Ice breaker questions are life-saviors!
Whether you are in a meeting or out on a date, you just cannot do without them. Even if you are a student and it’s your first day in your new school or college, wouldn’t you need some of these questions to avoid that awkward first smile with your classmates?
When you appear for interviews, the interviewer tries to break the ice with the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question to provide you the space to speak. But this cannot be asked in every situation, right?
To save you some awkwardness, I have prepared a comprehensive list of icebreakers for every situation.
But, let’s first understand…
What are Ice Breaker Questions?
Ice breaker questions are meant to do just what it says – break the ice. The ice here is symbolic of the awkward silence between two people who have just met.
To duck this silence and get to know each other, experts have crafted some special questions. They are thought-provoking questions that can help strike a good, light-hearted conversation in any situation.
Now that you know what icebreaker questions are, let’s explore the magic it can create.
There’s no better beginning than a good laugh with some…
Funny Ice breaker questions (Fun icebreaker questions)
The icebreaking questions don’t necessarily need to carry a serious tone. Infact, the fun questions work a lot better when your aim is to connect with others.
Ditch those serious, deep questions and instead use these funny icebreakers to ease the situation.
- Have you ever wished to become invisible for a day, when was it?
- If you could ask funny questions, what would it be?
- What’s the most embarrassing word you ever spoke?
- What did you name your first pet?
- If you could choose any religion, which one would you choose?
- Do you prefer a big house or a small house?
- Show us your most-used emoji on your cell phone.
- Show us the wallpaper of your phone. Why did you pick this image?
- What is one accessory that someone could wear to take you out on a date with them?
- What is your most used accessory?
- What was the worst dress code you ever wore?
- Show the worst haircut you ever had.
- Name your childhood actor/actress crush?
- Tell us the weirdest thing you had in the room with you ever.
- Show an emoji that best describes how you are feeling right now?
- How do you react to awkward silences?
- Show us a weird thing from your bag right now?
- If you were an egg, what way would you like to be cooked?
- What is the weirdest creature to have ever landed on Earth?
- Have you ever been mistaken for someone famous? If yes, who?
- Name the vegetable you choose to be.
- Name or Show the strangest gift you have ever received.
- Which reality show would you appear in?
- A song that describes your life right now?
- Which bathroom habit are you ashamed of?
If you don’t want to initiate with something funny, there are a few other good questions that you can use.
Good ice breaker questions
Imagine meeting someone on a flight and sitting next to you. If you want to start a talk, you’ll need a list of some good ice-breaking questions to keep the flow going.
You can ask about their favorite song or movie.
If you are still clueless about how to go about it, I have already prepared the questions for you.
- What’s the last song that you listened to?
- Have you ever believed in ghosts?
- If you were to spend $10,000 today, how would you choose to spend it?
- Do you prefer the window or aisle seat of an airplane?
- Would you spend your day as a fish or as a bird?
- Name your favorite movie.
- Which mobile app do you use the most?
- What is your favorite food?
- Are you more productive during the day or at night?
- Your favorite state to live in, for the rest of your life?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- What is your favorite dish for lunchtime?
- Name your favorite kitchen appliance?
- If you were to hear a song on repeat, what would it be?
- Describe your favorite day of school?
- What is your favorite book?
- What are the items in your shopping cart list?
- What was the last thing that you ate?
- What is your favorite day of the week?
- What is your favorite holiday activity?
- What is your favorite author’s name?
- If you could visit a fictional time or place, when and where would you go?
- What was your favorite television show when you were a child?
- What is the earliest novel you remember reading as a kid?
Oh, just so that you know, some people also begin the conversation with some really weird questions like…
Awkward, Weird Ice breaker questions
You wouldn’t want to ask these questions to a total stranger. But when you are hanging around with your friends or have just met a mutual friend, these questions will give your conversation a fun start.
If they seem like a cool personality, they wouldn’t mind these questions coming.
- What is the weirdest food you’ve ever tried eating? Would you try it again?
- Which season-feels make you feel sick?
- Are you weird at dancing?
- What weird fruit would you never want to be?
- You have an endless supply of one item for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
- Would you befriend aliens, if they ever came to Earth?
- A season that you want to last forever?
- Have you ever dreamt of a zombie apocalypse?
- Did you ever get annoyed when someone asks you to sing?
- What items taste best with cheese?
- If you were to play a supernatural creature, what would you play?
- Which strange TV show would you want to be a part of?
- What’s the strangest food you ever cooked?
- A weird date that keeps you haunting?
- Tell us your best scar story.
- Dawn, sunrise, daylight, dusk, evening, or night? What will you choose and why?
- Tell me a place you want to teleport right now?
- Who is the weirdest person you’ve ever come across?
- Which Flowers you would want to receive at your funeral?
- Call a friend now, who would it be?
- What’s the newest thing you tried and failed?
- What’s an unusual skill you possess?
- Would you like to be famous?
- Have you ever won a contest? What position?
- What would you do if you had an extra hour in the day, and you are to do only weird things?
It is not necessary to always give a lot of thought to such questions. You can also keep it simple with the following questions.
Simple Ice Breaker questions
These simple ice-breaking questions can be asked to anybody. You can even use these while chatting over messages or a phone call.
They are easygoing, don’t demand a lot of thought, and allow prompt replies.
- Do you want to ditch a fashion trend?
- Which TV show bores you the most?
