I recently read an article in Inc magazine by Marcel Schwantes (click here to read) that focused on how too often we engage in small talk at our networking events or dinner parties and come away with a less than happy experience. We use the typical questions, such as “What do you do?” or “Where do you live?” instead of questions that can get you into more interesting and fulfilling conversations.
Behavioral scientists Kristen Berman and Dan Ariely explored an interesting concept where they hosted a dinner party and handed guests given index cards with a question they had to use to start a conversation. They found the participants came away much happier with their experience because it didn’t involve trivial small talk.
Another interesting concept the article pointed out was exemplified by Sean Bisceglia who hosted Jefferson-style dinners. This format requires the whole table to share in just one conversation and not allow any side bar conversations, with small talk banned.
What questions could you do to help start a meaningful conversation? Below are a few from the Inc magazine article that you may find interesting at your next networking event or dinner party:
- What is your story?
- What excites you right now?
- What book has influenced you the most?
- What book do you gift the most?
- If you had the chance to meet one person you have not met yet, who would it be and why?
- If you were stuck on a deserted island and you can have only three things, what would they be?
- What was your favorite travel experience?
Cheers to having more interesting conversations!
Mike