Speed networking questions that get people talking

Short chats live or die on the first question. A good one is open, easy to answer and points toward something useful. A bad one gets a one-word answer and a long pause.

Below are speed networking questions grouped by the moment they work best, from the first few seconds to the last minute of a chat. Use them as prompts on screen, in your welcome message or as a cheat sheet for guests who feel shy.

How to use these questions

• One question per round is plenty. It's a starting point, not a script.
• Put it where everyone can see it. A question on screen helps quieter guests most.
• Match the question to the goal. A social mixer and a mentoring night need different starters.
• Let people skip. If a chat is already going well, the question can wait.

Easy openers

For the first round, or for guests who are new to the group. Nobody has to think hard to answer these.

• What brought you here today?
• How did you end up in the work you do now?
• What does a normal week look like for you?
• What's something you're looking forward to this month?
• Where are you joining from today?
• What's keeping you busy at the moment?
• How long have you been part of this group?

Work and goals

Once people are comfortable, these move the chat toward what matters to them.

• What are you working on this quarter?
• What's the most interesting problem you're trying to solve right now?
• What does a good year look like for you?
• What's a recent win you're proud of?
• What's the hardest part of your role right now?
• What would you like to be doing more of a year from now?
• What's something you changed your mind about recently?

Asks and offers

The most useful questions in any networking event, because they turn a nice chat into something people can act on.

• What's one thing you could use help with right now?
• Who would be a great intro for you?
• What kind of people do you most like meeting?
• What are you happy to help others with?
• Is there a question you'd love an expert to answer for you?
• What would make today worth it for you?
• Who should I keep in mind for you after this?

A little deeper

For groups that already know each other a bit, or for longer rounds. Keep them optional and never personal in a way that puts someone on the spot.

• What's the best advice you've been given about your work?
• What's something you learned the hard way?
• What do you wish more people understood about your job?
• Who has helped you most in your career so far?
• What's a skill you're working on right now?
• What does success look like for you outside of work?

Light and fun

Good for team events, socials and the middle of a long session, when energy needs a lift.

• Would you rather have a four-day work week or a month off every year?
• Would you rather give a talk to 500 people or have dinner with 5 strangers?
• Tell me two truths and a lie about yourself. I'll guess the lie.
• What's a small thing that always makes your day better?
• What's the best thing you've read, watched or listened to lately?
• If you could learn any skill in a weekend, what would it be?
• What's a hobby you'd pick up if you had more time?

For mentoring and career events

When one person is there to learn from the other, give both sides a question.

• For mentees to ask: How did you get from where I am to where you are?
• For mentees to ask: What would you do differently if you were starting out today?
• For mentees to ask: What do people early in their careers usually get wrong?
• For mentors to ask: What's the decision you're weighing right now?
• For mentors to ask: What kind of help would be most useful to you this year?
• For both: What would a good next conversation look like?

For founders and investors

Founder and investor chats are short and focused, so the questions should be too.

• What are you building, and who is it for?
• What's the biggest thing you need to prove in the next six months?
• What kind of companies are you looking at right now?
• What would make you want a second conversation?
• Who else should I be talking to?

For teams inside companies

When colleagues meet across teams, the best questions are about work they don't usually see.

• What are you working on that other teams might not know about?
• Which team do you wish you worked with more often?
• What's a tool or habit that makes your week easier?
• What did you do before this job?
• For new hires: what has surprised you most so far?

For the last minute of a chat

When the one-minute warning comes up, these help people leave with a next step instead of a vague "nice to meet you".

• What's the best way to stay in touch?
• Is there anyone you'd like me to introduce you to?
• Can I send you that article, tool or name we talked about?
• What's one thing you'll do after today?
• Would you like to pick this up again over a coffee chat?

Questions to avoid

• Yes or no questions. "Do you like your job?" ends a chat. "What do you like most about your job?" starts one.
• Questions that sort people. Asking about age, salary, religion or politics can make people feel judged, especially in a room of strangers.
• The hard sell. "Can I tell you about my product?" in the first minute makes people wish the round was shorter.
• Trick questions. Brain teasers make some guests feel tested rather than welcome.