Introduction
Texting is an essential form of communication, but it can be difficult to know how to start a conversation when you’re not face-to-face. If you’re feeling stuck in a texting rut, read on for some helpful tips and examples on how to break the ice and keep the conversation going.
Ask an Open-Ended Question
One of the best ways to start a conversation with someone is by asking an open-ended question. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with just a “yes” or “no.” They require more thought and often prompt the other person to talk about their interests or experiences. According to research from Harvard University, “asking open-ended questions is a great way to get to know someone, because they require more than a one-word answer.”
Examples of open-ended questions include:
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?
- What’s the best book you’ve read this year?
Share a Funny Meme
Memes are a great way to break the ice and start a conversation. Not only do they make people laugh, but they can also help spark conversations about current events, pop culture, and other topics. According to Psychology Today, “sharing a meme or two (or three) can be a great way to connect with someone and find common ground.”
There are plenty of websites where you can find funny memes, such as Reddit, Imgur, and 9GAG. You can also find memes related to specific topics or interests on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Send a GIF
GIFs, or animated images, are another great way to liven up a text conversation. Not only are they fun and lighthearted, but they can also be used to express emotions and reactions that may be hard to put into words. According to research from the University of California at San Diego, “the use of GIFs in text conversations can help convey a range of emotions and reactions that might be difficult to express in words.”
You can find GIFs on popular platforms like Giphy, Tumblr, and Reddit. You can also search for GIFs related to specific topics or interests using keywords.
Ask How Their Day Has Been
Asking someone about their day is a great way to start a conversation. It’s a simple yet meaningful gesture that shows you care and are interested in hearing what they have to say. According to research from the University of Michigan, “asking someone about their day is a great way to show that you care about them and are interested in hearing what they have to say.”
Examples of how to ask about someone’s day include:
- How was your day?
- What did you do today?
- What was the highlight of your day?
- Did anything interesting happen today?
Give a Compliment
Giving someone a compliment is a great way to start a conversation. It will make them feel good and show them that you appreciate them. According to research from the University of Texas at Austin, “giving someone a compliment is a great way to break the ice and show that you appreciate them.”
Examples of compliments include:
- You have a great sense of style.
- Your work is really impressive.
- You have a great sense of humor.
- You’re really talented.
Make a Joke
Making a joke is another great way to start a conversation. Not only will it make the other person laugh, but it will also help break the ice and set the tone for the conversation. According to research from the University of California at Berkeley, “making a joke can be a great way to start a conversation because it helps to break the ice and set the tone for the conversation.”
Examples of jokes include:
- Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.
- What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
- Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide.
- What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
Conclusion
Starting a conversation via text can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! By asking open-ended questions, sharing funny memes, sending GIFs, asking how someone’s day has been, giving compliments, and making jokes, you can easily break the ice and keep the conversation going. So the next time you’re stuck in a texting rut, try one of these tips and see how it goes.
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