24 free printable conversation cards for new friends
By ValuePair · · 7 min read
Auf Deutsch lesenMeeting someone at an event can be easier than turning that conversation into a second meeting. These cards offer a simple start and room to suggest seeing each other again.
These 24 conversation cards give adults a few things to talk about and a gentle way to suggest meeting again. Print them, share them or adapt the wording for your event. No account, email address or app is needed. They are for adults only (18+), including mixed groups and women-only groups.
Go to the cards · Find a follow-up message
Three ways organizers can use the cards
Use a set for each pair or table at a walking group, newcomer club, university buddy program or friendship tandem. Cut along the dashed borders and keep the three levels separate. Two or three questions are plenty for a first conversation. There is no need to finish the pack.
- Pair walk: Invite each pair to choose an easy card and spend about ten minutes walking and talking. Offer a seated option with the same cards. Both people can answer, and changing partners is optional.
- Dinner table: Put the first eight cards in the middle of the table. Someone reads one aloud and anyone who wants to can respond. Avoid making everyone take a turn or putting one person on the spot.
- First buddy or tandem meeting: Choose one easy card each. Check whether you both want to try the more personal level. Near the end, a next-meeting card can help you find out whether you would like to meet again.
A short introduction to read aloud
“You can skip any question without explaining why. Please do not ask someone to justify a pass. Share only what you want to share. You do not have to exchange contact details or arrange another meeting.”
Do not collect people’s answers. Ask before sharing anyone’s contact details, and never require a home address. Suggest a public place if people want to meet again. Listening quietly or stepping away is fine. The levels are choices, not a test of how open someone is willing to be.
24 printable conversation cards
Use “Print 24 cards” or your browser’s print command. Only the three card sheets will print. Choose A4, portrait and 100 percent scale, and turn off browser headers and footers. Each sheet has two columns and four rows. You can also choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. To customize a set, copy the questions you want into your own document.
1. An easy start
Pick one card together. A short answer is enough.
An easy start · 1/24
What is one small thing you enjoyed today?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 2/24
How would you spend an afternoon with nothing scheduled?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 3/24
What could you happily give a five-minute talk about?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 4/24
What do you like noticing when you explore somewhere on foot?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 5/24
Which game do you enjoy even when you lose?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 6/24
What have you been reading, watching or listening to for fun?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 7/24
What would you like to try just out of curiosity?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
An easy start · 8/24
What makes a good little break in your day?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Free to print and adapt. By ValuePair.
For adults (18+). valuepair.app · 1/3
2. A bit more personal
Try these only if you both want to. Staying with the easy cards is fine.
A bit more personal · 9/24
What helps you feel welcome in a new group?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 10/24
What small gesture from someone can brighten your day?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 11/24
What does a relaxed afternoon with a friend look like to you?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 12/24
What helps you keep going with a new hobby?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 13/24
Which activity makes you lose track of time in a good way?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 14/24
What do you appreciate in people you enjoy spending time with?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 15/24
Do you prefer making plans ahead of time or deciding on the day?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
A bit more personal · 16/24
What makes an invitation feel easy to accept or turn down?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Free to print and adapt. By ValuePair.
For adults (18+). valuepair.app · 2/3
3. Planning a next meeting
An invitation is optional. No and maybe are welcome answers too.
Planning a next meeting · 17/24
Has anything in our conversation given us an idea for something to try together?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 18/24
For another catch-up, would you prefer a short walk or somewhere to sit?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 19/24
Would a half-hour catch-up feel like a good next step?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 20/24
What free activity might we both enjoy?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 21/24
Would you like to talk again at the next group event?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 22/24
Would you rather meet with the group again or spend time one to one?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 23/24
If you want to stay in touch, how would you like to arrange another meeting?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Planning a next meeting · 24/24
Would you like to suggest a day, or leave plans open for now?
You can skip this, no explanation needed.
Free to print and adapt. By ValuePair.
For adults (18+). valuepair.app · 3/3
5 messages to send after the event
Use a contact channel you both agreed to share. Mention something you actually talked about, then suggest one small next step. Change these examples so they sound like you.
- “I enjoyed our walk today. Would you like to do a short park loop next week?”
- “That game you mentioned sounds fun. Shall we bring it to the next group meetup?”
- “It was lovely meeting you at dinner. Fancy a coffee on Saturday? No worries if it doesn’t suit.”
- “Are you going to the next club event? I’d enjoy picking up our conversation there.”
- “I enjoyed our first buddy catch-up. Would you like to meet for half an hour next week? Feel free to suggest a day.”
One invitation is enough to start. If you do not hear back, give the other person space. Accept a no without trying to negotiate it. For more ideas about building on an introduction, read how to turn acquaintances into close friends.
About this resource
We made these cards at ValuePair for community events. They are standalone prompts, not a selection of the app’s questions. If you also want to meet new people online, you can optionally explore ValuePair. Your group does not need to use it.