieved in their lifetime? What makes them proud of themselves? Remind them that their answers don’t have to be job-related.
50. Dream Vacations
Every working adult has a daydream about going on vacation. Where’s their dream destination? What’s on their bucket list?
51. Guilty Pleasures
This topic will be interesting not only for the answers that you receive but also for the logic behind them. Why do people feel guilty about their guilty pleasures?
52. Animals
If you’re looking for unique topics to talk about, consider animals. Go beyond the typical “What is your favorite animal?” and make it interesting with “What animal would you turn into if you could?”
People reveal a lot about themselves through the animals they relate to the most.
53. Jokes/Pranks/Hoaxes
Have everyone fess up about the best pranks or practical jokes that they’ve planned or fallen for. After a lifetime of experience, there’s sure to be some doozies!
54. Affirmation
What’s their favorite affirmation? Pay attention to the words and phrases that they use. You just might pick up on some good ones!
If you’d like to gather more for your database, try these positive affirmations to say to yourself every day.
55. Home Remodeling/Renovating
Ask about home renovation ideas and plans. If they don’t own a home, they can always chime in with funny couples that they saw on House Hunters.
56. Stress Relief
Everyone has moments of stress, especially adults with a lot on their plate. Talk about the best ways to push through it.
57. Role Models
This is a deep one, but it’s an interesting one, too. Who do they admire and why?
58. Nighttime Dreams
The mind does strange things when we’re asleep. Ask people about their most memorable dreams and prepare yourself for a deluge of stories about being pantless in front of grandma.
59. Productivity
Share the little tips and tricks that keep you going at work. Ask others to do the same. If you really want to impress the crowd, break out these 30 Day Challenges—30 days to a better you!
60. Generational Differences
Who doesn’t like to complain about kids these days? Depending on the group, this conversation could be funny, cathartic, or just plain nostalgic.
Interesting Topics for Couples
61. Childhood Memories
These sweet, sepia-toned memories can be a great way to learn more about your partner. They might also give you ideas for future anniversary presents!
62. Happiness
“How do you define happiness?” This simple question can be very revealing in romance as well as life.
63. Excuses
As a couple, you’re going to have moments when you want to leave a social gathering. Hash out your excuses and code words now!
64. Bad Habits
Approached in a fun, playful way, this topic could result in laughing and relief. It’s nice to know we’re not alone in our vices. Just be sure to keep it light.
65. Values
These can be tricky waters to navigate, but they can be eye-opening, too. Share your values with your partner to make sure that you’re on the same page.
66. Fictional Couples
Who are some of the best couples on TV? Who do you consider #relationshipgoals?
67. Love Languages
Based off the famous self-help book, The Five Love Languages, this topic can help you understand your partner, how to communicate with them, and how to reach them.
68. Memories of Your Time Together
Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting your first impressions of each other as well as your first date, first kiss, and more.
69. Ideal Date Nights
This is another sneaky topic that can help you plan for the future. Jot down their ideas when they’re not looking!
For more inspiration, browse through this list of boredom-busting Stay at Home Date Night Ideas!
70. Love Songs
Pull up Spotify and make a romantic playlist together. You can discuss the songs, lyrics, and emotional significance as you go along.
71. Future Plans
Do your futures align? Do you want to travel to the same places, achieve the same career goals, or experience the same adventures? Now is the time to find out.
72. Family
If you haven’t “met the parents” yet, a talk about families and relatives can help you prepare for the big day.
73. First Love
To avoid a potentially sensitive situation, you can also change this to “first crush.” The goal is to share sweet stories from your youth and childhood, not make anyone jealous!
74. Ring or Jewelry Sizes
You can’t be subtle with this one. That’s okay. Get it out in the open.
75. Legacy
What do you hope to leave behind? What’s the most lasting impression that you want to make on the world?
Interesting History Topics to Talk About
76. Eras of the Past
The easiest way to talk about history is to bring up specific eras or events from the past. Ideas can range from ancient Egypt to the spread of the Roman Empire.
77. Historical Adaptations
Many books, movies, and TV shows are based on historical events. Some are better than others. Start a debate about which ones are worth watching!
78. Dinner With Martin Luther King
“If you could have dinner with one famous person from history, who would it be?”
79. Historical Battles
History is filled with the clash of swords and the noise of trumpets. Which conflicts really stand out?
80. Myths and Legends
Many historical topics have become mixed with legends and folk tales over the years. Start a discussion about King Arthur or Robin Hood to get people talking about how stories have evolved over time.
81. Fashion Trends of the Past
Perfect for older crowds, this topic will allow them to wax poetic about bell bottoms, shoulder pads, and Lycra leggings.
82. Medieval History
You don’t have to be a historian to pick up a few things from Game of Thrones. Medieval life can be a fun and engaging topic even for those who aren’t usually history buffs.
83. Famous Conquerors
Napoleon. Genghis Khan. Alexander the Great. The world has seen some impressive historic figures, and they can prompt really interesting topics to learn about.
84. Space
Take your conversation to infinity and beyond! From the moon landing to the Apollo missions, you can get a lot of mileage out of NASA talk.
85. Plays
Hamilton is a recent favorite, but history has taken its place on the stage with everything from The Sound of Music to Les Miserables. Talk about them with your fellow theater nerds!
86. Older Music
Not all history takes place on a battlefield. Who was the best hair metal band of the ’80s?
87. Sports History
Another great topic for a crowd that’s been around the block; sports history allows them to regale you with stories of famous players and famous plays. Who was around for baseball’s “Miracle in Miami”?
88. Art and Artists
This can really get a discussion going in an artsy crowd. You can talk about the great masters of the past as well as techniques, trends, and movements in art.
89. Dinosaurs
Who says that T-Rexes aren’t historical? Let your inner child come out and play with a discussion about dinosaurs. A lot has changed in dino knowledge!
90. Women of History
Perfect for a girl’s night, this topic can be fun, interesting, and empowering all at once. Let’s hear it for the Joan of Arcs of history!
91. World War II
It’s hard not to think about WWII when you’re looking at the news today. This topic is perfect for any age group.
92. Famous Scientists
Whether you like science fiction or fantasy novels, there’s no denying the impact scientists have had on our lives. Learn more about their accomplishments by discussing their work.
93. Famous Writers
Authors are often looked upon as heroes, so why not start a sort-of book club where everyone gets to discuss their favorite writers?
I hope this massive list of interesting things to talk about helps you strike up some memorable conversations.
From “real life” topics to deep, philosophical ideas, there’s so much more to discuss than the weather forecast. Pick a few of your favorite popular topics, write them on an index card, and pull them out next time the chit-chat well runs dry!
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