How to Keep a Conversation Going with a Girl on the Phone

Help your conversation flow with expert tips to keep her on the line

Co-authored by Lynda Jean and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: April 25, 2025 References

You’ve done it—you’ve scored her phone number, and you’re about to have some one-on-one time over the phone with the girl you like. But how do you keep the conversation alive and interesting without running out of things to say? Don’t worry. We’ve put together plenty of tips, tricks, and strategies that can help take your phone call to the next level.

How to Carry a Phone Conversation with a Girl

Ask open-ended questions and practice active listening when she responds. Build the conversation on what she says, asking follow-up questions or sharing relevant anecdotes. Don’t be afraid to crack a joke, make small talk, or say what’s on your mind in the moment—that’s how you’ll develop a natural rapport.

1

Ask open-ended questions.

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“Yes or no” questions won’t accomplish much in a conversation. Instead, ask unique, engaging questions that force her to think of a longer answer.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant

Expert Interview} For instance, “Do you like soccer?” would be a yes or no question, while “What’s your favorite part about soccer?” is much more open-ended. Here are a few questions you can try asking:^{[2]
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- What was the highlight of your day?
- What do you think about this music group?
- What did you think about that rally last night?

2

Practice active listening.

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Active listening lets her know that you really care about what she’s saying.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant

Expert Interview} As she shares her story, repeat what she says in clarifying questions.^{[4]
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Research source} When you find a free moment the conversation, ask her something open-ended to keep the conversation going. You might say:
- “So Mrs. Brown marked you absent even though you arrived at class on time?”
- “So your audition went well, but you’re worried that you won’t land the part?”
- “How did that make you feel?”

3

Build the conversation on something she says.

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Pay close attention to the different stories that she offers. Can you relate to anything that she’s sharing? Try to think of something you have in common with her, and share that tidbit to keep the conversation going. You might say:^{[5]
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- “That’s really cool that you’re a vegetarian. I was actually thinking about giving it a try—do you have any tips?”
- “You’re a coffee person? Me too. I stop by my local coffee shop so much that I think they have my order memorized.”
- “Shrimp is your favorite food? That’s so neat. I really want to give shrimp a try, but I didn’t have the best experience the last time I ate seafood.”

4

Discuss something noteworthy.

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Bookmark a few interesting, relatable topics in case the conversation gets stale.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant

Expert Interview} Maybe there’s a big football game coming up, or an exciting new TV show just started airing. Brainstorm a few interesting topics that you can chat about in case the conversation starts to dwindle. Here are a few ideas to get you started:^{[7]
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- Movies and TV
- Music
- Sports
- School

5

Mention something surprising about yourself.

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You don’t have to confess your deepest, darkest secrets to her. Just keep it light and fun! Your interesting tidbit could always take the conversation in a whole new direction. Here are a few ideas:^{[8]
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- “I was actually an extra on a big Hollywood movie.”
- “I can make a ham sandwich with my eyes closed.”
- “I can write with both hands.”

6

Crack a joke.

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Look up some funny jokes online or tell her a hilarious story. You can even sprinkle some extra silliness into your conversation by imitating other people, doing your best animal impression, or singing a little song.^{[9]
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Research source} Try to stay away from any dark jokes that may come off as insensitive. Just like a good joke can make a really good impression, an offensive joke can make a really bad one.^{[10]
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Research source} Here are a few corny jokes you can try:^{[11]
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- “How do you organize a space-themed party? You planet.”
- “What does the baby laptop call his dad? Data.”
- “Why are leopards so bad at hide and seek? Because they’re always spotted.”
- Reader Poll: We asked 233 wikiHow readers if they think humor is effective for starting a conversation with a girl, and 81% of them said yes. [Take Poll]

7

Make small talk.

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Small talk isn’t as awful as people make it out to be. If you’re drawing a blank during your conversation, small talk can be a huge lifesaver.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant

Expert Interview} If you run out of things to talk about, feel free to ask about her day, or if she has any upcoming plans. With any luck, your small talk can lead to a new, interesting conversation. Try asking:^{[13]
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- What was the best part of your day?
- What are your plans for the weekend?
- Learn anything interesting in class today?

8

Say whatever is on your mind.

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Sometimes, a random thought or response pops into your head when you least expect it. That’s okay! Say whatever comes to your mind, even if it seems a little random. In fact, blurting shows that you really trust her and that you think she’ll respect and listen to whatever you have to say.^{[14]
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9

Embrace the silence.

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Think of it this way—when you chat with your friends, you probably aren’t talking constantly. In fact, you probably have a few moments of silence mixed into your usual hangouts. The same rules apply when you’re on the phone with a girl. Don’t panic when things go quiet; instead, take that time to center your thoughts and refocus your conversation.^{[15]
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10

Wrap things up if your chat isn’t going anywhere.

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Try not to force the conversation onward with endless questions and stories. If she seems bored or tired, it may be time to take a break. Besides, if you don’t wrap up the conversation at some point, she might start associating you with super long calls.^{[16]
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Research source} Here are some clues that she might not be interested:^{[17]
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- She asks basic questions instead of engaged and interesting follow-up questions.
- She repeats simple replies like “Oh really?” or “That’s so funny.”
- She talks much less than you do.

Questions to Keep the Conversation Flowing

Sample Questions to Keep the Conversation Flowing

Expert Q&A

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Question

What are good starter conversations?

Lynda Jean
Communication Consultant
Lynda Jean is an Image Consultant and the Owner of Lynda Jean Image Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Lynda specializes in color and body/style analysis, wardrobe audits, personal shopping, social and professional etiquette, and personal and business branding. She works with clients to enhance their image, self-esteem, behavior, and communication to facilitate their social and career goals. Lynda holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Social Work, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Certified Image Consultant (CIC) certification. She studied Image Consulting at the International Image Institute and the International Academy of Fashion and Technology in Toronto, Canada. Lynda has taught Image Consulting courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She is the co-author of the book, “Business Success With Ease,” where she shares her knowledge about, ‘The Power of Professional Etiquette.’

Lynda Jean

Communication Consultant

Expert Answer

For starters, don't ever talk about politics, and religion, God, especially politics. So we start with general things, you always want the other person to feel good. Good starter topics of conversation could be about cinema, it could be something on Netflix, it could be about a book you read, it could be about something that happened, like a tsunami or did you hear about someone famous passed away, lean more towards topics that may interest the girl.

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Tips

Try starting up a conversation with someone you don’t know very well. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you’re chatting with her!^{[18]
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