- Are you a morning person or a night person?
- Are you in the mood to sing right now?
- Will you ever join a political party?
- Would you pet a cow or a dog?
- Tell me 3 truths and a lie about yourself.
- Who was your childhood crush in school?
- If you were a professional artist, what would have you painted?
- Are you a text person or a call person?
- If you could try a stunt now, what would it be?
- What is your favorite breakfast food?
- If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life. What will it be?
- What is your go-to morning exercise?
- What is your favorite type of footwear?
- Have you ever fasted?
- If you were standing on a remote desert island, whom would you choose to accompany you?
- What is the best craftwork you ever did?
- Name your favorite Disney character?
- Have you ever met your idol?
- Name the bucket list item that you want to check off for the next month?
- How are journeys for you: hectic or fun?
- Are you scared of injections?
- Rate your team bonding from 1 to 10.
- Who is the person you want to clap for? Why?
If you’re looking for something even better, look below.
Best ice breaker questions
There are some questions that everybody can answer…. and these questions will keep the conversation flowing.
So, the following questions work best when you want to break the cold wall even faster.
- As a child, what was your aim?
- Tell me one of your favorite traditions?
- Who is your favorite Freedom Fighter?
- What is your favorite Year of War and Independence?
- Who told you to stop Coffee or tea?
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about life?
- How would you spend a life without work?
- What historical figure would you want to be?
- What is your must-watch TV show, especially at night?
- Name your most favorite mythical creature?
- Have you ever missed a pet?
- Tell me your favorite Olympic sport?
- The worst job that you ever did for money?
- What is your favorite holiday destination?
- What did you want to do for public welfare? Has your mind changed?
- What sport would you choose to challenge others?
- Who has the better business mind: mom or dad? Why?
- What was the worst time you ever had to face alone?
- What is your favorite dessert place?
- What is your favorite face spot?
- Which deserted island would you want to visit?
- Do you know how to speak sign language?
- Who is the most influential person you have met in your life?
- Tell us about your favorite musical instrument?
- Did you come across the best moment in life, which didn’t last long?
Some people intend to be pretty direct. If you’re one of those, we have questions for you also.
Personal ice breaker questions
Personal things might make you vulnerable but also help you get close.
Here, when I say personal, I don’t mean talking to them about their secrets. Nobody would do that to a stranger.
But you can ask questions based on their personal choices like:
- Name your favorite cartoon character from childhood?
- Describe your last dream?
- Your favorite trick to lose weight?
- Did you ever fail in exams?
- Have you ever been jailed?
- Were you mischievous as a kid or have you remained a silent person ever since?
- When you are sitting idle, what are your favorite games to play?
- Should you fall in love again?
- What lesson has your past relationship taught you?
- Have you fought tremendous mental pressures all alone? When?
- When do you want to marry?
- How would you complete the sentence “I wish everyone could…”
- Describe your dream wedding if money was no limit?
- Your high school marks?
- How many children do you wish to have?
- Has your dream ever come true?
- The longest dream you ever had?
- What would you grow if you were a farmer?
- When do you plan to have kids?
- What was your first model of Smartphone?
- What is your biggest insecurity?
- Would you like to break a myth now?
- Have you ever been abused verbally by a stranger?
- What impact do your teachers leave on you?
- A life hack you would want to reveal to live a happy life?
With the ice-breaking questions, if you want to invite discussions further, we have some great questions for you.
Great ice breaker questions
Some ice-breaking questions can get you talking almost immediately. If you’re looking for some questions like that, you have reached the correct list.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given to someone?
- What title would you give to your autobiography?
- What do you do to be independent?
- If you had to delete 4 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you do?
- What is your favorite magic trick?
- Show me your favorite shirt?
- A hero or heroine you would want to date?
- What is your dream job?
- If you’re given a chance to sail around the world, what lands would you want to visit?
- What do you want to be remembered for, after dying?
- What is your favorite dress you’ve bought this year? Could you show us?
- How did you like science as a subject?
- What is your absolute aim of earning?
- Choose a talent to host a show?
- What is your favorite activity for the evening time?
- Can you name a few types of facials?
- Have you ever lost a best friend because of your fault?
- Did you ever thank yourself?
- Are you a good listener?
- Can you type fast? How many words per minute?
- Are you a good Orator?
- Choose 4 colors to make a colorful dress.
- Would you ever bake a cake at 3:00 am?
- Do you love children?
- A favorite family member of yours?
No? Do you want to start with something more practical and interesting?
Interesting ice breaker questions
Nobody likes to indulge in boring conversations. You have to make the talk interesting. So why not start with some interesting ice-breaking questions directly?
- What is the month you save good money?
- What is your favorite flavor for pastry?
- What’s the age of your life that you would want to live as forever?
- You’re allowed only 4 apps on your phone, which would you have?
- What breed of dog would you want to be?
- What’s the most spontaneous decision you’ve ever taken?
- How much money do you make per year?
- A question that makes you uncomfortable?
- If you were to choose your own gender, what would it be?
- What is the name of your current crush?
- How did you spend your childhood?
- Have you ever visited a psychotherapist?
- A decision that made you regret repeatedly?
- An incident that you never want to forget?
- If you were to frame a sentence using “Crave”, what would you frame?
- Do you know your mother’s maiden name?
- What was your worst score ever?
- Which year did you hide your report cards from your parents?
