The opening moments of a live video call can shape the conversation. A specific, easy question gives the other person a clear topic to respond to and can make the exchange easier to continue.
20 starters worth trying
- What's the best part of your day been so far?
- Where in the world are you calling in from tonight?
- What's something you're looking forward to this week?
- Coffee, tea, or neither — what gets you going in the morning?
- What's playing in the background right now?
- Do you have a go-to comfort show or movie?
- What's the last thing that made you laugh?
- Are you a night owl or an early riser?
- What's one thing you're genuinely good at?
- If you had a free weekend with no plans, what would you do?
- What's a small thing that instantly improves your mood?
- Do you prefer texting or actually talking on video like this?
- What's something you've gotten into recently?
- Beach, mountains, or city — pick one
- What's your ideal way to unwind after a long day?
- Do you have any plans coming up you're excited about?
- What's a song you'd never skip if it came on?
- Are you more of a planner or a go-with-the-flow person?
- What's the weather like where you are right now?
- What made you want to hop on a video call tonight?
The one rule that keeps a conversation going
Ask a follow-up before you ask a new question. Whatever the answer was, react to it first — that's what separates a real conversation from a list of icebreakers read out loud. Icebreakers only get you in the door; genuine curiosity is what keeps the call going.