Master the Art of Texting: 30 Brilliant Conversation Starters

It’s no secret that starting a conversation, especially over text, can be a daunting task. Whether you’re reaching out to someone you don’t know well or trying to keep the conversation flowing with a long-time friend, it can be difficult to know what to say. What if you could have a ready-to-use list of conversation starters for texting?

For those of us who are a bit socially awkward or shy, having a few conversation starters up our sleeves can take the pressure off. Instead of racking your brain for the perfect thing to say, you can dive right into the conversation with a pre-prepared topic.

But why is texting such a challenge for some people? While they might be chatterboxes in person, they struggle to translate their conversational skills to the digital world. This is often because texting lacks the visual cues we rely on in face-to-face interactions, like body language and facial expressions. Misunderstandings can easily arise, and the pressure to respond quickly can be stressful.

Fortunately, there are numerous text conversation starters you can use to get the ball rolling. Some are ready-made sentences you can use verbatim, while others are more like guidelines to inspire your own creativity. Either way, they’re guaranteed to kickstart a conversation and relieve the stress of that blinking cursor!

Here are 30 conversation starters for texting that can help you banish awkwardness and get the conversation flowing:

1. Share a funny meme: Memes are a great way to start a conversation without saying much. Share one that you think they’ll find amusing or that reminds you of them.
2. Inquire about their hobbies: People love talking about things they’re passionate about. If you know their hobbies, ask them about it. They’ll likely take the conversation from there.
3. Discuss current events: Whether it’s a global news story or something happening in your local area, discussing current events can easily spark a conversation.
4. Follow up on something they mentioned: If they told you about an upcoming event, follow up on it. It shows you’re attentive and interested in their life.
5. Tell a joke: Everyone loves a good laugh. Even a cheesy joke can get a conversation started.
6. Share a funny video: If you’ve been watching funny videos, share one with them. It’s a great way to initiate a conversation and gives you a specific topic to discuss.
7. Ask about something they mentioned: If they recently talked about a band or a book, ask them more about it. It’s a great way to show you’re interested in their interests.
8. Ask about an adventurous experience: Questions like “Have you ever been skydiving?” can spark an interesting conversation about adventures and experiences.
9. Express your astonishment about a current event: A simple statement like “I can’t believe what’s happening right now” can open the door to a deeper discussion about current events.
10. Relate a funny incident to them: Send them a funny meme or video with a comment like “This is totally something I can see you doing.” It’s a fun way to start a conversation and can lead to a good laugh.
11. Ask for dinner suggestions: If you’re unsure about what to have for dinner, ask them for suggestions. It’s a simple yet effective conversation starter.
12. Ask for Netflix recommendations: Asking for recommendations can lead to a discussion about shared interests and favorite shows.
13. Inquire about their weekend plans: This not only shows your interest in their life but also opens the door to potential plans together.
14. Ask for advice on stress relief: This can lead to a deeper conversation about personal challenges and coping mechanisms.
15. Inquire about the best part of their day: This question encourages a positive response and can lead to a more in-depth conversation about their daily life.
16. React to their social media post: Comment on an interesting or controversial post they’ve shared. It shows you’re paying attention and can lead to an in-depth chat.
17. Follow up on their day: If they’ve mentioned an event or meeting, ask about it. This demonstrates your attentiveness and interest in their experiences.
18. Ask about their dream destination: A question like “If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?” can lead to a fun and imaginative discussion.
19. Ask them to describe their day with an emoji: This is a fun and creative way to understand their current mood and start a conversation.
20. Suggest a spontaneous meet-up: A text like “What’s your favorite ice cream? Let’s go get it this afternoon!” is a cute and casual way to suggest a meet-up.
21. Brighten up their day: A simple message like “I’m just texting to brighten up your day!” can bring a smile to their face and start a light-hearted chat.
22. Ask for a joke: If you’re having a dull day, ask them to share a joke. It’s a fun way to lighten up the mood and start a conversation.
23. Propose a text game: Suggest playing a text game like the story game. It’s a great way to spend time chatting and having fun.
24. Ask for recommendations: If you’re planning to buy something, like a new phone, ask them for suggestions. It’s a great way to get their opinion and start a conversation.
25. Ask about their spontaneous experiences: A question like “What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done in the middle of the day?” can lead to an interesting conversation about their past adventures.
26. Discuss food preferences: Ask about their stance on certain food items like avocados. It’s a light-hearted way to start a conversation and learn more about their tastes.
27. Ask for their controversial opinion: Encourage them to share a controversial opinion. It’s a great way to spark a lively debate and keep the conversation going.
28. Inquire about their breakfast habits: A question like “How did you have your eggs this morning?” can lead to a casual conversation and give you insights into their daily routines.
29. Discuss sensory memories: Ask them about a smell that brings back memories. It can lead to a deep conversation about past experiences and nostalgia.
30. Send a pleasant surprise message: A text like “Your face just popped into my mind, I wanted to say ‘good morning'” can make their day and start the conversation on a positive note.

Now, let’s move on to some tips for making the conversation last:

1. Ask open-ended questions, but don’t overdo it: While questions are a great way to keep the conversation going, asking too many can make it feel like an interview. Mix in some statements and observations to keep it balanced.
2. Let the conversation flow naturally: Don’t try to control the conversation too much. Let it go where it’s naturally headed.
3. Talk about what they enjoy: If you notice they’re enthusiastic about a topic, dive deeper into it. Their enthusiasm will keep the conversation going.
4. Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Authenticity comes across in texts, and it’s more engaging to talk to someone who’s being genuine.
5. Give them a chance to start the conversation: Don’t always be the one to initiate. Let them start the conversation sometimes to maintain a balanced dynamic.

Remember, the key to a good conversation is not just starting it, but also keeping it going. Be open, show genuine interest, and let the conversation flow naturally. Happy texting!