5 icebreakers for making new friends at social events

5 icebreakers for making new friends at social events

-Hi, have you been here before?
This is an easy to remember question & is a safe question that doesn’t require any deep personal information. It opens a door to further conversation and establishes common ground and you can bond over a shared experience whether you’ve been there before or not.

-Did you grow up around here, or did you move here recently?
Open-ended questions that allow for an answer beyond “yes” or “no” encourage conversation that can be more engaging and meaningful. People often feel more comfortable talking about themselves and this keeps the conversation on the other person. This question can also spark conversations about shared experiences whether they’re new or a local. A follow-up could be: “what brought you to the area?” or “what do you like most about living here?” Which can keep the conversation flowing.

-I love your outfit, where is it from?
This is a simple way to initiate a conversation and offering a compliment shows that you’re observant and interested in them, which creates a positive first impression, sets a friendly tone, and creates a shared interest. You can then follow up on trends, shopping experiences, or personal style preferences. It’s also safe and doesn’t request any deep-thought or self-disclosure so it’s a comfortable way to start a conversation.

-I see that you have (the same shoes on) - are you a fan of X too?
Referencing a common shared interest helps you immediately create a common ground. People are naturally drawn to others who share their passions and hobbies and this topic is not intrusive and can create a balanced conversation.

-You seem to know what you’re doing, do you have any favorite routines that you love?
Appealing to their expertise allows you to express genuine interest in them & can help you find common ground to create meaningful conversation.