5 Tips to Breaking the Ice

Back in the day, our parents would often tell us to never talk to strangers. Growing up, we realize the importance of making connections with people. A stranger will turn out to be a very valuable friend or business partner later on. In this sense, talking to someone you don’t know can actually be good for you!

Every single day, we meet a lot of strangers who we might want to include in our network of friends and associates. The only hindrance to this is the first few seconds you spend in making the connection.

We all know that it’s hard to start a conversation with someone we’ve met for the first time. On that note, you will have to know how to break the ice with someone before moving forward. But how do we break the ice, exactly? Here are five simple tips:

1. Say an engaging opener

A simple question like "what time is it"? or a compliment like "I agreed with your points during your lecture earlier" are always conversation starters. However, it’s not advisable to exaggerate your compliments or you’ll risk sounding sarcastic to the other person.

2. Unleash the comedian in you

A smile can change everything. It can loosen up dull and awkward moments a bit. That said, pulling a humorous joke can help a lot in making the other person feel more comfortable. Use this approach to shake up the tense and serious atmosphere through banter or a good-natured joke. Try to be light and silly, but never overdo it. You need to time your jokes perfectly in order to avoid being awkward and insensitive.

3. Ask for their name

Dale Carnegie once said, "A person's name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Knowing a person's name can get things moving as it establishes intimacy between you and the other person. After all, the value of a person's name means a lot when you're trying to build a professional relationship. Sure enough, saying someone's names repeatedly in a conversation builds a sense of interest which is good for starters.

4. Accept that there's a risk of rejection

Well, you've heard it right! Be ready to accept failure when you're about to know someone. Failure is part of the game.

There will be ups and downs in your conversation, but the most important thing is you didn't hold back. You've taken that chance to know that individual and you’re aware that there's a possibility of getting rejected. In that case, simply exit in the most cordial manner and move on to the next person you see.

5. Make a simple ending speech

Every conversation has to end in a proper manner. After you have broken the ice with the other person, you should be able to end the conversation by exchanging contact details and thanking the other person for their time. This helps you build a positive image for yourself.