Ask Ego: What are some good conversation starters?

Q: What are some great conversation starters besides “do you know your major”….?

A: First of all, let’s establish some basis for conversation. Do you know your major?

Penn is a big place, full of fascinating, intelligent individuals who are hungering for a meaningful conversation amidst all the “what’s you major?” and “where are you from?” But to find these people, you’re going to have to wade through some formalities.

We suggest indulging in some of the old standbys to start things off, but don’t walk away once you’ve got the 411 on your potential new friend’s academic future and place of origin. Any interest in what they’re studying? Have you been to where they’re from?

It’s good to ask a lot of questions to keep the conversation going in the beginning, and even better to tailor them to your own personal interests as the initial awkwardness wears off. It will make finding common ground a lot easier if you steer the conversation toward things that interest and excite you.

Don’t walk up to someone, shake their hand, and ask if they’ve read any good books lately. But don’t try to obscure who you are through oft–repeated lines. Chances are, the more willing you are to shed the trivialities, the more willing they will be too.

See our answers to more of your questions here.