Starting a conversation, whether you want to get to know your crush a little better or if you have a public speaking engagement, it can be a little nerve-wracking. By using a good ice breaker, you have a good chance of leaving a good first impression, which could lead to something more. Perhaps a new relationship, new friends, or maybe even a new job.
Adversely, a bad ice breaker can be a one way ticket to nowhere. It could lead to embarrassment and leaving people feeling like they are wasting their time. These ice breakers will help you avoid these things and ensure that you will be having the conversation that all parties enjoy.
Ice breakers to Leave a Good First Impression
1. “How are you doing today?”
There is nothing like someone asking how you are doing and they really want to know the answer. This ice breaker may seem like it something people say just in passing, but it can lead to some great conversations if delivered properly.
2. (Any Compliment)
When you compliment someone, they will thank you and perhaps even lead to them complimenting you. If you comment on an article of clothing, an accessory, or something like that, you can go one step further and ask where they got the item. This will allow the conversation to continue and may even share some tips on sales and what not.
3. “Are the lines always so long?”
By commenting on an uncomfortable situation, but can commiserate on unpleasant the experience is. By focusing on something unpleasant you both are experiencing, you are unwittingly forming a bond. Who knows where the conversation can go!
4. Talk About The Weather
While it may sound like a cliché, but it is so common because it does work. Everyone has an opinion about the weather!
5. “Oh, did you hear about…?”
A good ice breaker is to comment on something current in the news, whether it is some celebrity gossip, some local event, or even something you may have heard about a mutual friend. If you have an interesting story to share, the conversation could go on for hours.
6. “What kind of (drink, food, dessert, ect)
Food and drink is a pastime that people enjoy anywhere. If you are out and you see someone sipping on something that looks delicious, feel free to ask them what they are drinking. This may even lead to them offering to buy you a drink.
7. “You have a beautiful name; are you named after someone?”
This is a good ice breaker if you just met someone and you learn their name. It will give them an excuse to talk about themselves, which everyone usually jumps to the chance to do, and it will give you an opportunity to learn more about them.
8. “Excuse me, do you work here?”
Now, this may seem like an obvious yes or no, but it can be a good way to start a conversation because if they do work there, you can ask them questions about what they like about the job and so forth. If they don’t work there, you can ask them where they do work and so forth. It’s a win win.