I know that small talk is a part of daily interactions, but it can be so unsatisfying, particularly so when you either want to get to know a person better or want to connect on a deeper level. Small talk is the default for most people when they interact with others, even when they might prefer a more meaningful conversation. By having a better list of go-to questions, you can bypass the small talk and have more discussions about things that matter.

Here are a few engaging questions I’ve started asking to engage and connect with people in a more meaningful way.

1. What are you excited about right now?

The beauty of this question is that the person can run with it in any direction they like, work, personal life, hobbies, travel, etc.) with a range of possible answers that may overlap into your life or work, which creates an opportunity for you to open up the conversation further. And with this framing, it allows the respondent to talk about something that they're passionate about.

2. What are you looking forward to?

Similar to the first question, this question engages the respondent with a forward-looking question that opens a wider range of possible answers.

3. What's the best thing that's happened to you in the last 6 months?

Using a similar technique to the first two questions, this one allows the other person to go back in time and reflect on an experience that may have impacted their life in a meaningful way. It opens up a wide range possible answers, which, of course, may overlap with your own interests or competencies promoting further discussion.

4. What's the most important thing I should know about you?

This allows you to open up discussion in a topic that is dear to most people's hearts, themselves. Most people appreciate it when you take in interest in what makes them unique. While it can be a little direct, and probably shouldn't be one of your first questions in a conversation, it does give you the opportunity to get to know the person in a deeper way. Just make sure you use it in an appropriate context and at the right timing.

5. What made you choose your profession?

If you've already asked the ubiquitous question, "What do you do?", and want to stay on topic in a more engaging way, this question is an awesome follow-up. It can reveal the layers of someone's personal journey. It demonstrates their values and motivations behind their work. It can also trigger another more thought-provoking response, whether or not they're happy in their line of work. Asking this question, may put you in a position to assist, coach or mentor a person through a career or job transition.

6. What books are you reading right now?

While you could ask a person what their favourite books are, this question allows you to learn more about their tastes, explore common interests, and give you new titles you may not have been exposed to otherwise. And if you or the other person ends up reading one of the books discussed, it gives you the opportunity to talk about it in a future conversation.

These questions are just a handful, but they have definitely served me well. Do you have any engaging questions you like to use in place of the usual ones that come up in small talk? Please share them in the comments to help further the conversation.