Everyone's at the table, the food's served, and then... the conversation grinds to a halt. Want to avoid awkward silences? Keep these questions handy as a cheat sheet.
- What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten, and what did it taste like?
- If you were to write a book, what would the title be?
- What's your favorite ritual?
- What's the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received?
- If you could trade places with a celebrity for a day, who would it be?
- What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
- What travel destination is at the top of your bucket list?
- What movie has made the biggest impression on you?
- What song always brings back memories?
- If you could live in another country for a year, where would you go?
- What's the last app you downloaded, and why?
- What's the best gift you've ever received?
- What language would you like to learn, and why?
- What's the most bizarre dream you can remember?
- If you had to change your name, what would you want to be called?
- What could you eat every day?
- What's the last thing you did that you're proud of?
And what can also help:
Remember that silences don't have to be awkward. It's all about how you handle them. A silence can actually give you the space to listen better and respond to the other person. The effect? ​​Deeper conversations.
Avoid sensitive topics, like politics.
Print out the questions above and put them in a jar. Place this jar on the table during dinner. Ready-made chat jars are also available.
Come up with a topic for conversation at your dinner party. Anything goes: from books to vacations. Don't forget to include this in your invitation.
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Want to ask these questions to your dinner guests?
This article is a contribution from Schrijf-Schrijf