10 Easy Opening Lines
Forty friendly lines and delivery tips for starting a conversation almost anywhere, from a cafe to a class.
You do not need to be clever. A simple, friendly line and a real smile will do.
40 tips that really help
These lines and tips come from well-known books on small talk and from everyday practice. The first six work almost anywhere. Pick one and try it today.
“Hi, how is your day going?”
The classic works almost everywhere. It is friendly, short and easy to answer, so the other person can reply in a few words or tell you more.
Use this line with one new person today.
“What brought you here today?”
At events, classes and meetups, this line starts a real story. People usually enjoy explaining why they came, and you get an easy follow-up question.
Ask this at your next event, then follow up on their answer.
“Is this your first time here?”
Whether they are new or a regular, both answers give you something to talk about. It also shows you care how they feel about the place.
Try it in a cafe, class or gym this week.
“It is busy today, isn't it?”
A comment about the shared moment is the easiest opener. It needs no courage, because you are both in the same situation.
Make one friendly comment about the place the next time you wait.
“What would you recommend?”
Asking for a tip makes the other person the expert. People enjoy helping, and you get useful information too.
Ask someone for a recommendation, like a dish, a book or a class.
“I like your ... Where did you get it?”
A sincere comment about something they chose is flattering and safe. Pick something they clearly care about, like a bag, a jacket or a pin.
Find one thing you honestly like and ask about it.
“Excuse me, could I ask you something?”
A small question is a polite way in. Directions, the time or a quick opinion all work, and it often leads to a longer chat.
Ask one person a quick, real question today.
“Hi, I am ... I don't think we have met.”
A simple introduction is never wrong. It is clear and warm, and it gives the other person the chance to say their name back.
Practise this line out loud until it feels natural.
“How do you know the host?”
At parties and gatherings, everyone has a link to the host. It is an easy way to find common ground and hear a good story.
At your next party, ask this to someone standing alone.
“How long have you been coming here?”
For a regular place like a gym or a club, this shows interest and gives them a chance to share tips and stories.
Ask a regular at your gym or club.
“Have you watched anything good lately?”
Shows, films and music are friendly topics for almost everyone. The answer often leads to shared tastes and more questions.
Ask someone for one thing they enjoyed watching or listening to.
“What do you do for fun?”
This friendly question goes beyond work. People light up when they talk about hobbies, and you may find something in common.
Ask this once and listen for a hobby you can ask about.
“This music is great. Do you know it?”
In a cafe or at a party, music is a shared experience. The line is light and opens a door to taste and memories.
Comment on the music the next time you notice it.
“How is the class going for you?”
In a course or workshop, this is a natural, safe opener. It invites an honest answer and often leads to tips and new friends.
Ask a classmate how they are finding the course.
“Have you tried the food yet?”
Food is a happy topic for everyone. At events, ask what they have tried, or what you should try next.
Ask someone what they would try first at the buffet.
“What did you think of the talk?”
After a talk, meeting or film, everyone has an opinion. Ask for theirs, then share one short thought of your own.
After the next event, ask someone what they liked most.
“I am new here. Any tips?”
Admitting you are new makes people kind and helpful. It is honest and gives them a friendly role.
Use this line the next time you are new somewhere.
“That looks like a good book. Is it?”
A book, a game or a hobby item in someone’s hand is a ready-made topic. People love to share what they enjoy.
Notice what someone is reading or holding, and ask about it.
“Do you live around here?”
Local questions are easy and safe. They lead to places, food and tips you can both share.
Ask a neighbour or new acquaintance about their favourite nearby spot.
“How has your week been?”
A little warmer than How are you, this invites a real answer. Use it with colleagues and people you see often.
Ask a colleague this and listen to the whole answer.
“What are you working on these days?”
At work or networking events, this opens a friendly chat about projects without being too personal.
Ask one person about their current project.
“Nice weather today, isn't it?”
Weather is the classic small talk for a reason. It is neutral, shared and easy to answer, and it can lead to plans and places.
Use a weather comment to start your next chat, then ask a follow-up.
“Are you from around here?”
This question leads to stories about places, travel and food. Most people enjoy talking about where they come from.
Ask someone where they grew up and where they like to go.
“Any plans for the weekend?”
A friendly line for Thursday and Friday. It invites easy sharing and sometimes a nice invitation.
Ask this to someone at work or class this week.
“How did you get into that?”
