Everyone has trouble starting conversations sometimes, but if you stutter it can seem even harder to get in there! This can happen at school, at parties or anywhere.

Often, you can start a conversation with a neutral comment, or an open question which can be answered in many different ways.

How Can I Start or Make Conversation at a Party?

Go to a party with a friend! Introduce yourselves to people in a pair! It's a fun way to meet people and if you can't think of something to say- your friend can help you out! Here are some ways to start a conversation:

• 'Hi, how are you going?'
• 'Hello'
• 'Hey Mate'
• 'Hi, my name is ______.'
• 'What's happening?'
• 'What's going on?'
• 'So, what do you know?'
• 'Are you having a good time/night?'
• 'Are you up for a game of ....?' (pool, darts etc.)
• 'Did you see the football last night?'
• 'How do you know ______?' (name of the host of the party)
• 'Do you know many people here?'
• 'Are you into this music?'

Give a compliment such as:

• Boy to a girl 'You look nice tonight'
• Boy to a boy 'Where'd you get your shirt?'
• Girl to a girl ' I like your bag/shoes/ jacket'

Or you could try saying:

• 'I'm getting a drink, can I get you one?'
• 'Are you having a big/late night?'
• 'Have you been here before?'
• 'Where do you like to go out with your friends?'
• 'Any talent here?'
• 'So what do you do with yourself?'

How Can I Start a Conversation at a Sporting Group, Club or Somewhere Else?

• 'Have you been here before?'
• 'How many seasons have you played?'
• 'How often do you train/practise?'
• 'What grade/level do you play?'
• 'How does your team usually go?'
• 'Do you live close by?'
• 'How did you get here tonight?'
• 'Do you know many people here?'
• 'How many people are in the club?'
• 'How long have you been coming here for?'

What are Some General Conversation Topics?

• 'What are your plans for the weekend?'
• 'Did you do anything exciting on the weekend?'
• 'What school do you go to?'
• 'What year are you in?'
• 'What do you want to do when you finish school?'
• 'Do you play sport?'
• 'Did you see the game last night?'
• 'Who do you follow?' (sporting team)
• 'What do you like to do?'

Here are some movie, music and tv topics:

• 'Have you seen the movie ______?'
• 'Have you seen any movies lately?'
• 'What do you think of _______?' (actor, actress, football player etc.)
• 'What kind of music do you like?'
• 'Who's your favourite band?'
• 'Have you been to any concerts lately?'
• 'What's your favourite TV show?'
• 'Have you been watching __________?' (name of TV show)

You could ask someone about their job and/or holidays:

• 'Do you have a part time job?'
• 'Where do you work?'
• 'Have you got your driver's licence/ are you on your L/P plates?'
• 'Have you been on any good holidays?
• 'Have you been overseas before?'
• 'Do you want to travel overseas?'