Tips for Icebreakers at the Table
Do remember to flash a wide smile.
It's true...a smile is so universal that it can communicate even when words cannot. A smile can open doors, it allows the other person to know you like them, and your smile makes you more approachable to anyone. It's natural and common for participants to be a little nervous especially at any social single event. Science has proven that when you smile as well as when you laugh that it releases endorphins and makes you feel better. So, even if you and the person you're meeting are nervous, those nerves will calm down at least a notch or two once you smile. When you smile, it also can light up your eyes and face...a plus that will make you attractive to almost anyone!
Use charm & engaging personality.
Personality does count! Use confident positive energy and discussions to engage another. You can turn that to your advantage every time. Imagine how surprised and delighted people will be when your fun personality emerges and you're not as conservative or plain as you look. Always try to do something or say something so "engaging" that it immediately breaks the ice. Remember to make good eye contact. Being animated and changing the tone and pace of your speech can also help to make a point or to keep your listener's interest.
Do ask open-ended questions and share something about yourself to establish some common ground.
What kind of questions will people ask me?
What will I talk about at a SPEED DATING event?
Yes...7 minutes is not a lot of time so try your best to use it effectively.
Most people will ask of you the usual questions like:
What town do you live in?
What do you do for work?
Do you have children and how many?
How long have you been single?
Although the above questions are valuable questions, it is best to keep this brief 7 minute meeting FUN and less like an "interview" for a job! That's not fun... Fun positive and confident is attractive. And remember you only get one chance to make a first impression. There will be plenty of time to find out additional information about someone later if you do decide to go out on a date.
Tips on how to remember someone:
Start by making proper introductions; Hi, nice to meet you "Jane" say the person's name OUTLOUD (everyone wears a name tag so this makes it simple!) Looking at the name tag and saying their name out loud will help you remember that person.
Try to thinking outside-the-box with your questions. Here are some fun and creative questions you might ask to break the ice:
Is this your first Speed Dating event?
Do you Travel much? Where have you been?
Any cool vacation stories to tell?
Do you have any hidden or secret talents?
Heard any good jokes lately?
Do you have a favorite saying?
What's your favorite outdoor activity?
What's your favorite indoor activity?
Do you ever talk to yourself out loud? What do you talk about?
Tell me your favorite guilty pleasure to eat? Favorite food?
If you could have any car you wanted... what car would it be?
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
If you won the lottery, how would you spend it?
Suggestions about questions, subjects to avoid:
Avoid swearing and controversial topics. (EX: Religion / Politics)
Do not tell lies or exaggerate. Stay honest
Stay away from racy jokes or questions that could be sexual in nature
Don't tell too much very personal information about yourself; (EX: how terrible you were treated in your last relationship, or your personal finances.)
Remember to keep it simple: fun, positive and confident is attractive.
Use flattery. It does work wonders.
Let's face it, flattery is hard to resist - especially when it's sincere and gracious.
A word of caution here, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. So don't overdo it. If your flattery goes the route of "over the top," it'll probably result in creating a major turn-off instead of a turn-on.
Look for a single thing that stands out to make your compliment sincere. Each person is unique. Maybe it’s the cute side smirk they have, the way they giggle, their great voice, or those gorgeous blue eyes. Maybe they are a sharp dresser- compliment her top or the cool shirt he is wearing. Another approach might be to share with them a well-known personality or celebrity whom they remind you of.
Whatever compliment you choose just be sincere- that will always shine through.
