captivating...ask for a favor — advice, opinions, small acts of service. people feel valued when...

CaptivatingCONVERSATION

STARTERS

© French Kiss Life Inc. 2018

Great conversations come in many flavors — lighthearted, deep, funny, thought-provoking or emotional. But, what they all have in common is that they elevate us from the mundane of everyday life and the typical small talk questions (i.e. “What do you do?”).

The best conversation doesn’t involve strategy or perfect form.

It involves:

• Asking the questions that no one else is asking.

• Transcending the ordinary

• Discovering your common interests/values/ experiences

• Telling great stories


Below are some of my favorite conversation starters for you to experiment with and practice using. I challenge you to consider what you find fascinating about others and add your own.

Use the questions to find your #metoo or #showme moments, to hold the spotlight towards another, to spark a story from your story collection and most of all, to have fun.

QUESTIONS TO STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION The hardest part of a conversation is getting it started. I’ve included questions below that can be used with no introduction or after you’ve been introduced.

• Tell me about you.

• What was the best part of your day?

• What was the highlight of your week?

• What exciting projects are you working on?

• What are you most excited about right now?

• How do you know the host/hostess?

• What are you celebrating today?

• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

• I love your (shoes, dress, necklace, etc) Where did you get it?

• What (drink, dish) do you recommend here?

• Where did you grow up?


GOING DEEPER

Once the conversation has started, these questions will help you expand and deepen your connection with others.

• What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

• What’s the most interesting book you’ve read lately?

• Are you a cat or dog person?

• How would you describe yourself in one word?

• Are you a starter or a finisher?

• Tell me about your family.

• What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done?

• What’s your spirit animal?

• Do you have a morning ritual?

• Do you have a teacher who changed your life? How so?

• If you could play any instrument, what would it be?

• If you were to give a TED talk, what would the topic be?

• What was your best vacation ever?

• What do you think makes a good friend?

• What 3 products can’t you live without?

• What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?

• Do you have an upcoming event or vacation that you’re excited about?

• What was your first job? What did you like/despise about it?

• What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

• If you could move to another country, which one would you choose?

• What language would you like to learn?

• If it were your last meal, what would you eat?

• If you got a free ticket to anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

• Are you a morning or night person?

• Have you ever broken the law?

• What is your favorite memory of your childhood?

• What three things in your life could you not imagine doing without?

• What do you believe happens after death?

• If you were stranded on an island with another person, who would you choose?


WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS Would you rather questions are a fun and interesting way to get a conversation started. To expand on the conversation, simply ask “why” after they answer. You’ll also learn a lot more about a person based on their responses.

• Would you rather travel every day or never travel again?

• Would you rather curl up with a good book or dance the night away?

• Would you rather travel by plane or boat?

• Would you rather be the smartest or most popular person in the room?

• Would you rather live on the beach or in a cabin in the woods?

• Would you rather live without your cell phone or computer for a year?


SMALL FAVOR QUESTIONS Another way to either start a conversation or deepen a connection is to ask for a favor — advice, opinions, small acts of service. People feel valued when they can offer help or throw in their opinion. And, the worst thing that can happen is they say “no.”

• Can you hold my phone while I look for my wallet?

• I’m working on a project, and I’d love to ask you what you think?

• What did you think about (insert recent events/news/pop culture happenings)?

• I’ve heard you’re really talented at (insert their talent here), and I’d love to know what you’d tell someone who’s interested in (insert what you want to learn).

• You’re such a great (mom, entrepreneur, cook, artist, writer, etc.) What is the #1 advice you’d give to (mom, entrepreneur, cook, artist, writer, etc.)?

• I just heard that you (insert his/her accomplishment here). What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about doing something similar?


INTIMACY BUILDING QUESTIONS Charm shouldn’t be reserved for only strangers. We can charm our partners too. These questions will help you go beyond the normal, “Hey honey, how was your day” and create deeper connections.

• What would be your version of a perfect day together?

• What do I do that makes you smile?

• What’s your biggest fear?

• What is a dream that you haven’t shared with me?

• What was your favorite place to go as a child and why did you love it there?

• Over the last five years, how do you think you have changed?

• What goals would you like to see us accomplish as a couple in the next year/5 years/10 years?

• If you could get a career do-over, what would you choose?

• What is something that you would like to try, but that you are too scared to try?


In a world that encourages women to push, prove and pressure our way to success, French Kiss Life offers an enticing alternative: Make your life a work of art.

As a lifestyle brand for the modern woman, at French Kiss Life we offer practical advice, inspiring conversations, a vibrant community, and transformational experiences to elevate the everyday lives of women.

We are creating lives that our 90-year old selves will raise a glass of Champagne to one day and say, “Well done, darling.”

As the Founder and CEO of French Kiss Life, Inc., Tonya Leigh Rising has worked with Oprah and the IKEA Life Improvement Project and has spoken to audiences around the world on a wide array of topics ranging from being a woman in today’s world to embracing entrepreneurship as a fun and spiritual journey.

To learn more, please go to FrenchKissLife.com

AboutTONYA


captivating...ask for a favor — advice, opinions, small acts of service. people feel valued when...

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