20 Questions

Yes or No Questions to Ask

Simple yes or no questions perfect for icebreakers, getting to know someone, or quick conversation starters that require minimal effort to answer.

1

Do you prefer coffee or tea?

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Why this works

A simple preference question that's easy to answer and can lead to follow-up conversations about favorite drinks or morning routines.

2

Have you ever traveled outside your country?

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Why this works

Reveals their travel experience and can spark conversations about favorite destinations or travel dreams.

3

Do you enjoy cooking?

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Why this works

Shows their relationship with food and can lead to discussions about favorite recipes or restaurants.

4

Are you a morning person or night owl?

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Why this works

Reveals their natural energy patterns and can help understand their lifestyle preferences.

5

Do you have any pets?

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Why this works

A common topic that most people can relate to and often leads to sharing pet stories or photos.

6

Have you ever been skydiving?

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Why this works

Reveals their adventurous side and can lead to discussions about bucket list activities or fears.

7

Do you prefer the beach or mountains?

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Why this works

Shows their preference for relaxation vs. adventure and can reveal their ideal vacation style.

8

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

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Why this works

Helps understand their social energy and how they recharge, which is useful for planning activities together.

9

Do you enjoy reading?

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Why this works

Reveals their intellectual interests and can lead to book recommendations or discussions about favorite authors.

10

Have you ever won a contest or competition?

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Why this works

Can reveal their competitive side and lead to stories about achievements or hidden talents.

11

Do you prefer summer or winter?

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Why this works

Shows their climate preferences and can reveal their favorite activities or seasonal traditions.

12

Are you left-handed or right-handed?

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Why this works

A simple fact that can lead to discussions about creativity, sports, or interesting left-handed facts.

13

Do you enjoy dancing?

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Why this works

Reveals their comfort with movement and can lead to discussions about music, parties, or cultural traditions.

14

Have you ever met a celebrity?

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Why this works

Can lead to exciting stories and reveals their experiences with fame or interesting encounters.

15

Do you prefer city or country living?

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Why this works

Shows their lifestyle preferences and can reveal their values about community, space, and pace of life.

16

Are you afraid of heights?

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Why this works

Reveals common fears and can lead to discussions about overcoming fears or adventurous activities.

17

Do you enjoy spicy food?

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Why this works

Shows their taste preferences and can lead to discussions about favorite cuisines or restaurants.

18

Have you ever been in a play or musical?

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Why this works

Reveals their creative or performance side and can lead to discussions about theater, music, or artistic interests.

19

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

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Why this works

A classic preference question that often reveals personality traits and can lead to pet stories.

20

Are you superstitious?

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Why this works

Reveals their beliefs and can lead to interesting discussions about traditions, luck, or cultural practices.

Mastering Yes or No Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Making the Most of Simple Questions

Follow Up with Why

After they answer yes or no, ask 'Why?' to get more details and keep the conversation flowing naturally.

Use for Icebreakers

Yes or no questions are perfect for breaking the ice because they're easy to answer and don't require much thought.

Mix with Open-Ended Questions

Combine yes/no questions with open-ended ones to create a balanced conversation that's not too demanding.

Great Conversation Starters

Personal Preferences

Food and drink preferences
Seasonal preferences
Activity preferences
Lifestyle choices

Experiences and Stories

Travel experiences
Achievements and competitions
Celebrity encounters
Unique experiences

Personality and Traits

Social preferences
Fear and comfort zones
Creative interests
Beliefs and superstitions

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Don't Make Them Too Personal

Keep yes/no questions light and fun. Save deeper, more personal questions for when you know each other better.

Avoid Controversial Topics

Stay away from politics, religion, or other sensitive topics that could create tension or awkwardness.

Don't Rapid-Fire Questions

Give them time to answer and respond. Let the conversation flow naturally rather than bombarding them with questions.

Further Reading

"The Art of Conversation" by Catherine Blyth
"How to Talk to Anyone" by Leil Lowndes
"The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane

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