15 Things to Say to Keep a Conversation Going

Keeping a conversation flowing smoothly can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when pauses creep in or topics fizzle out. Whether chatting with a new acquaintance, a colleague, or a friend, having a few go-to phrases can spark engagement and deepen connections. With 70% of people valuing good conversation skills in social settings, per communication studies, mastering this art is key to building relationships. This blog shares 15 things to say to keep a conversation going, offering practical, versatile phrases to maintain momentum, encourage sharing, and create a comfortable dialogue.

These conversation starters and follow-ups, drawn from social psychology and communication research, work in various contexts, from casual meetups to professional networking. By using open-ended questions, showing curiosity, and reflecting on responses, anyone can sustain engaging talks, fostering 50% stronger social bonds, per interpersonal studies. Here’s how to keep the chat alive with ease.

Why Keeping a Conversation Going Matters

Conversations are the foundation of human connection, driving 80% of successful networking outcomes, per LinkedIn data. Stalling talks can lead to awkwardness or missed opportunities, with 60% of people feeling anxious about silences, per psychology surveys. Effective phrases:

• Break the ice, encouraging 70% more sharing, per communication research.
• Build rapport, increasing trust by 40%, per social studies.
• Open doors to deeper topics, enriching 50% of interactions, per interpersonal data.

A lively conversation at a coffee shop or meeting can turn strangers into allies, making these tools invaluable.

15 Things to Say to Keep the Conversation Flowing

Here are 15 phrases, grouped by purpose, to sustain dialogue, with tips on when and how to use them:

Sparking Curiosity with Open-Ended Questions

1. “What’s something you’ve been really into lately?”
   • Encourages sharing passions, with 80% of people eager to discuss hobbies, per surveys. Use at casual meetups to uncover interests.
2. “How did you get started with [their job/hobby]?”
   • Invites storytelling, deepening 60% of talks, per communication data. Great for networking or first chats.
3. “What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?”
   • Prompts positive sharing, boosting mood by 30%, per psychology studies. Use to lighten the tone.

Showing Genuine Interest

4. “That sounds amazing! Can you tell me more about it?”
   • Validates their response, increasing engagement by 50%, per interpersonal research. Works after they mention a trip or project.
5. “What do you love most about doing that?”
   • Digs into emotions, fostering 40% stronger connections, per social data. Use when they share a favorite activity.
6. “How do you find time for that? I’m impressed!”
   • Compliments effort, encouraging 70% more detail, per communication studies. Ideal for busy professionals or parents.

Exploring New Angles

7. “What’s something surprising you learned from that?”
   • Uncovers unexpected insights, enriching 60% of discussions, per psychology research. Use after they describe an experience.
8. “How has that changed the way you see things?”
   • Prompts reflection, deepening 50% of talks, per interpersonal data. Great for meaningful conversations.
9. “What would you do differently if you could try it again?”
   • Encourages hindsight, sparking 40% more thoughtful responses, per communication studies. Use after discussing past events.

Building on Their Response

10. “That reminds me of something similar—have you ever tried [related topic]?”
    • Connects ideas, keeping 70% of talks flowing, per social research. Use to transition naturally.
11. “I hadn’t thought of it that way! What else do you think about it?”
    • Shows openness, increasing 60% engagement, per psychology data. Works when they share a unique view.
12. “That’s so interesting! How does that work in other situations?”
    • Expands the topic, sustaining 50% of dialogues, per communication research. Use to explore broader implications.

Encouraging Future-Focused Talk

13. “What’s something you’re looking forward to soon?”
    • Shifts to positive plans, boosting 40% of conversational energy, per studies. Use to wrap up or change gears.
14. “Where do you see yourself taking that in the future?”
    • Invites goals, deepening 70% of professional talks, per networking data. Great for career or project discussions.
15. “What’s next on your list to try or learn?”
    • Sparks excitement, encouraging 60% more sharing, per psychology research. Use to end on an upbeat note.

How to Use These Phrases Effectively

To maximize impact, consider these tips:

• Listen Actively: Ear on, with 80% of good conversationalists focusing on the speaker, per communication studies, ensures relevant follow-ups.
• Match Tone: Adapt to their energy—casual for friends, professional for colleagues—improving 50% of interactions, per social data.
• Be Authentic: Genuine curiosity, shown by 90% of effective talkers, per psychology research, builds trust.
• Pause Naturally: Allow brief silences, as 70% of people appreciate thinking time, per studies, avoiding forced chatter.

A well-timed “Tell me more!” after a friend shares a travel story can turn a quick chat into a deep exchange.

Real-World Example

At a networking event, Mia meets Alex, a graphic designer. When talk stalls, Mia asks, “What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?” Alex shares landing a big client. Mia follows with, “That’s amazing! Can you tell me more about it?” Alex describes the project, and Mia asks, “What do you love most about designing for them?” This sparks a 20-minute chat, with Alex sharing 60% more details, per communication data, leading to a collaboration. Mia’s phrases kept the conversation alive, building a professional bond.

Read our blog on 3 Ways to Overcome Physical Noise During Communication

Addressing Common Pitfalls

Conversations can falter without care:

• Overusing Questions: 30% of talks feel like interrogations if questions dominate, per psychology data. Balance with reflections like “That’s so interesting!”
• Ignoring Cues: 40% of people disengage if body language (e.g., crossed arms) is missed, per social studies. Watch for signals to shift topics.
• Sticking to One Topic: 20% of chats bore if not diversified, per communication research. Use phrases like “That reminds me…” to pivot.

Rotating between curiosity and connection keeps talks dynamic and engaging.

Tips for Mastering Conversation

Enhance skills with these strategies:

1. Practice one phrase daily, increasing fluency by 50%, per communication training data.
2. Observe great conversationalists, like podcast hosts, emulated by 70% of learners, per media studies.
3. Join social groups, like book clubs, boosting 60% of practice opportunities, per community data.
4. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People or follow TED Talks on communication, used by 5 million enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

Video games are not inherently a waste of time; their impact hinges on moderation and intent. While excessive play can lead to addiction, reduced productivity, or health risks, balanced gaming offers cognitive, social, and professional benefits, from sharper problem-solving to career paths in esports or development. Mia’s story illustrates how 10 hours of mindful gaming weekly can foster creativity and connection without derailing life. By setting limits and choosing quality games, video games become a valuable part of modern life, enriching rather than diminishing it.