You know that awkward moment when everyone in a particular space is just so quiet, you would think someone died! Perhaps, you are meeting someone for the first time, and you want to strike up a conversation. Just how do you go about breaking the ice?
Consider some of these fun and easy ice breakers:
1. Two Truths and a Lie
You could tell the person to:
Introduce him/herself by stating two truths about their life and one lie, while you guess what the lie is.
If they are somewhat hesitant, you could start with yourself while they guess what the lie is by saying:
I am Mary. I once tinted my hair red, I once spoke with Genevieve when I saw her at the airport, and I speak two Nigerian languages and two World languages
2. Three Words
You could start by saying:
If you had to describe yourself in three words, which three would you choose?
You might be surprised how the people around you describe themselves, and to make them at ease you could start with yourself. For example:
My name is Debo. I would describe myself as curious, kind, and annoying (well at times, as I am only human).
3. If You Had a Magic Wand
You could start this way:
If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change?
As an example:
My name is Adesuwa. I really struggle with Math. My calculator is my best friend. If I had a magic wand, I would have a calculator in my head so I could do math instantly!
4. Where in the World
You may have learnt something about a foreign country from your travels, in a book or documentary, or from others. And to make it more varied, you could make one of the clues a physical motion (like swimming, riding, climbing etc)
You may give them a minute or two to think of three clues that describe – but do not give away – the country they have visited or dream of visiting.
When ready, the person gives their name and their three clues, while you guess where in the world they are describing. Give each person a minute or two to explain what they like best about their favorite place in the world. Start with yourself so they have an example.
As an example
My name is Zakariya. One of my favorite places in the world is a city, you can ride to the top of its highest structure which offers a breath-taking view of the city, and it has fantastic bakeries – yum!.
After guessing is finished:
One of my favourite places is Paris, and you can either walk or ride in an elevator to a platform high up the Eiffel tower. It has wonderful patisseries where loads of heavenly and freshly baked pastries are sold. One of them is the Drouant – their croissants and biscottis are to die for!
It’s such a beautiful and fantastic experience.
It wasn’t so difficult, or was it? And you can be sure that the graveyard feeling of the place will be transformed in an instant!