- What is the worst secret you revealed?
- One friend, who doesn’t expect anything from you?
- What makes you feel vulnerable?
- What was the last time you stayed awake till 3:00 am?
- Do you need a house or a car?
- Have you ever called the police?
- What is your favorite garden place?
Apart from these, we also have a few questions that can sound inappropriate to others but the answers are sure to give you a peek inside their personality.
Inappropriate ice breaker questions
A few ice-breaking questions can make you wonder ‘What to answer here?’ If you’re looking for questions like that, this is the right section.
- Do you break and fold your biscuit before eating?
- How tall are you?
- Can you catch a fish?
- If you were told you are going to die tomorrow, what preparations would you do?
- What size of shoes do you wear?
- Have you had an affair with big age gaps?
- Would you marry an old man/woman?
- Have you ever forgotten your grandfather’s name?
- What is the worst punishment you received at school?
- Did literature bore you?
- Did you ever fail in English Grammar or Maths?
- What discourages you the most?
- Which philosophy defines you?
- Whose face would you smash?
- Tell us about any two challenges that you lost?
- Have you been a part of street fights?
- If you had a flaw in your physique, would you be ashamed of yourself?
- Do you believe in the caste system that prevails?
- Is it cool to dominate your family or wife?
- Who’s the person you regret trusting?
- What would you do with the money after you die?
- Name a person who you think is jealous of you?
- What is your figure shape like?
- Do you have any tips to deal with liars?
- How many lies have you told?
Some people despise long answers and are often found looking for answers in one word. Like I said, this list has something for everyone! 😉
One Word Ice breaker questions
If you’re looking for something short, quick, and random, the one-word ice breaker questions are for you. You can also use it as a game to play with your friends to light up their mood.
- Describe the sun in a word?
- Describe parents in a word?
- Give a one-word name to me.
- Yes or No: Have you kissed a dog?
- One word for life?
- One word for your life partner?
- Describe your in-laws in a word?
- Describe your-ex in one word?
- Describe love in one word?
- Describe your own self in a word?
- Give one word for your job?
- Give one word to your brother?
- Describe a best friend in a word.
- Describe your city in a word?
- Describe your country in a word?
- Give one word for your weekend holiday?
- Describe fashion in a word?
- Give one word for makeup?
- Describe love in a word?
- One word thing that wakes you from sleep?
- In a word: your reason to live?
- In a word: How much have you changed in the past 10 years?
- Yes or no: Are you satisfied with your life?
- In a word: your family?
- Yes or no: You hide Secrets because you are scared of being judged?
Okay, now what would you do if you had to start talking with people at work?
Ice breaker questions for work
If you’re in your workplace and want to initiate a conversation with your colleague whom you hardly know or talk to, don’t feel awkward. I have a set of ice-breaking questions for work that will help you in this time of crisis!
- What did your parents want you to be when you grew up?
- Do you prefer working from home over work from the office?
- Is it better to be late but give quality output?
- Who are you scared of in the office?
- Would you apologize to a peon for misbehaving with him?
- Has a boss ever apologized to you?
- Do you thank your assistant every day?
- How many office friends do you have?
- How many mean colleagues have you come across?
- Have you been a victim of dirty politics at the office?
- What was your first job as a fresher?
- What is your concept about private jobs?
- What is your favorite office lunch?
- Is it better to start working five years after High School?
- Would you support a special week every year as a work holiday?
- One activity you wanted no one to notice at work?
- What is the best occupation in the world?
- Who is your favorite leader and why?
- Which superpower do you want for office work?
- Which one is better, boss or lady boss?
- Who is your favorite junior, why?
- Do you crave a hot chocolate shake or tea in the middle of office breaks?
- What is your dream position or rank in office?
- What is something you like about your boss?
- Which month were you paid your first stipend?
You cannot use these questions if you’re going out with your crush. Are you worried about the awkward silences on your date?
Don’t worry I have a list of perfect date ice breakers or date questions for you.
Ice breaker questions for dating
Imagine sitting in a restaurant and neither of you are speaking but smiling awkwardly at each other. Do you think this will help you go on a second date?
Definitely not.
So, start asking these simple questions while you silently make your way to your partner’s heart!
- What’s your thought on dating?
- Once you like a person, how would you proceed?
- Does dating help in gaining confidence?
- Do you accept the concept of multiple dating?
- What is unfair on a date night?
- What would your surname be if you marry your current dating partner?
- Where do you often go for dates?
- Silliest traveling habits that you have come across?
- What is your go-to drink order on a date?
- Have you ever played hooky?
- What is the darkest thing about you?
- What’s one thing that you really wanted to work, but did not?
- What’s your best achievement to date in life?
- Have you ever dated a childhood friend?
- What are you best known for in your friend circle?
- Jogging, jumping, or walking?
- What is your typical dress-up?
- Tell me your nickname?
- Would you bring your family or your friends to meet your girlfriend?
- Have you ever fooled a senior?
- What movie can you watch repeatedly?
- When and How did you meet your best friend?
- Have you returned a used dress?
- What makes you feel comfortable?
- Why do people marry, in your opinion?
Didn’t the questions work magic for you? I knew it.
I also have something for you if you want to go out in a small group with your crush’s friends.
Ice breaker questions for small groups
To break the ice in groups is comparatively easier because there are so many people to talk to. But if nobody initiates, it can become a nightmare.
