I have gained loads of knowledge from talking to my 5 to 15 minute meetings with the saviors and creators of my nights — Uber drivers. In the past seven years since the app came out, I have taken hundreds of rides. These users have seriously saved me in sticky situations and have been the brink of nights that would not have been possible without these nice people. As a sit in Uber after Uber, I always want to break the awkward silence. Now as a disclaimer: Some really do not want to talk to you. If there are headphones in their ears, they are not interested, but most human beings do like to have small talk. Think about how boring what they’re doing is, just driving people around. Wouldn’t you want to have a quick conversation with the people that are sitting in your car? With that said, here is a list of questions and conversations you can use to spark up a conversation with your Uber without it being weird.
1. How long have you been an Uber?
I like this question because there’s always a story behind why people decide to become Uber, maybe it’s the driver’s first night on the job, maybe the driver has been doing it for years.
2. How busy has your night been?
Maybe it’s been a slow night and you’re the first ones that have been picked up. You could find out what to expect as your out, like whether it is poppin’ on the streets of not.
3. Has anything bad ever happened on one of your rides?
This one is a little more of a loaded question. You might want to wait for a red light or a stop sign before you ask this one. I think it’s entertaining because if someone has vomited, broken anything, or spilled stuff in the car, the driver is definitely going to want to hash the details again. Also, don’t ask this if anyone in your party has the potential to change the answer. If nothing bad has happened to this driver, congratulate them. That really is a nice stroke of luck and we can only hope it stays late.
4. What do you think of the weather?
You knew this one, but just a reminder that this question is always valid always.
5. Do you like being an Uber?
This always comes with like an “Ehh” at the beginning of it and then probably an “It’s alright,” but sometimes you get passionate people that want to tell you why it is the best or worst job of their life.
6. The Aux/Music Situation.
You probably do this one immediately, but it’s always a fun one so I included it.
7. Where are you from?
Again this one may seem obvious, but there is a small ulterior motive: If your driver is not from wherever you are, make sure to be on top of directing the way to your destination.
That’s all I’ve got. Hope these help make your next Uber ride a little more comfortable and talkative.
