50 phrases and questions to break the ice
There are many strange, uncomfortable or even disconcerting situations that require a way to engage in conversation. The phrases to break the ice , as they are commonly known, are the ones in charge of untying that knot that has been made in our throats or our lifeline in case we have messed up.
Some scenarios where these phrases are useful can be that event where you are introduced to a whole group of new friends, friends of friends, when you are in front of that girl they want to pair you up with or when you meet informally with a potential partner.
Breaking the ice, an art
As if it were a seventh art, knowing how to break the ice is not a beginner’s task. In fact, any expression we intone can determine the direction of the conversation and the tone of it.It can ruin our plan or be a complete success.
Let’s imagine that situation of wanting to get close to a boy or girl we like, being a totally unknown person, and that after a reciprocal and accepted eye contact, we seriously consider stepping forward and starting a conversation. What should we say?
The most ingenious phrases to break the ice
Below you can find the most suitable and varied icebreakers depending on the situation you are in.
Did you know that depending on the color of the hens’ earlobes, the eggs will come out one color or another?
This phrase is suitable for any situation where there is a conglomerate of people. No specific purpose is sought, just to draw attention to it and , for example, to introduce a story.
2. I’m sure you like pineapple pizza… am I wrong?
This phrase is often used to flirt or to create a very relaxed conversational tone.
3. The Pentagon built twice as many staff toilets as the building, you know why?
It’s a puzzling statement that we can use in any kind of situation.
4. Ostriches do not bury their heads under the ground. They simply lower their head to the ground to put their ear
A fact that escapes many and that can give way to a good conversation .
5. The famous Big Mac is composed of more than 70 ingredients
Imagine that you are at McDonald’s with a colleague you have just met and there has been no opportunity for conversation. That’s a good start.
6. The Bible is the most downloaded book on the digital reading tablets
It’s a good start to get the attention of someone who’s fond of reading. We can use it on the bus, on the subway, in the library.
7. 60 percent of the British believe that Sherlock Holmes is a real character, compared to 20 percent who believe that Winston Churchill is fictional
This is a phrase that we can use with some film-lovers or series-addicts .
8. Pigs can’t lie on their backs. It is physically impossible
It is a fun phrase to break the ice . Making people laugh is a good symptom.
9. The left lung is smaller. This is to make room for the heart
Imagine you’re waiting in the doctor’s office with someone you don’t know. That’s a good line to end the silence.
10. At birth we do this with 300 bones that, as we grow, end up being 200
It’s a good argument to start a conversation with someone who understands.
11. Did you know that dynamite needs peanuts for its manufacture?
References to curiosities are useful.
12. Mosquitoes bite especially banana eaters
This phrase can be used, for example, on excursions and long walks in natural areas.
13. The average man sees 5 women a day with whom he would like to have sex
Careful who we use this phrase with!
14. Pupils dilate both when you hate someone and when you like them
We put ourselves in a situation of wanting to flirt with someone . This is a way of getting attention by not using a typical phrase to please. Phrases like this always surprise the recipient.
15. Human beings are incapable of tasting food if they do not have saliva
Above all, we must use this phrase when we are in front of a diner and we do not know the members of the table.
16. Cat or dog?
It is no more important than breaking the ice in a situation of stagnant conversation.
17. You have a very nice face, it would be better framed in my wall
It’s a way to draw attention to yourself when linking online or to applications like WhatsApp.
18. It’s a question of life and death: dark or mixed chocolate nutella?
We’re looking at the profile on a social network of a person we like, and we know he loves chocolate. Breaking the ice with this sentence is a good way to create a fun situation .
19. Where did you grow up?
Good way to learn a little more about the person we want to know.
20. Do you have any pets?
Animals are almost always a good topic of conversation.
21. Do you have any siblings?
A question to be able to extend a conversation on somewhat personal aspects.
22. Have you realized what your name means?
Some exotic names are unknown to the bearer.
23. What brand of mobile phone do you have?
A simple question but one that is a topic of conversation today.
24. What did you do this last weekend?
A good way to start a dialogue.
25. What are your plans for next weekend?
In the line of the last one, you can ask this question and see if you have similar tastes .
26. What do you like to do in your free time?
We don’t all use our free time in the same way, and that says things about who we are.
27. The first thing you do when you get up, what is it?
It goes into people’s habits, and it’s an interesting subject.
28. What’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
Another icebreaker phrase that is very talking .
29. What is your middle name?
Some compound names can have a good story to tell.
30. What’s the last thing you bought?
Whether it’s material or immaterial, it’s a good debate for two.
31. What is your ideal vacation like?
Surely a topic that can give hours and hours of conversation, while at the same time being interesting.
32. Your favorite day of the week?
Simple and fun question.
33. If you had to meet a historical figure, who would it be?
Another resource that is taken out of the topics when starting a conversation.
34. What do you do to relax?
Everyone has different methods to relax and forget about stress.
35. What was your favorite book of your childhood?
An interesting option is to ask questions about childhood.
36. What is the first thing you remember about your childhood?
We often have recorded memories that can be a good conversation piece.
37. What kind of child were you?
Sometimes, over time, our personality can change radically.
38. What do you miss about being a child?
It’s a recurring question we all ask ourselves at some point.
39. When you were little, what did you say you’d like to be?
Most of the time we dream of being something we are not when we have grown up.
40. Saving or wasteful?
For some, this point is important.
41. Do you play any instruments?
Many people find it exciting when someone plays a musical instrument.
42. What is the first thing you notice about a boy or girl?
It’s a good question and one that can be fun. Sometimes it’s surprising what you can hear .
43. Have you ever fallen in love?
They say you have to fall in love seven times to know true love.
44. Do you believe in soul mates?
Sometimes we try hard to find our other half. It can be a good conversation piece.
45. How is your way of disconnecting?
Breaking the ice in this way is very original, running away from the recurring questions.
46. Do you believe in love at first sight?
A complicated but exciting question.
47. Do you prefer short or long hair?
For some it is a very important detail when looking at the other’s physique .
48. What do you look for in a child?
This phrase is a good basis for a deeper and more direct conversation.
49. Who did you call last?
This is an unusual question and one that also gives a lot of insight. Highly recommended.
50. Would you rather be rich without finding your love, or be poor and have that love?
The million dollar question. For many individuals, materialism always takes a back seat.