“So…what do you do?” or 20 things you can talk about when meeting someone new
A challenge:
The next time you’re at a party or social gathering, abolish “What do you do?” from your vernacular.
You will most likely find out sooner or later what someone does. There are a gazillion things you can talk about without having to ask how an individual pays bills, and the probability that the “9-5” isn’t really what gets that person going is high. Isn’t it more interesting to talk about passion?
Topics you can discuss when meeting someone for the first time:
- current events
- recent book reads
- projects that excite you
- favorite places to travel
- hobbies
- pets
- an embarrassing story you can laugh at now
- why you’re there
- who you are looking to meet
- where you’re stuck
- sports (whether you play, watch, or remember a hero from childhood)
- notable charities
- beverage of choice
- plans for the holidays / next scheduled vacation
- an object in space (a nearby piece of artwork or architecture of the building)
- something you’re looking forward to
- sincere compliments
- the weather (if you must)
- recent successes
- first memory taking risks
note: On occasion, you will meet an individual who has successfully managed to blend passion and work. Hang around this person, ask them lots of questions, and ask them to introduce you to others.