Once you get past the small talk period with a complete stranger, whether they're an acquaintance co-worker or love interest, it's time to find out more about this person who has piqued your interest.
So you move from the small talk to the icebreaker questions, which help you learn a bit about the person and make both parties feel more at ease in each other's company.
#2: Have you ever met anyone famous?
This question is a fun one, as it taps into the people that your coworkers admire. Folks bond over a mutual love for Jude Law, or have a laugh when a manager shares her story about meeting LeBron James at a gas station.
But before you start in with tired old questions like "what do you do for a living?" or "what's your favorite color?" you should consult the research done by Know Your Company and ask icebreaker questions with appeal.
#24: Do you collect anything?
Skip the boring question, “What are your hobbies?” and ask this instead. You might find that someone is unexpectedly avid butterfly collector (my uncle does this), or enjoys finding a new postcard every time she travels (my mom does this). Regardless, it’s a more unique way to learn about a person’s interest.
#20: How do you like your eggs?
Our customers who ask this question are always shocked by how popular the answers to it are. They discover that colleagues are immensely passionate about scrambled eggs or are sunny-side-up diehards.
Their list is designed for team-building at work but if you ask me these questions work just as well on a date or a new friend, because they get to the heart of a person in a hurry and reveal a lot about their character.
#12: What’s your favorite family tradition?
Cooking Korean dumplings together around the holidays is one of mine. When you ask this question, you get an inside look into your coworkers family’s heritage and the things that bring their family together.
#13: Who had the most influence on you growing up?
A mother, a sports hero, a grandparent, an elementary school teacher… This question is touching to hear the answer to. You’ll gain a sense of respect about who has shaped your coworkers.
See The 25 Most Popular Icebreaker Questions Based On Four Years Of Data here