To save you from such a situation, we have prepared several icebreakers for small groups where you can take a lead.
- What’s your best childhood memory?
- Would you go back in time to meet your ancestors, or forward in time to meet your descendants, if given a chance to time travel?
- A book that you have but you have never read?
- What’s in your mind right now?
- What’s your favorite vehicle?
- Have you ever been locked in a room?
- What is your age?
- If you owned a talk show, who would your first guest be?
- What’s one weird thing you want to try?
- What makes you freaky in a second?
- Friends or Family?
- Tell us about your hair care regime?
- What is one thing that you failed at and feel good about it?
- If you could have a new phone instantly, what model would you choose?
- Name yourself?
- If you could choose to incarnate, what would you become?
- If you could only have four dresses in your wardrobe, which would you keep?
- What do you think makes you irreplaceable?
- What’s the most disastrous thing you’ve ever done to trouble an enemy?
- What’s the latest technological gadget that you tried?
- What makes you feel fresh?
- Would you like to choose a dress for me? What would it be?
- Have you ever tripped in the bathroom?
- What would you do to make me smile?
These questions are appropriate if you want to ask someone from your high school too. But if you want something more specific for them, check the next list.
High school ice breaker questions
Because it’s high school, the easiest topic to strike a conversation with will be your favorite subject or teacher. Talk about some recent activity or event going on in your school and see how the conversation takes some interesting turns.
You can also take help from the below questions and customize the questions accordingly.
- Do you play any sports regularly?
- Are you learning any Musical instrument currently or have in the past?
- Which social service would you pick in the future?
- Do you possess any hidden talent?
- What school subject is your favorite? What do you hate?
- Which teacher inspires you the most?
- What makes you most excited about this year?
- What recent song or album could you listen to on repeat?
- What’s one cool feature you like about your father?
- Tell us a time when you laughed so hard you thought you would cry?
- If you were to teach a subject, which subject would you teach?
- Tell us one thing you want older generations to know about teenagers today?
- Did you ever face difficulty in making friends?
- Have you ever played scavenger hunt?
- Have you ever mimicked your school teachers?
- Have you ever been caught in the act of mimicry in your school?
- Explain the personality of your principal?
- If you were to act as a principal of a school, what qualities would you choose to express?
- On an average how many times were you punished out of the classroom?
- Did you ever feel ashamed while showing your mark sheets to your parents?
- How many periods do you sleep out?
- How do you manage your self-study with the homework?
- Tell us about a special friend from the school?
- If school uniform was not a mandate, what would have you worn to the classes?
- Which teacher do you find most attractive?
If you’re not amongst the student group but a working professional, I know what you are looking for.
Ice breaker questions for virtual meetings
The work-from-home trend has led to a significant rise of everyday virtual meetings. Right from team building activities to effective employee engagement, there are several reasons why a company hosts virtual meetings.
However, breaking the ice between team members is a daunting task. But you have to do it to keep up their spirits and operate together as a team.
That’s when these questions can come to your rescue.
- Do you think working from home is productive?
- What according to you is the most difficult task in virtual working?
- The easiest part of working virtually?
- Do you hold a dedicated office space at home?
- Would you show us your office space?
- Do you fail to keep yourself positioned in the working space of your home?
- Do you work from bed often?
- What did you eat for dinner yesterday?
- Tell us about your work-from-home routine?
- Do you skip meals when you are working from home?
- What’s your tip for minimizing distractions while working from home?
- How do you manage to stay productive and motivated working virtually?
- What dress do you wear when you are working from home?
- Do you wish the work-from-home trend to last forever?
- Would you appreciate it if you are taken on a Virtual tour from the office?
- How many cups of beverage-of-choice do you have during the day?
- Have your early bad habits changed due to work from home tradition?
- Do you skip showers when you are working virtually?
- One thing we could do to improve our virtual meetings on a daily basis?
- The longest “off from keyboard” you have taken?
- What is your caffeinated beverage of choice?
- What is your favorite scent for feeling fresh all day?
- Best professional development book you’ve read to date?
If you want some more for your business, take it from here.
Business ice breaker questions
You wouldn’t just jump into business talks when you go to meet somebody. There’s some ice-breaking required there too, isn’t it?
If you’re a person who believes in a direct approach then the beating around the bush ice-breaking sessions can take a toll on you.
But hey, why don’t you start with these questions?
- Which business are you into?
- Where do you see yourself going with the company?
- What do you think is the most important business rule?
- What do you look for in an employee?
- How often do you hold meetings?
- Did your spouse help in your business? How?
- If you were to open an office anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- Have you ever done a job before business?
- What was the worst business plan you have ever made?
- When did you make up your mind to start this business?
- God Forbid, but have you ever faced a collapsing business scenario?
- Are you satisfied with your profits?
- How long have you come from where you started?
- Do you think a job would have been better than business?
- How many liars have you caught in your journey till date?
- Would you leave a business meeting for your loved ones?
- The biggest loss from a deal?
- The best months to make profits?
- Have you cheated someone in business?
- Do you keep a track of every penny that you spend?
- Have you collected enough money to spend a simple life with your family?
- Would you visit Mauritius?
- Have you ever contributed to an Orphan House?
- How old is your business?
- Do you have a family business?
Oh! After business, let’s move to the next category – How do you ask someone about their values and beliefs?