When someone mentions a hobby or a job, this question invites their story. It shows real interest and keeps the chat going.
Use it right after someone shares something they do.
“That sounds interesting. Tell me more.”
This is a gentle follow-up for any topic. It tells the person you want to hear more, and they will keep talking.
Say Tell me more once in your next chat.
Smile as you say the line
The words matter less than the warmth. A smile makes any opener feel friendly and relaxed.
Smile before you speak and keep smiling while they answer.
Add their name or a small detail
If you know their name, use it. If not, mention something you can see. It makes your line personal, not generic.
Add one detail to your next opener, like their name or the place.
Choose lines that need more than yes or no
Questions that start with What, How or Why give people room to answer. Yes or no questions end the chat quickly.
Change one yes or no question into a What or How question.
Match the line to the place
A line that fits the place feels natural. Ask about the class at a class, the food at a party and the project at work.
Pick an opener that fits where you are today.
Keep it short
A short line is easy to say and easy to answer. Save long stories for later.
Aim for an opener under ten words.
Pause and listen after the line
After your opener, stop and wait. The pause gives the other person space to answer, and you will hear what to say next.
Count to two in your head after you ask.
Follow up with their words
Pick one word from their answer and ask about it. It shows you were listening and keeps the chat natural.
Repeat one word from their answer as a question.
Use gentle humour
A light, kind joke about the shared situation can relax everyone. Keep it friendly and never at anyone’s expense.
Try one light comment about the line, the rain or the queue.
Avoid heavy or personal topics at first
Money, politics and health can feel too personal at the start. Begin light, then go deeper if they open up.
Stay with light topics for the first few minutes.
Practise your lines out loud
Saying your openers aloud makes them feel familiar. Use the mirror, the car or a voice note.
Say three openers out loud right now.
Keep three lines ready
Having three go-to lines lowers stress. Choose one for events, one for work and one for everyday places.
Choose your three favourite lines from this lesson.
If it does not land, move on kindly
Sometimes people are busy or shy. If you get a short answer, smile, say Nice to meet you and let it go. It is not about you.
Practise a kind exit: Nice to meet you, enjoy your day.
Change your lines to keep them fresh
Use different openers so you do not sound like a robot. Pick the one that fits the moment.
Try a new opener from this list this week.
Say it with real curiosity
The best opener is the one you really mean. Be curious about the person, and the words will find their way.
Before you speak, think: what am I curious about?
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work almost anywhere.
“Hi, how is your day going?”
“What brought you here today?”
“What would you recommend?”
“I like your jacket. Where is it from?”
“I’m new here. Any tips?”
“That sounds interesting. Tell me more.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Say Hi, how is your day going to one person
Make a friendly comment about the place
Ask someone for a recommendation
Give one honest compliment and ask a question
Use a line at an event or class
Follow up with Tell me more
Use your three favourite lines
Further reading
- Conversationally Speaking by Alan Garner. A practical guide to talking easily with anyone.
- The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine. Simple ways to start, keep going and end a chat.
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes. Many small techniques for making a good impression.
Photos are from Unsplash and used under the Unsplash licence. The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Starting Conversations”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: The First 10 SecondsNext: Eye Contact & Body Language →
- Overcoming Shyness
- Approaching Someone Naturally
- The First 10 Seconds
- 10 Easy Opening Lines
- Eye Contact & Body Language
- Asking Good Questions
- Keeping a Conversation Going
- Active Listening
- Handling Awkward Silence
- Ending a Conversation Politely
- Meeting a New Coworker
- Talking to Your Manager
- Small Talk Before Meetings
- Business Networking Events
- Starting Conversations with Customers
- Professional Introductions
- Following Up After Meeting Someone
- Starting Conversations at the Gym
- Giving Respectful Compliments
- Talking About Workouts
- Meeting People at Sports Clubs
- Respecting Personal Space
- From Gym Acquaintance to Friend
- Starting Conversations at Parties
- Joining a Group Conversation
- Introducing Yourself at Events
- Talking to Friends of Friends
- Finding Common Interests
- Moving Beyond Small Talk
- Exchanging Contact Information
- Conversations at Coffee Shops
- Talking at Stores & Bookshops
- Meeting Your Neighbours
- Talking While Waiting in Line
- Talking to Someone You Find Attractive
- First Messages on Dating Apps
- Talking Across Cultures
- Overcoming Language Barriers
- Handling Rejection Respectfully
- Turning Introductions into Friendships
