Opening is not a problem (well, not as much as it used to be) where my problem lies is keeping the conversation rolling. It isnt long before i run out of questions for them (maybe I dont listen as well as I should) and have to go onto another routiene.... pretty soon it becomes obvious im struggling.

MY QUESTION: what simple questions can I ask to keep the conversation running smoothly, avoid the awkard silences and find that common ground??? (e.g what are your hobbies, what do you do for a living? etc - basically im after small talk, which I suck at IN A BIG WAY!!!)

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Learn the principle, abide by the principle, and dissolve the principle. In short, enter a mold without being caged in it. Obey the principle without being bound by it. LEARN, MASTER AND ACHIEVE!!!

my apologies... I didnt find anything on this subject cause I was looking in the wrong section!!!!! (for those of you who are doing the same as I did goto "mid-game" there is plenty there.

The first one I came accross was from "charlie0" and he has put these down:

What do you think of the movie/resturaunt/party?

Tell me about the best vacation you've ever taken.

What was it like in the town where you grew up?

Of all the places you've lived, which did you like best? Why?

What would you like to come back as in another life? Why?

Why were you named _____? What is the origin of your last name?

What's the best surprise you've ever gotten?

What's the neatest surprise you've ever pulled off for someone?

Tell me about some of your New Year's resolutions.

What are your favorite things to do when you're by yourself?

Tell me something most people would never guess about you.

What would you do if you won a million dollars?


Nice one mate!!! keep adding them.[/quote]

_________________
Learn the principle, abide by the principle, and dissolve the principle. In short, enter a mold without being caged in it. Obey the principle without being bound by it. LEARN, MASTER AND ACHIEVE!!!