Some lawyers feel uncomfortable starting a conversation with a total stranger. Others find it awkward trying to start a meaningful chat with a comment about the weather, or asking “what ya do for a living?” Well, you might find the list of “55 Great Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met” by Scott Ginsburg helpful in reaching a comfort zone in your networking discussions.

Scott, known as the “nametag guy,” is apparently a popular speaker and networking expert. In any event, you may want to take a look at his entire list. Here are a few that I like under each of his general categories:

Getting to Know You…

• Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
• What’s the one sound that drives you crazy?
• What book has had the biggest impact on you?
• What’s your preferred method of getting the news?
• How do you relieve stress?

What’s your Favorite…

• What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
• What’s your favorite holiday?
• What’s your favorite part of your job?
• What’s your favorite food to cook?
• What’s your favorite movie to watch over and over again?

Back in the day…

• What was the first job you ever had?
• When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
• What was the best prank you ever pulled off?
• What was the best prank someone pulled on you?
• What is the best book you’ve read about your field?

If you could…

• If you could only subscribe to one magazine for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
• If you could have dinner with any three people, whom would you choose?
• If you could write a book about anything, what would it be?
• If you could hear anyone in history give a speech, whom would you hear?
• If you could live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you live?

Maybe there are other questions on Scott’s list that would come closer to your interests or style. Take a look.

Thanks to John Jantsch for the heads up on Scott’s list.