Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Oct. 16, 2014
Let’s face it: there are certain subjects that just don’t captivate anyone, no matter how hard you try. Here are 14 topics that are guaranteed to make your audience wish they’d brought a book.
- The number of carbs you consumed today.
- The bizarre dream you had last night.
- Any dream at all—unless it features the person you’re chatting with, then it’s a must-share!
- Which diets have failed you time and time again.
- Your latest obsession with someone who probably doesn’t know you exist.
- The organic food blog you’re planning to launch, complete with recipes inspired by your life’s dilemmas—like your dreams, your crush, and that unfortunate day you overindulged in carbs.
- How hilarious your kid is when they say the same cliché lines every child has uttered since the dawn of time, like “You’re the best mama!” or “I love you more than the sun!”
- Your recent Everlane shopping spree and the shirt that doesn’t fit quite right, leaving you in a quandary about returns and the possibility of that chic trench you may or may not want.
- Breast pumping? Not a thrilling conversation starter.
- Nipple confusion and your indecision about whether to hire a lactation consultant? Yawn.
- Your baby’s fontanelle is not a riveting topic, though cradle cap might spark some interest.
- Discussions about your “spiritual journey” or the significance of “Loving-kindness” in your life can easily bore a room. And please, spare us the word “mentor.”
- That transformative weekend you spent at a wellness retreat? Yeah, we’re all a bit tired just hearing about it.
- Beware of phrases that might land you on everyone’s “Most Annoying” list: “Listicle,” “It is what it is,” “At the end of the day…,” “I’m the kind of person who…,” and “Amazeballs.”
However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing interesting to say! You might just need a little inspiration. Here’s a list of 14 topics that are bound to spark conversations:
- Your wild weekend spent in jail (let’s be honest, that’s a story everyone wants to hear).
- Creative baby names like Endless Spiral or P’Orcelin that are sure to raise eyebrows.
- Introduce your friends to the game “The Annoying Party” (patent pending!) where you invite the most irritating people you can think of—real or imagined.
- Share secret home remedies that actually work.
- Talk about ailments, because who doesn’t love a good health discussion?
- Discuss an intriguing article you read on Brainpickings.
- The wonders of holistic podiatry.
- Inappropriate things your child has said that will make everyone chuckle.
- The funniest typos you’ve seen on dating apps—like, “Friday nights I usually stay home and coke in the kitchen.”
- Share life hacks, like using apple cider vinegar and baking soda for superior cleaning.
- Reveal any of your best-kept secrets, like how to flag down off-duty cabs without looking like a lunatic.
- Anything related to the show Transparent is sure to get people talking.
- Dream up a line of kids’ clothing designed for adults that you wish existed.
- Teach your friends how to dye clothes for a wardrobe refresh in under an hour.
Good luck out there! Remember, you don’t have to be a stand-up comedian to engage your audience. If any of these topics fall flat, it’s probably not you—it’s them!
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out our other blog post for additional insights. For expert advice on artificial insemination, visit Make A Mom. And if you’re considering IVF, UCSF offers fantastic resources on that topic.
Summary:
This article humorously outlines topics that fail to engage an audience, highlighting both boring and interesting subjects to discuss in social settings. Aiming to boost confidence in social interactions, it provides a fresh perspective on how to keep conversations lively and engaging.