Would you say you’re a good conversationalist? If you were plunked down in a room full of strangers, how quickly could you start up a conversation with someone? Would it all be chitchat, or are you better at meaningful conversations? Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science, studies communication and human interaction. In his studies on conversation, he and his colleagues compiled a list of “shallow” vs. “intimate” conversation starters. Some of the shallow conversation starters are:

• What do you think about the weather today?
• What is the best TV show you’ve seen in the last month?
• Do you have anything planned for later today?

Some of the more intimate or meaningful conversation starters are:

• What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
• For what in your life do you fee…