CONVERSATION HOW-TO'S:

STARTER TOPICS FOR CONVERSATIONS

Everyone has trouble thinking of what to say sometimes. However, when faced with these
problems, there are some common topics people rely on to kick-start a conversation.  

SURROUNDINGS  TV, MOVIES, OR BOOKS

When talking to others pay If you would like to get to
attention to where are you. know more about a person
If something happens around you are having a conversation
you that is interesting or with, ask about their interests.
different, it can be a WEATHER The most basic interests you
conversation starter. It's a The weather is a good can ask about are TV, movies,
known connection between the conversation starter for and books. If you are feeling
two of you. This is a good way to someone you don't know.  more confident or notice
strike up a conversation with a  It's a topic almost most something that the individual
stranger.  An example might be people can talk about. said, you can bring that up to.
talking about how busy the Examples of this are if it An example of this is talking
store is if you're shopping, or if has been extremely hot or about sports if they are
something funny happens when if you there has been bad wearing a sports team's t-shirt
standing in line at a store.  weather recently. or hat.
 

INTERESTING PLANS SCHOOL OR WORK CURRENT EVENTS

Sometimes asking about
someone's plans can be a great
way to start a conversation. You
can learn a lot about a person,
such as what they like or dislike,
their interests, special hobbies,
or even similarities you both have
in common.  With this extra
information you will be able to
have a deeper discussion.
If you're at work or school, If you recently read an
asking them questions about interesting article, or something
work or school can be a great exciting is happening in the
way to know someone. You can news, you could start a
ask what they do at their job, if conversation about that.
it is different than yours, or
talk about a particular task, *Note: Try to avoid talking
such as a paper,  that you have about politics, as those
to complete.  conversations can become very
  intense, especially if your
* Note: To continue the opinions differ.  
conversation at a deeper level
you can also bring up another
topic. 

IF YOU ARE STILL HAVING TROUBLE

Sometimes, it is really hard to have a conversation. If you feel uncomfortable or
the person doesn't want to talk, you can politely excuse yourself. However, if the
person does want to talk you can mention that you can't think of anything to talk
about and see if they begin to ask questions.

This information sheet was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). 
For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. 
ASERT is funded by the Office of Developmental Programs, PA Department of Human Services.

website: www.paautism.org  |  email: info@paautism.org  |  phone: 877-231-4244              /ASERTPAautism              /ASERT_PAautism