From awkward silences to engaging chats: here’s how to keep it fun and interesting

Chatting on a website can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially if the conversation doesn’t get off to a good start. But don’t worry! It’s totally normal to feel a little insecure at first. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to build a conversation and make sure your chats stay engaging.

Start with an interesting opening

The first message is often the trickiest, but it’s important to say something that stands out. Instead of just “Hello” or “How are you?” you can start with something you specifically noticed on their profile. Maybe they wrote something about a hobby you also enjoy, or posted an interesting photo. By referencing something in their profile, you show that you are genuinely interested.

For example: “Hey, I saw that you love to travel! What has been your favorite destination so far?” “I’m curious, where do you always buy your books? You have such great recommendations on your profile!”

Ask open-ended questions

One of the best ways to keep the conversation going is to ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking yes/no questions, try asking questions that encourage someone to share more. This creates a natural flow in the conversation.

For example: “What do you most enjoy doing in your free time?” “What is your most unforgettable experience to date?” “What books or movies would you recommend?”

Share something of yourself as well

People like to talk about themselves, but it is important that you share something of yourself as well. Don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes or interests. This keeps the conversation natural and allows you to build a rapport with the other person.

For example: “I love hiking in nature. The other day I went to a nature area and managed to take a really nice picture of a bird!” “I’m really a fan of comedy movies. Do you have a favorite movie you can watch again and again?”

Be patient

Sometimes the conversation won’t get going right away, and that’s okay. It may take some time before you are both comfortable going deeper into conversation. If you notice the conversation stalling a bit, give it some time. Sometimes something interesting will come up naturally. Most importantly, don’t get frustrated and try to steer the conversation in the right direction.

Closures

When the conversation comes to an end, always try to end on a positive and friendly note. This makes it easy to come back for a follow-up in the future.

For example: “Nice talking to you, hopefully we can talk again soon!” “It was nice to learn more about you. We’ll talk again soon, right?”