What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say

Flip here when you want to say hi or start a chat. You'll also find lines for keeping it going, finishing it and saying something nice.

Saying hi

Saying hi to a kid you know

Straight "Hey! What are you up to?"

Silly "G'day, legend! What's the plan today?"

Saying hi to a kid you don't know

Straight "Hi! I don't think we've met. What's your name?"

Or "Hi! Which class are you in?"

Silly "Hi! I come in peace. What's your name?"

Tip If your words get stuck, a smile and a wave still count as hello.

Saying hi to a grown-up

Straight "Hello! How are you today?"

Or "Hi, thanks for having me!"

Silly "Hello! I'm here to say hello. Mission complete!"

Tip The silly one is best for a friend's mum or dad, not a new teacher.

Saying hi to someone at the shop or canteen

Straight "Hi! How's your day going?"

Silly "Hello! I've been thinking about a pie all morning."

Starting a chat

Asking what they're into

Straight "What are you into at the moment?"

Or "Got any animals at home? Tell me about them!"

Silly "Tell me what you're into. I need a new hobby!"

Asking about the thing they're holding

Straight "That looks cool. What is it?"

Or "Can I have a look?"

Silly "Is that from the future? It looks way too cool."

Tip Wait for a yes before you touch it.

Asking what they did on the weekend

Straight "What was the best bit of your weekend?"

Silly "Tell me your weekend in three words. Go!"

Tip If they say "nothing much", try "Did you watch or play anything good?"

Starting a chat while you're both waiting

Straight "What are you looking forward to today?"

Silly "If you could be any animal right now, which one?"

Starting a chat at a party

Straight "How do you know the birthday kid?"

Silly "Want to help me find the best snack here? It's serious work."

Keeping it going

Asking one more question

Straight "Cool! What happened next?"

Or "Were you excited or nervous?"

Silly "Wait, rewind. I need every single detail!"

Tip Nod while they talk, so they know you're listening.

They're really excited about something

Straight "You seem really into that. Tell me more?"

Or "Can I try it with you sometime?"

Silly "Keep going! I'm listening with both ears."

Something like that happened to you too

Straight "That reminds me of something. Can I tell you?"

Or "I've felt like that before too."

Silly "No way! Are you reading my mind? Same thing happened to me."

Tip Keep yours short, then hand the chat back to them.

You've run out of things to say

Straight "My mind's gone blank. What's something fun you've done lately?"

Or "We can just hang out quietly for a bit."

Silly "My brain just went on holiday. It'll be back soon."

They only give one-word answers

Straight "What's the best bit about it?"

Silly "Quick one: would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet robot?"

Tip Yes-or-no questions get short answers, so try ones that start with "what" or "how".

You ask something and they don't answer

Straight "Sorry, did you hear me?"

Or "No worries. Maybe later!"

Silly "Hello? Did my words go missing on the way over?"

Tip They might be shy, busy or still thinking, so it's not always about you.

Ending a chat without being rude

You have to go

Straight "I've got to go now. It was good chatting with you!"

Or "There's the bell. See you at recess!"

Silly "Got to go! My lunch is calling me."

You need a quiet minute

Straight "I need a quiet minute now. Can we talk later?"

Silly "Shh! My quiet minute starts now. Back soon!"

Tip You don't have to explain why you need a quiet minute.

They keep talking and you want to stop

Straight "I need a break from chatting now. Catch you later!"

Silly "That was so good, I'm going to write it all down. Bye!"

Ending a chat with a grown-up

Straight "It was nice talking to you. Bye for now!"

Silly "I'd better go. I've got a very busy day of playing."

Making people feel good

Telling someone they did something well

Straight "You're really good at that."

Silly "Whoa. Are you secretly a professional?"

Tip Say the exact thing you liked, and only if you mean it.

You like someone's idea

Straight "That's a cool idea. I wouldn't have thought of that."

Silly "Best idea ever! Where's your medal?"

Noticing something kind someone did

Straight "I saw you let them have a turn. That was kind."

Silly "Kindness alert! Ten out of ten from me."

Saying thanks

Straight "Thanks for letting me have a go."

Or "Thank you. That was really helpful."

Silly "Thanks a million! Actually, a million and one."

Someone says something nice to you

Straight "Thanks! That's kind of you to say."

Silly "Thanks. I'll keep that one in my pocket for later."

Tip "Thanks" is plenty, and you don't have to say something nice back.

You like hanging out with someone

Straight "I like hanging out with you."

Silly "Hanging out with you beats a day at the beach."

If nothing here fits

Straight "Hi! What's been the best part of your day so far?"

Straight "Thanks for chatting with me. That was fun!"