Sports Conversation Starters for Your Week

I’ve read too many things about skipping small talk lately and want to point something out – it’s an important part of the relationship building process.

I understand wanting to get to the good stuff or have more meaningful conversations, but I’m not about to tell anyone something personal or vulnerable without establishing some level or trust or connection.

If small talk feels like a waste of time, change your approach. Skip the topics – like the weather - that don’t go anywhere. Be more strategic in setting up a conversation that gets you to the next step in building the relationship.

Sports can do that, especially if you’re willing to think outside the box scores and talk about more than just the stats, scores and outcomes.

Here are a few topics that can help get the ball rolling this week.

MLB 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are giving Paul Skenes three extra days of rest before his next start. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has seen a significant drop in his velocity over his last nine starts. 

His next start will be Wednesday against Detroit. Pittsburgh is slumping as a team and is not currently in position to make the postseason.

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: 

• There are a lot of theories about why Skenes is struggling. What's your best guess? 

NBA/WNBA

The basketball Hall of Fame welcomed nine new inductees including WNBA legends Candace Parker and Elena Della Donne. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: 

• In your opinion, what is the most important criteria for determining Hall of Fame status? 

NCAA Football

The  AP Top 25 Poll will be released Monday. Ohio State is widely expected to be No. 1 overall. The Buckeyes have already claimed the top spot in the preseason Coaches Poll. Defending national champs, Indiana are ranked No. 6 in the Coaches Poll. The college football schedule starts August 29. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: 

• What factors do you consider in predicting success and even potential dominance before the start of the season?  

PGA

Scottie Scheffler won the St. Jude Championship by eight strokes, his largest margin of victory this season. It was his first win in seven months but because of his consistency and finishing as a runner up five times this season. The win guarantees that he will finish No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings after next weekend's BMW Championship.

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: 

• What do you make of Scheffler's consistency this season? Do you stop to count your "almost wins" as well as your wins?