Faith-based ice breaker questions
While talking about deep faiths, you need to be extra cautious that you don’t hurt somebody’s religious sentiments.
A lot of them believe in Gods and a lot don’t. You need to respect every answer and every God they believe in. If you want to avoid blunders with such issues, go with these questions to avoid any kind of conflict.
- If you are given an option to switch your religion, which religion would you choose?
- Do you have trust in God or is it a tradition that you follow?
- Family traditions that you simply hate?
- A favorite Holy book that you swear by?
- Some conventional ideas that you hate?
- Did you ever stand against an unfair traditional practice in your family?
- If Jesus could change one thing for you, what would it be?
- Which Form of God do you worship?
- Do you serve God every day with care and prayers?
- Did you thank God last night before you went to sleep?
- What makes you doubt the existence of God?
- Have you donated in a temple, church, or mosque; or for that matter, any worship place?
- Tell us an incident that paid off your faith?
- What devotional services do you love?
- Which devotional centers have you visited?
- The last worship place you visited?
- What is Your favorite destination for peace and faith?
- Do you think God needs to prove His existence? Why?
- Are you dependable on God for whatever you do?
- Have people got more fear than love in God?
- Do you remember crying at a worship place? Why?
- Do you pray to God to benefit yourself from fruitful results?
- Have you ever felt selfless love for God?
- An incident that created a gap between you and faith in God?
- Who is God according to you?
Have you ever kept wondering how to build a team and make them talk to each other?
Team building ice breaker questions
In a working environment, your team is your greatest strength. But what is important is that all the team members should be comfortable enough in each other’s presence to share their opinions.
For this, you’ll need some ice-breaking sessions where you can talk to them about their previous experiences, present concerns and future goals… and also help them bond with other team members.
- Name a fictional team that is the best team of all time?
- Which virtual team is the best team of all time?
- Would you join Metallica or Backstreet Boys?
- Do you think the Spice Girls were a good team?
- What is your earliest memory of fruitful teamwork?
- What is something you accomplished because of your team and not your hard work?
- What was the first team you were part of?
- Have you ever won something for your team?
- Would you rather do a large project independently or as part of a team?
- On a scale of 1 – 10, rate yourself as a team player?
- Do you think lone wolves are part of a team?
- Did your team disappoint you ever?
- Would you work in smaller groups who are efficient or a large and lazy group?
- What is teamwork all about?
- Does teamwork demand a lot of humility?
- The best member of your team?
- The laziest member of your team?
- What are two occupations where teamwork is necessary?
- What was the most fun team that you have ever been a part of?
- The best contribution of a team? Who gave it?
- Have you ever abused a team member?
- Did you ever try to create a tiff among teams?
- Were you ever abused by a team member?
- Are people in teams jealous or envious of each other?
- Which type of people are misfit for teamwork?
Apart from the team members, you also want to be able to strike good conversations with your co-workers.
You can start with these…
Ice breaker questions for coworkers
Wondering how to connect with your co-worker? We have got you covered with the following questions.
- What was your first position in an office?
- What is your happiest memory of your current job?
- What is your favorite office hour?
- What is the most unusual job you have heard of?
- What is the best fact about holidays?
- What time of the month are you most productive? Why?
- What was your first challenge in the professional world?
- What activity helps you relieve stress after work?
- What do you do during your commute time?
- Have you ever been rewarded for your honesty at work?
- What is the most awkward thing that ever happened to you during an interview?
- What classes have been most useful for your current job?
- If there was no dress code, how would you dress at the office?
- Where’s your favorite place to go for lunch?
- Have you ever met a school friend in your office?
- If you could enjoy any scenery out your office window, what would you choose?
- Would you leave work if your parents forced you to?
- What has the job taught you?
- Have you felt you deserved a better position in the office?
- Were your parents supportive of your line of work?
- Would you leave the job if your children ask you?
- Job or love?
- Have you been scolded for unethical activity at the office? What’s that?
- If you had an option, where you could be a famous person’s personal assistant, who would you choose?
- Tell us about the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
- Tell us about the most recent project you are putting a100% into?
Whether in your work life or your personal life, you’ll face the most demanding ice-breaking session while you are trying to get to know someone.
Ice breaker questions to get to know someone
Getting to know someone is exciting but equally exhausting. It’s difficult to start a conversation when you don’t know a thing about the person.
You will explore some similar interests or habits while asking these questions which will further help to keep the conversation flowing.
- Where would you want to retire?
- What would you do if you knew your win was certain?
- Categorize yourself: Extrovert, Introvert, Balanced?
- A personal thing that makes you happy?
- What is your dream-come-true moment?
- If you were a cocktail, which one would you be?
- What is the one thing many people hate, but you love?
- Your favorite fragrance?
- Best scene from a movie?
- What type of endings do you prefer in a movie?
- If you would want only one part of the day to remain forever: what would it be? Morning /Afternoon/ Evening/ Night.
- Do you work better when the music is on?
- Which music do you listen to during work?
- Arrange in your preferred order: Sleep, Work, Eat, Romance, Shop
- One change that you feel is a must for the citizens of your country?
- If you were allowed to shop for an unlimited time how long could you do so?
- Do you Bargain at shops?
- If you could sleep for an unlimited time, how long would you sleep?
- Name the last book you quit reading? Any specific reason for the same?
- What’s the latest upgrade in yourself that you’re proud of?
- Who do you love the most in your family?
