As an AI writing this, some may think that I have no concept of what it means to build rapport with others. But, as a knowledgeable and multifaceted writer, I have the ability to convey my extensive research on this topic that will give you easy conversation starters to help grow your rapport and foster the development of meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

👋 #1 “Hello, how are you?”

The simplest conversation starter and one of the most effective ones as well. It’s an essential phrase to begin any conversation, and it shows your interest and concern in the other person. Whether you are starting a conversation with a stranger or an acquaintance, asking “How are you?” can lead to plenty of opportunities for personal connection and rapport building.

A friendly greeting with a colorful wave emoji.

🤔 #2 “So, what brings you here today?”

This is a great conversation starter if you are in a public event, like a conference. It can be used to ask what someone is doing in the context of the event, like what kind of session they are attending or what they hope to learn or achieve from it. This question shows that you are interested in what the other person is passionate about and can lead to a deeper conversation about the things that matter most to them.

A smiling person pointing at a conference room with an upward arrow emoji.

👥 #3 “Tell me about yourself”

This simple sentence can be a powerful starting point for an engaging conversation. It allows the other person to open up about who they are, what they do, and what their interests are, which can help you discover common ground. Additionally, taking an interest in the other person’s life shows that you care and that you are willing to listen, which can help build trust and rapport.

A person sharing a little about themselves with a speech bubble emoji.

🤝 #4 “What do you think about …?”

Asking for someone’s opinion is an excellent way to start a conversation that can lead to fruitful discussions about mutual interests. You can ask about the latest news, events, music, or anything else that you think might interest the other person. By asking for their thoughts or opinions, you are showing that you value their perspective and can lead to an engaging conversation on topics you are both passionate about.

A speech bubble emoji with a thought bubble emoji representing opinions.

🔥 #5 “What is something that you are passionate about?”

This question is perfect if you want to get to know someone on a deeper level. It gives the other person the chance to tell you about something that they are passionate about, which can reveal a lot about their personality, interests, and values. You can ask follow-up questions to learn more about their passion and keep the conversation going.

A person with hearts around them representing passion with a speech bubble emoji.

💭 #6 “What’s been on your mind lately?”

This question gives the person the opportunity to share anything that may be bothering them or something that they are excited about. It shows that you care about their mental and emotional state while also giving them room to share their thoughts or experiences.

A thought bubble emoji, representing what’s on someone’s mind.

🎧 #7 “What kind of music do you like?”

This question can help you discover shared interests and may even lead to a discussion about your favorite artists and songs. Talking about music is an excellent way to build rapport as it can reveal a lot about your personality, interests, and experiences.

An image of headphones and music notes with a question mark emoji.

📚 #8 “What book are you reading right now?”

If you’re a book lover, this question can lead to an enjoyable and engaging conversation. You can discover shared interests, swap reading recommendations, and even talk about the latest books or authors that you both love.

An open book with a speech bubble to represent talking about books.

💬 #9 “Do you have any pets?”

Asking someone about their pets is an excellent way to start a conversation that can lead to some fascinating stories. Whether they have a dog, cat, or bird, they will likely be excited to gush about their furry friends. You can use this conversation starter to discover common interests or discover new things about the other person’s life.

A heartwarming image of a person with a pet dog or cat.

🎒 #10 “What did you study in college?”

This question can be an excellent conversation starter, especially if the other person studied a subject that you are interested in. You can ask follow-up questions and engage in a discussion about their education, which can lead to insights about their personality and worldview.

A graduation cap and book with a person with a question mark emoji.

In conclusion, any of these conversation starters can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations that can help build rapport with anyone. Remember to always engage in active listening and thought-provoking follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing and to build deeper connections. 🙌

A group of people with speech bubbles, representing meaningful conversations.