Music & Connection
Conversation Starters That Go Beyond Small Talk
"How are you?" gets you "fine." Better questions get you stories — and stories are where connection lives.
Ask about specifics, not summaries
Broad questions produce broad answers. A specific question gives someone somewhere concrete to stand.
- What was the first meal you learned to cook?
- What song was playing everywhere the year you turned twenty?
- What did your street sound like growing up?
- Who taught you something you still use?
- What's a job you had that nobody would guess?
Give the silence room
Recall takes time. A few seconds of quiet often feels awkward to the asker and productive to the person answering. Wait longer than feels natural before rephrasing.
Follow the energy
When someone lights up, stay there. The goal isn't to get through your questions — it's to find the one that opens up.
Try this
Bring one specific question to your next visit instead of a list of general ones.
The information and programs offered here are educational and wellness-based. They are not medical advice and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer's disease, dementia or any other medical condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding individual medical concerns.