- What kind of people deserve respect from you?
- Do you like to keep it simple and subtle or glamorous and complex?
- If you were to spend a day in only a hundred rupees, how would you spend it?
Now, this was for all the adults out there. But the kids need the ice-breaking session too, don’t they?
Ice breaker questions for kids
With kids, it is a lot different. To get them talking can keep you awake all night and you will still be unsuccessful if you’re not doing it right.
To save you from all those panic attacks of making a kid talk, we have made a list of questions that kids are willing to answer.
- What is your hobby?
- What is the best work that you do in the entire day?
- What are the special things you love about your hometown?
- Do you snack at night? For that matter, what do you snack on?
- A tip that you follow at your study table?
- Tell us a story of a family trip?
- Suggest me a movie that I should watch?
- Tell me your binge habit.
- Do you often play a guessing game?
- Name the strictest teacher at your school?
- What is your favorite color?
- If that wasn’t your favorite color what other choices do you have?
- Any 3 superpowers which you want to possess?
- Would you bake a cake or cook Maggi for yourself?
- What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
- Do you prefer hot chocolate over an energy drink?
- Who is your favorite cricketer?
- Which team is your favorite in cricket?
- When is your birthday? How do you want to celebrate it this year?
- When do you last remember celebrating with your family?
- Three names that you have been given by your family members?
- How would you remember your address so that you never forget it!
- If you were to gossip with a teacher, whom would you choose?
- What games are you allowed to play at school?
- When did you start with cursive handwriting?
After kids, it’s now time for the youth.
Ice breaker questions for youth
Compared to the kids, it is easier to talk to the youth. But this young generation is a little moody. Not every topic works for them. You need to do trial and error to check what works for them.
If you don’t want to waste your time doing that, shoot these questions.
- What is the best animal sound that you can imitate?
- For how many hours can you sit staring at the moon?
- Have you ever made false promises unintentionally?
- Have you ever made fake promises intentionally?
- How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
- On a scale of 10 rate your English grammar.
- Which Disney movie would you want to be a part of?
- What’s the craziest dare you’ve ever taken?
- What was the most embarrassing moment in front of your parents?
- Are you the favorite child of your parents?
- Have you ever read a book where the protagonist falls in love with the villain?
- What are the current issues that the environment is dealing with?
- How can we eradicate poverty? Is it possible at all?
- What is your favorite dessert after meals?
- Tell us the first thing you do when you get home from school?
- What would be your ideal time to wake up every day? Do you stand up to your expectations?
- On what topic can you lecture for hours?
- If you were to re-create a fashion trend from the 90s, what would you recreate and how?
- What is the best dish that you can cook without fail?
- If you could revive a historical period what would it be?
- What is one thing you miss in your life?
- Which data would you want to pick up for a karaoke party?
- Do you like sharing your contact number with other people on your first meeting?
- A Cute fact about your parents?
- How many times have you broken traffic rules?
Youth or kids, all of us have a different bond with friends and you are aware of each others’ interests. However, if you still need some sessions, go with the next list.
Ice breaker questions for friends
Are you sitting with your friend or roommate and looking for a topic to talk about? Why don’t you try one from the list below?
- Who was the last person you felt agitated by?
- A simple thing that blows your mind?
- A fact of nature that makes you really curious?
- What would you ask me if I swear to be honest?
- What makes you judge a person?
- If your friend commits a sin would you stand by him or against him?
- How would you improve your friends’ studies?
- Which habits of your friends require correction? Why?
- Are you friends for benefit or friend in deed?
- Would you stop talking to a friend if you catch him or her telling a lie?
- Do you believe in intentions or actions?
- What would you do if you know a friend is constantly cheating on you?
- What was the most pleasant surprise that you received from your friends?
- If you were not supposed to sleep for 3 consecutive days what are the things you would do?
- If you were allowed to commit a sin, which sin would you commit?
- Do you like answering the questions or questioning people?
- What types of questions do you like to answer?
- If you could be a different person for a day, who would that person be and why?
- Which inedible object would you eat if it has no side effects?
- Would you study besides working or only work?
- Are you looking for some instant guidance on a topic? What is it?
- When do you see yourself taking a leave from the institution?
- What are you excited about? What worries you?
- What’s one rule your parents or guardians enforced on you?
- Which color describes your nature?
You can ask a little more mature questions to college-going students than the high school goers.
Ice breaker questions for college students
For college-going students, you can talk about life or their academics. They’re more open to communication than the others.
Hence, there’s a variety of topics that you can talk to them about. Some of them are:
- How do you understand that you’re stressed?
- Which person has made a positive difference in your life?
- Spoken English or Written English?
- Would you prefer having breakfast even if you’re late for college?
- Do you regret taking a subject for college?
- Has your friend circle changed after you joined college?
- What do you enjoy the most about college life?
- What do you miss the most about your school life?
- Has life and college been any more difficult than it was in school?
- What restrictions do you follow at home without fail?
- What are the lectures you never want to attend?
- Do you think this is the correct time to get into a relationship?
- Who are you jealous of? Why?
- What would you wear for a National Day Celebration at college?
- Which celebrity do you want to attend your college?
- How would you describe the dean of your college?
- How do you feel after missing the very first lecture of the day?
- Do you like carrying your lunch box to your classes or eating out with friends?
- What makes you nervous before the exams?
- What are your expectations from your own self for the next five years?
