10. Choose the Right Activity

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The activity you choose should inspire conversation. I have found that plays, concerts, movies, and anything else related are not the best choices simply because the two of you will be sitting there in silence. I think galleries, museums, and festivals are the best places to inspire conversation. You can also check local event listings on sites like Eventbrite to find engaging activities near you.

9. Make Jokes

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It is fine to make jokes, just make sure it is not self-effacing humor. Avoid sitting there and making fun of other individuals. You should also avoid telling jokes about religious beliefs along with politics. If you are not comfortable with being funny, then just skip this one. It is important that you are comfortable and natural when learning how to break the ice with someone.

8. Show an Interest

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When you are trying to break the ice with someone new, it is important that you show an interest. Just make sure you are careful and don’t get too personal too quick. Some safe topics include work, hometowns, pets, and music. I like asking questions that will show personality.

7. Have a Plan

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You should always have a plan to fall back on. Have questions to draw out communication if necessary. As an example, be ready to ask “what are your top five favorite songs of all times?” or “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” This also ties back to showing an interest when talking. If you do not have a plan to fall back on, then you will end up sitting there in silence. Argh! No one likes silence!

6. Avoid Complaining

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No matter what you do, avoid complaining. Try to keep the conversation as positive as you possibly can. No one wants to date a whiner and this would definitely be a must avoid dating blooper.

5. Avoid Bragging

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Just like no one likes a whiner especially on the first date, no one likes a braggart either. Sure, you may have been head of the cheerleading squad in high school, you may have won a medal, all the guys liked you, but no one likes to hear you brag about those things.

4. Avoid Foul Language

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Yes, you are an adult and you like to act like an adult. However, you should leave the adult language at home. Especially since you are trying to break the ice. You do not want to give the wrong impression. Besides, a person talking dirty is not always a turn-on right out of the gate.

3. Listen

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When the date is talking, you should listen and respond in a way that shows that you have been listening. Let the date know that their thoughts and feelings mean a lot to you. Allow them to steer the conversation. At the same time, give your input. Don't just sit there listening quietly. Showing them that you genuinely care will not only break the ice but is bound to get you a second date. Learning active listening skills from resources like MindTools can be incredibly helpful.

2. Do Not Frown

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Frowning is not going to get you anywhere. I do not know about you, but when I see someone frown, it seems to me as if they are not paying attention or that they just don't care. Besides no one likes Miss Grumpy Puss. So turn that frown upside down and smile!

1. Make Yourself Approachable

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It is important that you make yourself approachable. Have that inviting look in your eyes. Be friendly. Smile. Maintain eye contact. Laugh at their jokes. Don't be too shy. I could go on and on. Basically be the kind of person you'd want to get to know.

Thankfully, breaking the ice has to be done only once (usually!). With these 10 easy-to-follow tips, you will be able to reach out to that new person easily. These are the 10 tips that I have personally used. Do you have any other advice? How do you break the ice when you meet someone new?