How to not be boring? 16 easy tips

Are you tired of being perceived as boring? Well, we’ve created a post that helps you discover how to not be boring, more interesting, and more engaging. If you’re feeling like you don’t know how to talk to people or you’re just not interesting, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to stand out from the crowd and be less boring.

Now, let’s dive into the post and talk about how to not be boring! Or, watch our quick video summarizing the tips.

You got this!

1. Learn how to carry a conversation

The easiest way to learn how to not be boring is by confidently carrying a conversation. You can learn more here in one of our other posts. First, you need to develop the mindset, practice conversation starters, and engage with the person you’re talking to. We have several posts to get more ideas and examples. Engaging in meaningful conversations with people can help you form connections and further your relationships.

In addition, carrying a conversation doesn’t mean talking the whole time, but also actively listening. This means being an engaged listener, asking questions, and not being afraid to share your opinions. Be sure to give interesting facts or stories that will spark more conversation.

2. Learn how to ask above-average questions

Asking questions beyond basic questions can make you stand out and be remembered. Most importantly, it will make you more attractive. Also, people love to talk about themselves, which is normal.

A conversation is a dance that requires partners to be in sync—it’s a mutual push-and-pull that unfolds over time. Just as the way we ask questions can facilitate trust and the sharing of information—so, too, can the way we answer them.

So, asking someone questions makes them feel validated and sparks a mood-boosting hormone, dopamine. Studies suggest encouraging people to talk about themselves will make them more memorable and you’re more interesting. This is an easy way to understand how to not be boring and to be more interesting!

3. Prepare a few stories to tell people

A sure way to learn how to not be boring, and that you’d never have a boring conversation, and leave a lasting impression on people, is by telling a story. Stories are one of the most powerful tools for communication and how people will remember you. Stories and facts can often become powerful motivators.

One great way to prepare stories is to think of them as mini-adventures. Think of an exciting situation, something that will make people laugh or think, and then develop it into a story. It’s also helpful to practice telling these stories and make sure the story is short enough for others to enjoy.

4. Small talk, share your thoughts and interests

Knowing how to not be boring and be interesting has benefits that are endless. People are drawn to interesting individuals, who can offer unique perspectives, opinions, and good small talk. Learning how to small talk can help you in every social situation.

“When you show curiosity and you ask questions, and find out something interesting about another person, people disclose more, share more, and they return the favor, asking questions of you”. “It sets up a spiral of give and take, which fosters intimacy.” Says, Todd Kashdan, PhD, a world-recognized authority on well-being, strengths, social relationships, stress, and anxiety

5. How to not be boring? Say “yes” more 

Saying yes to new experiences can help you become a more interesting person and open you up to a world of possibilities. Research has found that people who say yes to new experiences tend to be more open-minded and creative.

So what types of experiences should you be saying yes to? It could include anything from trying a new hobby or cuisine, attending a cultural event, or taking a weekend trip. It’s about getting out of your comfort zone and embracing something new. To make sure that you’re having meaningful experiences, it’s important to be intentional about the activities you participate in. Overall, saying yes to new experiences can help you become more open-minded. It will also give you the opportunity to learn new skills and explore different cultures. So why not say yes and make the most out of life?

Saying “Yes” will … 

• Open you up to new opportunities
• Invite more positive collaboration.
• Create a safe environment to try, fail, learn, and innovate with others
• Make life more fun! 

6. Get a haircut/hairstyle and new clothes 

One way to make a great first impression and be less boring is by sprucing up your look. Getting a new haircut and buying some nice clothes can do wonders for your appeal! Not only will these changes make you look more presentable, but they can also boost your confidence. Plus, if you’re looking to make an impression, dressing up can definitely help. According to a recent study by Oxford University, people who dress up smartly are more likely to be viewed as interesting and attractive. It’s a very easy way to learn how to not be boring. 

So if you’re looking for ways to become more interesting and attractive, get a haircut and buy some nice clothes! This small change can make a big difference in how others see you and help you attract attention in the best way possible.

Getting a haircut can be transformative, making you more interesting looking, and more attractive. Your hairstyle has a measurable effect on your physical attractiveness. Knowing your face shape can offer you valuable insight into which hairstyles will make you the most attractive.

7. Have a 1-year goal to not be a boring person

Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the next 12 months, whether it’s learning a new language, taking on a new volunteer project, or even finding a new job. By having something to talk about, you can go beyond small talk and be more interesting to those around you.

Research shows that having goals and actively working towards them can increase your self-confidence, make you feel more engaged with life, and help build meaningful relationships with others. By setting one-year goals you’ll have something interesting to talk about and people will find you far more engaging. You’ll also be able to benefit from the confidence boost of achieving goals and gain new experiences that will make you even more interesting.

8. Accomplish something uncommon or unordinary

Doing something out of the ordinary is not only exciting and rewarding, but it can also help you develop skills and qualities that will benefit you in the long run. Research has shown that people who challenge themselves are more successful and happier in life. Making you less boring and more interesting.

By taking on a unique challenge, you’ll not only become more interesting but also gain more confidence, increase problem-solving skills, and open yourself up to new experiences. For example, if you decide to travel to a new country, you’ll learn about the culture and customs of that place, develop your communication skills, and gain an appreciation for different perspectives. You may even get inspired to pursue your passions or take on a new career path.

9. Read, listen to podcasts, take courses. Always learn

Learning is a great way to become more interesting. You can learn by reading books, listening to podcasts, watching videos, and researching topics that you’re interested in. Learning will open your eyes to new perspectives and ideas that can spark interesting conversations. Most importantly, you can meet new people while learning about a topic. Especially, if you go to an event, you’ll have plenty to talk about since you’re there for the same reason.