- Do you see a tough competition around you? Who would you compete with?
- What do your friends tell you about your dressing sense?
- How much time do you take to get ready for college?
- Would you like to study at Harvard University?
- Tell me a beautiful fact about teachers in your college?
If you think they’re mature enough to handle other topics, shoot these questions.
Ice breaker Questions for Adults
Adults live in a zone where they constantly find themselves attacked by zombies disguised as problems.
Well, they can give you useful advice and proper knowledge on certain topics. But if you are unable to get along in the beginning, you need to break the ice first.
- When did you feel emotionally shattered, but you had no choice but to smile?
- A heartbreaking picture of yours?
- One person who has tormented you emotionally.
- Has your spouse cheated on you ever?
- Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
- What would you do if your partner would have cheated on you with another person?
- The longest time that you did not speak to your partner?
- The gravest mistake that you have committed in your in-laws’ home?
- The best quality of your husband/ wife?
- One habit of your spouse that you simply cannot stand?
- What’s a bedtime routine that you love the most?
- What do you do when your partner takes you for granted?
- Who in your family fights you the most?
- Do you categorize yourself as an emotional person or a rational person?
- What according to you creates balance and life?
- One tip to maintain a healthy relationship?
- What is the most precious thing that you can sacrifice for your love?
- Would you choose money or understanding?
- What according to you brings success in life?
- Have you ever been molested in public?
- What do you do to a person passing you bad signals?
- What would you never give up? Wearing Lingerie or wearing a dress?
- Do you like to answer funny questions or adult questions?
- What makes you feel creative?
- Any five occasions when you feel extremely shy?
Every question cannot be asked to everybody. I also have a gender-specific list of questions for you.
Let’s first begin with what you can ask the girls!
Ice breaker questions to ask a girl
If you’re trying to break the ice while talking to a girl, then you have to talk about subtle things like fashion or romance. These are the most interesting topics that girls fall for.
Start with this list and I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it.
- Why are you grateful today?
- What do you regret for today?
- If you were to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick up?
- What would you have for a night dessert? Ice cream or a cake?
- What makes you feel romantic? A gown or a mini skirt?
- What makes you feel smart? A shirt or a tee?
- 5 things that you carry in your handbag?
- What would you wear if you were going to a nearby market?
- What are your expectations from your future husband?
- Five qualities that you want to see in your future relationship?
- If you want to skip either mascara or lipstick for a year, what would you skip?
- Which female issue makes you feel uncomfortable?
- Are you a feminist?
- What makes you celebrate your womanhood?
- 5 best men that you have come across in your life?
- Do you feel you have more restrictions than a boy child in your house?
- What comes first, safety or freedom?
- What troubles you the most when you are traveling?
- Which technological device would you like to crush?
- Do you have a crush on someone, now?
- Occasions when you remember being judged unfairly?
- What would you wear for a date night? A maxi dress or a hot bodycon?
- If you want to cancel one activity from today’s list what would it be?
- Would you be unhappy if you were to become a housewife?
- Who should take the decisions of your life?
Also, if you’re looking for questions to ask a guy, the following section is for you.
Ice breaker questions to ask a guy
Guys get easily fascinated by the talks of adventure or technology. Why don’t you talk about it?
- 10 hacks you think every guy should learn?
- A priceless gift that you cannot forget?
- Show us the Image of your first love/crush?
- Are you an honest person or do you not mind telling Lies?
- What qualities do you expect in your future wife?
- What is one healthy food that you enjoy eating?
- What’s an adventurous thing you want to do when you grow old?
- Which problem of the world can be eradicated using Technology?
- Which hairstyle suits you the most?
- Show us a picture in your favorite shirt?
- What is your guilty pleasure when you have free time during the week?
- What sacrifices that you made in life make you happy?
- What type of company attracts you?
- What are your strategies to be friends with a beautiful girl?
- Who is one person in your family who can cheer you up even in a struggling situation?
- Tell me a triple number which you find a lucky number?
- What is the last time you got scolded by your parents?
- How often do you smoke?
- Are you fond of chocolates?
- At what age would you choose to settle down?
- What is the one thing that makes you feel extremely responsible?
- If you want to pat the back of somebody for praise, who would it be?
- What attracts you more: simplicity or style?
- Where have you got tattoos done?
- When did you cry last? What was the reason?
If you have tried all of these but you need more specifics to continue the conversation, take our next list.
Ice breaker trivia questions
The answers to this list will depend on the personality of the person you’re talking to. But this mixed set of our questions will always help you to avoid silences in between the conversations too. Here, try these.
- What boundaries have you crossed in life?
- Which Ocean would you want to become?
- Which star is the most beautiful?
- If you want to write something on a leaf what would it be?
- How many fruits can you eat in a day?
- For how many hours can you exercise nonstop?
- Have you ever tried preaching?
- What do you do when you want to laugh?
- When was the last time that you felt sick?
- A doctor that you find really handsome?
- If you were supposed to switch your profession, what would you choose?
- Who loves you more, your mum or your dad?
- When did you try cutting your own hair?
- How many mangoes can you have in one go?
- Would you shop more or eat more?
- Would you only walk or only run?
- The funniest fact about yourself?
- What are you passionate about?
- What is happiness for you?
- If you were a beggar for a day, what would you do to beg?
- What is the color of your room?
- Who is the author of your life?
