[Conversation Skills] Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Talk Theme Ideas
There are plenty of times—like at a dinner with lots of new faces or when you want to get closer to new classmates—when you think, “I need some fun conversation topics!” But when the moment comes, sometimes the words just won’t come out.
Even with friends, the more time you spend together, the easier it is to run out of things to talk about.
So, here’s a roundup of conversation topic ideas! If you branch out from the themes listed here, your conversations are sure to flow.
Be sure to check them out!
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- Liven up your drinking party! Fail-safe conversation topics and talk themes
- [Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection
- [Ultimate Either-Or] A great conversation starter and a chance to get to know each other!
- A collection of questions to liven up phone calls with someone you like or are interested in
- Questions to deepen your bond as a couple! Conversation topics that will get lovers talking
- Fun two-player games recommended that you can play using conversation only
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [Let’s Get Closer] A Collection of Engaging Questions for Self-Introductions
[Conversation Skills] Get the Party Going! A Collection of Talk Topic Ideas (21–30)
What if you won the lottery?
If you want to understand someone you like or are interested in more deeply by learning their values, try asking, “If you won the lottery, what would you buy?” If you win the lottery, you can get anything, no matter how expensive.
The things someone would want in a situation where they suddenly have a large amount of money often reflect what they truly value and consider important.
Through this question, you can learn about their dreams, goals, outlook on life, and more.
And once you hear what they want, it’s a good idea to ask why, too!
Part-time Job Episode
How about talking about the types of part-time jobs you’ve had in your life so far and the memorable episodes that happened there? You might also discover different attitudes toward part-time work—whether someone stuck with the same job for a long time or tried a variety of fields.
Stories unique to a particular industry can feel fresh to those unfamiliar with it, while those with experience will enjoy them as relatable anecdotes.
It’s a topic that could lead to conversations in many directions—successes, failures, and the quirky rules of different industries.
Interesting videos or YouTube channels I’ve seen recently
In the past, when someone asked “Did you see that TV show?”, TV was the only source of funny videos.
Since smartphones became widespread and social media took off, funny videos have become much more accessible on platforms like X and TikTok.
If you’re not great at small talk, why not break the ice by asking, “Did you see that funny video?” and showing it to everyone on your phone? I’m sure everyone has their own favorite clips, so you’ll probably kick off an all-out ‘funny video show-and-tell.’ It’s a great idea to use digital tools as a spark to get the conversation going!
Trendy and favorite foods
Back in the day, nata de coco and tiramisu were all the rage.
That topic hits right home for people in their 40s and 50s now.
We’ve had booms like maritozzo, tapioca (bubble tea), and many others—some trend and then quietly fade away.
There are always foods that are in vogue and in the spotlight, no matter the era.
So how about talking about those buzzworthy foods? Korean cuisine, for example, tends to spark conversation.
If you look online, you can quickly find out what foods are trending, so even those who feel like “I can’t keep up with how fast things change” can join in on a safe and lively topic!
Until what age did you believe in Santa Claus?
The topic of Santa that everyone goes through is a classic conversation starter that always livens up chats among friends.
Stories about when you believed and how you found out the truth tend to show personality, with all kinds of patterns like “A friend told me and I realized” or “My parents spilled the beans.” With both empathy and playful teasing flying around, the conversation naturally expands and is sure to heat up.
It’s also a heartwarming reminiscence with family or loved ones that makes you feel warm just by listening.
It’s the perfect talk theme when you want to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
What would you bring to a deserted island?
An uninhabited island is a situation where what you seek isn’t easily obtained—an environment where ingenuity is necessary to survive.
This question asks you to consider what you would need to survive on such an island and, if you could bring something with you, what would be best.
You might think in terms of survival essentials, or you might choose something precious you’d always want by your side.
It’s the kind of prompt that also reveals how each person faces hardship—shedding light on their individual character.
Beauty & Fashion
I’ve been hearing a lot lately that sales of men’s grooming and cosmetics are steadily rising.
As we’ve moved through the Heisei and Reiwa eras, men wearing makeup has become far from unusual.
Beauty has become a lively topic for everyone, regardless of gender.
And it’s not just about outward appearance—talking about what you do for beauty and health is great too.
For example, “That cartilage supplement has been good for my overall condition,” or “A 10-minute stretch every morning has improved my circulation.” Simply sharing what you practice is perfectly fine.
It also sounds fun to talk about fashion magazines you subscribe to: “The editor-in-chief of that magazine changed,” “The designer of that brand retired,” and so on—fashion is a topic you can talk about endlessly!
A narrow escape from death
How about steering the talk toward the theme of miraculous survival—narrowly escaping with one’s life? If it’s a literal episode of getting out of a life-threatening situation, you can keep the story tense and gripping.
If that feels too raw, I recommend shifting to lighter “somehow made it through” episodes, such as resolving a problem or averting trouble.
By sharing stories of getting through tough spots, you may also spark practical suggestions for dealing with everyday issues.
Which would you rather live in, the city or the countryside?
What you feel you need in your daily life changes what you look for in your surroundings.
This question—whether you’d rather live in the city or the countryside—helps reveal what you seek in your lifestyle.
Cities are convenient but tend to be noisy and have little nature, while the countryside is rich in nature and quiet but often inconvenient.
It’s a topic that reflects your values: which appeal you prioritize more, and what kinds of downsides you can tolerate and to what extent.
If you were told you could meet only one person you like, who would you meet?
Asking “If you could meet just one person you like, who would it be?” can reveal which celebrities or public figures your crush admires.
It’s a chance to learn their ideals and preferred type.
For example, if they name a popular actor, you can then adjust your own approach to match their tastes.
You might gain hints to better understand them and build a stronger relationship.
If you want to know what type they’re into, go ahead and ask this question!