What topics to talk about during a car ride — a small handbook

Due to pandemic restrictions, we might have lost some practice in striking up conversations. Whether you’re behind the wheel or a regular Bolt passenger, Bolt rides offer conversations with people you’ll be seeing for the first time. So, we thought it was the right time to put together a small handbook of topics to talk about during your ride! 

What suits one, might not suit all. This is exactly why this article is divided into five parts containing different questions or topics to talk about to get the conversation juices flowing.

But before you start, here are some tips on how to engage in a conversation.

To keep the conversation going

• Listen and engage. It’s nicer for everyone when the conversation goes back and forth, isn’t it?
• Don’t go into the danger zone. Politics and religion. It’s safe to say that it’s better to keep away from those — haven’t we all been warned that playing with fire burns?
• If you feel the conversation is taking an awkward direction, simply end it. Or if the conversation you’re having feels more like you’re interrogating a perp, it’s about time to end. 

So now that you have the how, it’s all about the what. Here goes!

Topics to talk about #1: get the conversation started

• The current day
  • Weather talk — probably the best conversation starter of all.
  • Bolting — share more about your experience with Bolt.
  • Local news – what’s everyone talking about today?
• The not too distant future
  • Plans for the evening.
  • Plans for the weekend.

Topics to talk about #2: get to know the person

• Places lived
  • Are you a local?
  • How long have you lived in this city?
  • Have you ever lived abroad?
  • Would you like to live abroad? Where?
• Work
  • What do you do for a living?
  • What’s the most exciting part of your job?
  • Do you prefer remote work or working in the office?
• Education
  • What did you study? 
  • What’s the one thing you remember from school that you’ve actually never had to use in real life?
  • What was your favourite subject at school?
  • What did you hate about school?
• Animals
  • Do you have any pets?
  • Did you have any pets growing up?
  • Cats or dogs?
  • What’s your favourite animal?
• Food 
  • What’s your favourite food?
  • Do you cook? 
  • What’s your favourite restaurant?
  • Do you prefer sweet or savoury snacks?
  • What’s your go-to cheat meal?

If any of these didn’t get the conversation going, free Bolt rides surely will. Throw in a recommendation and keep an eye on our Instagram page to receive the latest updates about Bolt discounts.

Topics to talk about #3: entertainment

• Music
  • What’s your favourite music style? 
  • Who is your favourite artist? 
  • What was the last concert you’ve been to?
• Movies
  • What was the last movie you saw?
  • What’s your favourite movie?
  • Do you have a favourite actor or actress?
  • Who’s your favourite director?
  • What’s the worst movie of all time?
• Series
  • Netflix or regular TV?
  • What’s your favourite TV show?
  • Do you watch reality TV?
  • What was the show you grew up with?
  • What’s the worst series you’ve ever watched?
• Theatre
  • When was the last time you went to a theatre?
  • What’s your favourite play?
  • Do you have a favourite theatre?
  • Who’s your favourite actor or actress?
  • What’s the most boring thing you’ve seen in a theatre?
• Sports
  • Do you play any sports?
  • Do you watch any sports?
  • Who’s your favourite team?
  • What’s the most extreme sport you’ve ever tried?
  • Would you rather be a professional basketball or football player? Why?

Topics to talk about: #4: travelling

• Countries 
  • How many countries have you visited?
  • What’s on your to-visit list?
  • When was the last time you went on a vacation abroad and where was it?
  • TOP 5 places you’ve been.
• Recommendations
  • Best hotels where you’ve been to.
  • Best restaurants where you’ve been to.
  • Best museums you’ve visited.
  • The most interesting sights you’ve seen.
  • Must see places that you’ll never forget.

By the way, you can find a list of recommendations for must-visits by local and frequent Bolters in London from here.

Topics to talk about #5: completely random stuff

• Future
  • What will 2050 be like?
  • What will we use on a daily basis in 10 years that we don’t use now?
  • Will cars ever fly?
  • What will travelling abroad look like in 30 years?
  • Will people ever invent time travelling?
• Cars
  • What was your first car?
  • Favourite car models
  • What do you think of electric vehicles?
  • Is it worth buying a car if you live in the city?
  • The stupidest things people do with their cars
• Space
  •  Would you like to travel to space? 
  • Do you think there’s somebody out there besides us?
  •  What’s your favourite space movie?
• Technology
  • What do you think of artificial intelligence? 
  • What will be the biggest technological invention of the next decade?

Extra: best Spotify playlist recommendations

So, you went through all the topics to talk about and now the cricket situation is taking over. Luckily, there’s a solution for that. Music. Here are 5 great Spotify playlist recommendations — turn the volume up and sing along, if you dare!

• The Official Chart UK Top 40
• Hot Hits UK
• Rock Classics
• All Out 80s
• Songs to Sing in the Car

One last question: Have you ever thought about becoming a Bolt driver?

As you can see, driving with Bolt is far from boring — meeting new people and having great conversations with them is a daily occurrence. You can do that too. Just fill in the driver sign-up form and get rolling!