These days, it seems that everyone’s eyes are constantly glued to their phone screens. In a world of rapidly evolving technology, we oftentimes forget just how important face-to-face human contact is for our own happiness and well-being, and with the instant-gratification our smartphones provide, it can feel increasingly difficult to put our attention elsewhere (especially thanks to the deep dark abyss of the never-ending TikTok algorithm). In addition to the appeal of Tik Tok’s infinite algorithm, many of our day jobs require us to have our phones readily available to field a call or jump into a team chat. In short, it’s difficult to let go of our devices, even during the holidays.
At UB, our focus is on preparing students for their careers not only with the hard skills they’ll need to succeed, but the soft skills most professionals need to build relationships, earn trust, and advance in their fields. Some of the most important soft skills young professionals can develop are based around collaboration, conversation, and personality management – and what better place to practice these skills than at the holiday table? After all, an invigorating face-to-face conversation with a loved one, or even an unexpected interaction with a stranger, can help you build your social skills while providing you with the warmth you need to make it through these upcoming winter months. Still, engaging in social interactions can feel quite daunting, especially when many of us are used to communicating through emojis. Here are some tips to help you challenge yourself to put the phone away and, instead, find stimulation through conversation with family, friends, and strangers alike this holiday season.
Do a “phone stack”
If you need motivation to hit the power button, then consider phone stacking! Phone stacking is pretty much exactly what it sounds like; it’s a social practice which involves stacking phones on top of each other on the dinner table to prevent usage. Guests will be encouraged to engage in conversation rather than scroll endlessly through various social media platforms (which typically only leads to feelings of doom and gloom — two unwelcomed guests you’d rather not spend the season entertaining).
Now that the table is set, it’s time to connect IRL. Scary, right? If you’re struggling to find engaging topics, here are fifty light and entertaining prompts you can use to enthrall your family, friends, and guests this winter season — who knows what you might discover about one another!
Fun conversation starters to spice up your dinner table:
1. What are you watching on TV right now?
2. What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it?
3. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
4. If you could only choose one — would you rather treat yourself to second helpings or dessert?
5. If you could befriend any fictional character, who would it be and why?
6. What achievement are you most proud of this past year?
7. What is a skill or hobby you’d like to learn this upcoming year?
8. If you could create your dream job from scratch, what would it be (no matter how strange or unrealistic)?
9. If you could share a meal with anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
10. If you could master any instrument, which one would it be?
11. Who would play you in a movie?
12. Which album would be the soundtrack of your life?
13. What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
14. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
15. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
16. If you could make one season last all year long, which would it be?
17. What’s your favorite holiday food item that you look forward to enjoying every year?
18. What’s your go-to dance move? (Bonus points if you get up and do it.)
19. What’s the last movie you watched in theaters?
20. Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
21. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
22. Do you have any hidden talents?
H3: 23. If you were a vegetable (or fruit – whichever you’d prefer), which would you be?
24. Do you have any tattoos? If not, then what tattoo would you get?
25. What is your biggest pet peeve?
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26. Are you a morning bird or a night owl?
27. If you had to change your name, then what would your new name be?
28. What’s your biggest fashion regret?
29. What would the title of your autobiography be?
30. What movie or TV show would you love to live in?
31. What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
32. If you could invent an app that would make your life easier, what would it do?
33. Would you rather go to the beach or the city on vacation?
34. What’s your favorite decade of music (‘60s, ‘70s, etc.)?
35. Do you prefer summer or winter activities?
36. What side of TikTok are you on that you shouldn’t be?
37. If you had to relive one day of your life, what would it be and why?
38. What three items would you want on a desert island?
39. What feeling do you wish you could turn into an ice cream flavor?
40. What’s the best way to spend a snowy or rainy day inside?
41. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
42. What is your guilty pleasure?
43. If you could bring back a canceled TV show, what would it be?
44. What was your childhood dream job?
45. Are you a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin?
46. If you had to be a magical creature (witch, vampire, mermaid, werewolf, etc.), what would you be and why?
47. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?
48. What’s your favorite mode of transportation (car, foot, train, plane, etc.)?
49. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
50. What’s the kindest compliment someone’s paid you?
Make your holiday season merry and bright for all
The holidays can be a nerve-wracking time and experiencing FOMO on Instagram or the empty pleasures of infinite scrolling on Tik Tok can only make things worse. Now’s the chance to use this precious time away from work and school to bond with the loved ones in your life. Spread warmth this winter season by choosing face-to-face contact over the bleak screen of a cellphone; use these fun conversation starters to relieve any awkward silences while learning more about your loved ones and filling your holiday dinner table with laughter and real, actual connection.
Here at University of Bridgeport, we wish our students, faculty, and community members warmth and joy this holiday season. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones around a roaring fire, or spending a cozy night alone, we hope you find happiness and peace during this festive season.
If you’re ready to make a change in 2024, then learn more about our various academic programs and join the UB community. #UBelong here.