Common icebreakers when meeting new people

meeting new people

It's a common thing: you're at a party, and you've just met someone new. You want to make a good impression, but how do you do it? Some people have no problem talking about themselves—they can talk about their life and interests for hours. But for others, this is easier said than done. It can be hard to start a conversation with someone when you know very little about them. The good news is that there are plenty of icebreakers out there (even if they aren't real icebreakers). Here are some common icebreakers that you can use when meeting new people:


Talking about your job.

Talking about your job is a good icebreaker because it's something that most people can relate to. You could talk about your job in terms of the work itself or the benefits of your job. For example, you might talk about how much you love solving problems, or maybe you could explain that being able to take one day off per week means that you can spend more time with your family. You could also ask them what they do for a living and why they chose their profession.

If you're unsure what kind of person is standing across from you, asking them their name is always a safe bet! Introducing yourself at an event or party gives both parties an opportunity to find common ground before getting down into business (if so desired). Be sure not to let introductions drag on too long - while they may seem like an easy way out of awkward silences, too many names being thrown around will result in multiple instances where someone needs to repeat themselves because everyone was talking at once!

Share an interesting fact

One of the most common icebreakers when meeting new people is to share an interesting fact. You can pick a random fact that you read somewhere, or you can opt for something more personal. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you're comfortable talking about.

If you want to share something personal, consider talking about something interesting about yourself. It could be a hobby, a passion, or an experience you had. This is a great way to open up and start a conversation.

If you're more into random facts, consider looking up some interesting facts about your surroundings. It could be something about the city or town you're in or a fun fact about the place you're visiting. This can be a great way to start a conversation, as it will give you a common topic to talk about.

No matter which fact you choose, make sure it's something that will both intrigue and delight those you're talking to. It should be something that gets people talking and laughing. This is the best way to break the ice and start a conversation with new people.

Share a joke

Jokes can be a great way to break the ice and get to know someone in a lighthearted way. Not only can jokes bring a smile to the face of the person you’re talking to, but they can also give you a chance to learn about their sense of humor.

So, what kinds of jokes are best for icebreakers? Well, it really depends on the context and the people you’re trying to get to know. If you’re trying to break the ice with someone who has a different cultural background than you, then it might be a good idea to keep it light and steer clear of any jokes that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate. On the other hand, if you’re with a group of people who have similar backgrounds, then you can be a bit more daring with your jokes.

No matter what type of joke you choose to share, remember to keep it appropriate and lighthearted.

Talking about recent trips you've taken.

One of the best icebreakers is to talk about recent trips you've taken. You can start by saying, "I just got back from Costa Rica," or "I've been meaning to go to New York for years."

If the person you're talking with has been there, ask them what their favorite part was. If they have yet to go, ask them if they have any plans in the future to visit it. Then ask what their favorite destination is or where they would most like to go (if you're each doing your own thing).

If both of you are travellers and nomads at heart—or if neither of you is—you can also talk about other destinations that pique your interest.

Asking them if they're a sports fan.

Sports have been an integral part of our culture for centuries, and most people have at least some interest in the subject. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy watching the occasional game, talking about sports can be a great way to get to know someone. It’s also a great way to find a common interest and start a conversation.

For instance, if you’re both sports fans, you can talk about your favorite teams and players, who your favorite athletes are, and even debate who the best team in the league is. You can also talk about your favorite sports moments, such as a “hero” moment or a dramatic finish to a game. Even if you don’t share the same team loyalties, it can be fun to discuss who you think will make it to the playoffs this year or who’s going to win the championship.

Asking questions about their pets.

Asking questions about people's pets is a great way to break the ice. You can ask about their pet's names, ages, and how they got them (if you're brave enough). You can also ask if they have any funny stories about their pets. Or maybe even share one of your own!

Another fun way to use this icebreaker is by asking if the other person has any photos of their pet on their phone or computer. If so, ask them if you could take a look at them—that way, you'll have something exciting to talk about the next time you see each other again!

Finally, one last question that works well as an icebreaker when meeting new people is: "What tips would you give new dog owners?" There are always things we wish we'd known when we first brought our puppies home—from general training tips (like teaching 'sit') all the way down to more specific advice, like what brand of food makes dogs fart least often.

Talking about the weather.

Talking about the weather is a classic way to get a conversation going. It's a safe topic because it's neutral, but it can also be used as an icebreaker to start or end a conversation. For example, if you're at work and you're trying to break the ice with a new coworker, asking them how they like their job is a great way to start off the conversation. If they don't respond well or if they aren't interested in talking about their job, you can always switch gears by saying something like, "It's nice outside today, isn't it?" This will give them an opportunity to talk about their feelings on a sunny day outside instead of feeling like they have to keep talking about themselves or their job.

Asking how their day is going/how their week is going.

It's important to be interested in other people. When you meet someone new, ask them how their week is going or how their day is going. You can also ask about what they have been doing this week, or what their plans are for the weekend.

If you want to keep the conversation going and make sure that both of you are talking equally throughout the exchange, try asking more questions such as: "What do you like most about being an astronaut?" Or "What is your favorite food?" These are good ways to get people talking about themselves and show genuine interest in who they are as a person! Remember: open-ended questions always work better than closed ones because there's more room for creativity and interpretation on both sides!

Talking about music, movies or TV shows you like.

Talking about music, movies, or television shows you like is a great way to break the ice. You have something in common with the other person, so it’s easy to continue talking. You can ask them what they like, or tell them your favorite artists and actors.

However, it’s important not to be too harsh on things you don't like! Remember that this person may want to get along with you and be your friend (or more). If you're very negative about something they enjoy, then that might cause tension between the two of you—and nobody wants that!

Make sure your first impressions are favorable by showing up looking polished and well-groomed. Have a great outfit ready that fits perfectly; pick an outfit that shows off one of your best features (e.g., if you have nice legs, wear a dress). Make sure your breath smells fresh too!


If you’re looking for a way to start conversations, these icebreakers are a great place to start (You might also want to check out our chatting guide for meeting new people and making friends online). It’s easy, it doesn’t require any thought, and it doesn’t put any pressure on you or the other person in the conversation. However, you should remember that this isn't necessarily meaningful or important information - it's just there to help break the ice! Once people get more comfortable with each other and feel like they know each other better (which might happen after talking about some of these topics), then you can move from small talk into more meaningful territory. The best part about meeting new people? You never know where those conversations might take you.


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