Sometimes getting people to open up is tough. Whether you’re trying to get more than a one-word response from your teen on how their school day went or you’re working with a client and attempting to open the line of communication, building trust comes first.

Asking thought-provoking questions opens the door to forming deep connections, and these connections can be lasting if you continue to nurture them. Here are a few creative questions to inspire conversation:

  1. What’s something about you that I don’t know, that you want me to know?
  2. What did you look forward to when you woke up today?
  3. What made you feel energized today?
  4. Where do you wish you were from and why?
  5. What can we do together to make this a better day for you?
  6. Are there any relationships in your life that impact your daily functioning or mood?
  7. What is your go-to coping mechanism for tough times?
  8. Do you think in pictures? Are they in color or black-and-white?
  9. What is one trait you prefer in those you confide in?
  10. What would you rate 10/10?
  11. Tell me about a recent situation where you reacted in a way that made you feel proud.
  12. What are you absolutely determined to do?
  13. What takes up too much of your time?
  14. Would you want to remember every detail or your life? Why or why not?
Nurturing and establishing connections in your relationships takes time. And building positive connections is key to getting people to open up, create bonds and develop strong ties.

14 Creative Questions to Inspire Conversation