In addition, learning will give you a better understanding of the world around you. You can become more well-rounded which can make you more interesting. If you are looking to be more interesting and engaging, then never stop learning! Take time out of your day to gain knowledge and have experiences that come with learning. This will help you become more interesting and confident.

Check out Udemy, a website to learn whatever you can think of!

10. Take a trip for interesting experiences

Take a break out of your comfort zone and explore new things. Going on a journey can not only open your eyes to new cultures but also help you become more worldly. Research shows that people who are more open to traveling and experiencing new cultures have a greater sense of self-awareness and a more interesting personality.

You don’t have to go far to reap the benefits of a journey. Take a road trip with friends or family, or even just explore your own city. When you travel, you open yourself up to new ideas and experiences, helping you become more knowledgeable and cultured. Plus, new experiences can give you stories to share with others which makes you more interesting. You might even pick up some new hobbies or skills along the way.

Don’t be afraid of venturing out and discovering new places. You never know the amazing things that can come from it. Let go of the fear of being boring, and take a trip to become more interesting. You’ll be surprised by how much it can change your life for the better.

11. Start a side hustle or new hobby

Starting a side hustle or taking up a new hobby is a great way to learn how to not be boring. Not only is this a great way to make some extra money, but it will also give you something interesting and unique to talk about. You can even use it as a way to meet new people who share your same interests. There’s no need to feel bored or uninteresting anymore. Taking up a new hobby or starting a side hustle is an easy way to have more things to talk about during conversations.

40% of Americans have a side hustle in 2022, says Zapier

Research has shown that having hobbies and side hustles can help with your overall mental health and well-being. This is because when you are engaged in an activity you enjoy, you are more likely to be in a better mood and be able to express yourself better. Additionally, having something interesting to talk about can make conversations more dynamic and engaging – which makes you appear more interesting and exciting.

12. Have progressive ideas and opinions

Demonstrating thoughtfulness and open-mindedness is a sign you’re intelligent and interesting. Research shows that having progressive ideas and opinions can help you stand out from the crowd, show your creativity, and express yourself. To become more interesting, start by reading up on current events and keeping up with objective news about culture, music, and humanity.

Lastly, be open to discussing different topics with those around you. You don’t have to agree with them, but being able to have open conversations will show that you are open-minded and willing to listen. If you’re able to have progressive ideas and opinions, then you will be seen as interesting and not boring!

13. Be vulnerable

Are you still wondering how to not be boring? Well, by being open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can draw people in and make yourself more captivating. It’s known that allowing yourself to be vulnerable is actually beneficial for your well-being, as it cultivates trust, connection, and understanding between people.

“Vulnerability can be the driving force of connection”

In addition, being vulnerable gives people an insight into who you are and what you stand for. It allows you to open up and share experiences that can be exciting and inspiring to those around you. By being vulnerable and allowing yourself to explore new ideas, you can become more interesting to those around you

14. Be sincerely curious about others

So, being curious seems to protect people from negative social experiences, like rejection, which could lead to better connections with others over time. 

Studies have found that people who are curious are often viewed in social encounters as more interesting and engaging. In addition, they’re more able to talk to a wider variety of people. 

15. Practice phrases in a new language

Learning a new language can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Not only does it open up a world of culture, literature, and travel opportunities, but it also makes you more interesting in the eyes of others. Here are some fun phrases in different languages you can learn today!

Most importantly, being able to converse with people in different languages, even just a little, can broaden your social circle and enrich conversations with friends, colleagues, or new people. Learning another language is an investment that pays off in many ways!

16. Talk about your future plans, life vision

Exploring and discussing our life plans or vision can make us more interesting to others. Also, it gives us an opportunity to display our creativity, our ambition, and our passion for what we want to achieve in life.

Most importantly, sharing these goals with others can also be inspiring, as it demonstrates the different paths that people may take to reach their dreams. And, by taking the time to think about our future plans, we can gain a better understanding of who we are and what we want out of life.

More quick tips: how to not be a boring person

• Try something that scares you: Take on a project or take a trip you’ve been hesitant about
• Think about your passions: knowing your passion can drive conversations with others
• Learn two jokes: Have a couple of good jokes, funny quotes, or funny sayings
• Take improv class: Taking an improv class will teach you to think faster and better on your feet

The secret juice to not being boring is …

In one study by Todd Kashdan of George Mason University, participants were paired to engage in an intimacy-building conversation. The pairs took turns asking and answering a series of questions that moved from less to more intimate in nature—e.g., If you could invite anyone, living or dead, for dinner and conversation, who would it be and why? When did you last cry in front of another person? 

Participants filled out questionnaires and measured:

• Curiosity, positive and negative emotions, and social anxiety levels.
• The participants rated how attracted and how close they felt to their conversation partners.

Results showed the participants were more attracted and felt closer to curious people than those who were less curious. Curiosity still had a unique link to higher intimacy scores, suggesting curiosity is a trait that might aid social closeness.

“Being interested is more important in cultivating a relationship and maintaining a relationship than being interesting; that’s what gets the dialogue going...It’s the secret juice of relationships.” Says Todd Kashdan.

What else can you do right now?

If you feel like your social skills keep getting worse, or are feeling depressed, talk to a close friend or a professional counselor about the feelings you have.

Or, you can prepare more when you go out to socialize. Joining our community and Download our Tool Kit for free (mini-course, social blueprint, and more)

We think if you join our community, take our course, or just read a few more blog posts, you won’t be saying, “how to not be boring”, but you’ll feel more confident, learn a few more social techniques, and how to set boundaries.

You got this!