- What is the most meaningless thought that ever crossed your mind?
- What would you do if you are not supposed to use your cell phone for a week?
- Have you ever tried waxing?
By the way, have you tried the ‘if you could’ game to start a conversation?
If you could icebreaker questions
This is one of the most fun icebreaker games. You just have to place the other person in different situations and let them answer the questions.
Ready, Set, Go!
- If you could choose any two famous people to have dinner with, who would they be?
- If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you choose to be?
- If you could teach your principal what would you teach him or her?
- If you could give yourself something without bothering about money, what would you give?
- If you could learn something from me what would it be?
- If you could choose your own government, whom would you choose?
- If you could reach a law without having to face the consequences, which law would you breach?
- If you could do anything in the world as your career, what would you do?
- If you could change places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
- If you could rename yourself officially, what name would you pick?
- If you could follow someone around all the time, like a personal assistant, whom would you follow?
- If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be and why?
- If you could write from both hands, what advantage could it bring to you?
- If you could go to the Moon, would you? Why or why not?
- If you could read a person’s mind, how would you deal with people?
- If you could write a book that was guaranteed to be a bestseller, what would you write?
- If you could change the traditions, what would you change?
- If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
- If you could drink only milk, which flavor would you have added to it?
- If you could be in the Guinness book of world records, what record-breaking feat would you attempt?
- If you could have an endless supply of food, what would it be?
- If you could speak any one language, what would it be?
- If you could run the country, what laws would you have made mandatory?
- If you could be invisible for a day, what activities could follow?
Or maybe try the famous would you rather game?
Would you rather ice breaker questions
The would you rather game is one of my favorite game to play. All you have to do is to ask a question and give them two options to choose from.
People love this game since it allows them to know their personal choices and also gives an oomph to your conversation. If you are wondering what sort of questions to ask, don’t hesitate to use our list.
- Would you rather live in the forest or on the moon?
- Would you rather meet your ancestors or meet your descendants?
- Would you rather lose all of your money or all of your friends?
- Would you rather swim or fly?
- Would you rather be an owl or a monkey?
- Would you rather be late but productive or early but lazy?
- Would you rather give up your smartphone or your laptop?
- Would you rather be the funniest or smartest?
- Would you rather skip or jog to lose weight fast?
- Would you rather forgive or punish?
- Would you rather entertain or be entertained?
- Would you rather sing or listen to a song?
- Would you rather save money or spend money?
- Would you rather live or die?
- Would you rather be a Hollywood star or a Bollywood star?
- Would you rather answer either-or questions or Ice breaking questions?
- Would you rather act in a picture or direct a picture?
- Would you rather sleep at night or watch a movie at night?
- Would you rather help a poor person or help a handicapped?
- Would you rather murder or get murdered?
- Would you rather remain silent or make funny faces?
- Would you rather break a block of ice or chew an ice cube?
- Would you rather date an old man or never date at all?
- Would you rather take a picture of yourself or someone else?
- Would you rather be a monk or a married man?
By now, you already know the questions you can ask for ice-breaking sessions. But let’s give you a few tips on how to ask these questions.
5 Tips on How to ask Ice Breaker Questions
The biggest ice breaker question that all of us have answered once in our life is ‘Tell me something about yourself’.
However easy this sounds, this question always leaves you baffled… with a racing heart and a confused mind.
But now that you are calling the shots, you don’t want to be so mainstream. But often, on the lookout for something creative, we forget some basic rules.
Keep these tips in mind to make your conversation fun yet resourceful!
1. Choose open-ended questions
Ice-breaker questions shouldn’t only carry the answer in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. They should be open-ended allowing self-expression. These questions should allow people to share their opinions where there is no correct or incorrect answer.
2. First, answer the question yourself
Along with the question, how you ask that question also matters.
If you are having a new team, answer the question yourself first to make the others comfortable. Your goal should be to make others comfortable enough to express themselves safely by building trust.
3. Questions must be simple
Ask easy questions like ‘which country do you want to travel to?’ or ‘What’s your favorite show to binge on the weekend?’
You cannot spend more than 5-10 minutes breaking the ice. If the number of people is more, you would want to give everyone a chance to answer. So, ask questions that don’t require a lot of thinking.
4. Ask non-judgemental questions
Asking questions like ‘What do you think of Laura?’ as an ice-breaker question will be of no use at all. Not only it is derogatory but also imparts a bad impression of you.
No one wants to get into uninvited conflicts. Questions like these can also make people more conscious throughout the meeting.
5. Build stronger relationships
Fun ice-breaking questions are considered to be the best ones. They allow people to bond and nurture relationships. If you’re working with remote teams, they act as a great team-building activity.
Make sure that your tone is positive throughout the process. You can break the ice with some jokes or by providing nicknames to others too.
Over to you…
If you want to strike a good and healthy conversation with someone you have just met, you need to know how to conduct a great ice-breaking session. You can start with something as basic as ‘How are you?’ These questions are just to make the other person comfortable so that you can bring forth the real purpose of the discussion.
But the ice-breaking questions vary for every situation. You need to be wise enough to select the right questions depending on the person you have met, the situation you are in, and the goal of the conversation.
I am sure this list of questions will help you dodge the awkward silences and strike an interesting conversation. But, if you’re preparing your own questions, make sure to follow our tips to avoid blunders or miscommunication.
All the best! Have a fun ice-breaking session!
