Kelsi ClymerLet’s get one thing straight—I hate the word “icebreaker.”
It sounds corny. Like something you were forced to do in an awkward corporate workshop while waiting for lunch.
But here’s the thing… they work.
People won’t just start talking on their own, especially in a new space. They need a reason—a question that’s interesting enough to make them forget it’s an icebreaker and just want to answer.
But let’s be clear: not all icebreakers are created equal.
If you ask, “What’s one fun fact about you?” or “What are your hobbies?” your members will roll their eyes and move on.
But if you hit them with something unexpected, fun, or just a little spicy? That’s when the magic happens.
Oh, and one rule I always follow? No work-related questions. Even in a business or professional community, people are humans first. If you want to build real relationships, you have to get to know the whole person—not just their job title.
So, here are 25 conversation-starters (see what I did there?) that actually get people talking.
25 Questions That Get People Talking (Without Making Them Cringe)
Food & Drink (Because Everyone Has an Opinion on Food)
- What’s the best fast-food chain of all time? Defend your answer.
- What’s a food combination that shouldn’t work, but you swear by it?
- If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be?
- What’s a childhood snack that instantly takes you back?
- Is butter a sauce or just melted butter? Explain your reasoning.
Pop Culture & Entertainment (Guaranteed to Get Strong Opinions)
- What’s the most overrated TV show ever?
- If you could erase one song from existence, what would it be?
- What movie have you rewatched the most?
- You get to spend a day as any fictional character. Who are you choosing?
- What’s a show that got canceled too soon?
Travel & Experiences (Because People Love to Share Stories)
- What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?
- If someone was visiting your city for the first time, what’s the one place they HAVE to go?
- What’s a restaurant you thought was super fancy as a kid, but looking back, it really wasn’t?
- If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
- What’s one “touristy” thing you actually love doing?
Spicy & Controversial Takes (Friendly Debates Only!)
- What’s a popular thing that everyone loves, but you secretly hate?
- Which actor is way overrated?
- What’s one opinion you have that would probably get you canceled?
- What’s a holiday that you think is completely overrated?
- What’s a life hack that people swear by, but you think is completely useless?
Just for Fun (No Deep Thinking Required!)
- If you could have any useless superpower, what would it be?
- What’s your go-to karaoke song?
- Open up your phone—what’s the last photo you took? (Bonus points if you post it!)
- What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever bought online?
- What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
How to Use These Questions (Without Calling Them Icebreakers)
Now that you’ve got 25 conversation-starters ready to go, let’s talk about how to use them effectively.
Drop One in Your Community Every Week
- Don’t just ask questions once in a while—make it a habit.
- Start a weekly thread where members can jump in.
Keep It Casual (No “Icebreaker” Label Needed)
- Never say, “Hey, let’s do an icebreaker!” That immediately puts people on the defensive.
- Instead, just ask the question like you would in a normal conversation.
Make It Easy to Answer
- The best questions require zero overthinking.
- If people have to type out an essay, they won’t respond. Keep it simple, fun, and fast.
Engage with Every Response
- If someone takes the time to answer, reply to them.
- A dead thread = a dead conversation. Keep it alive by engaging.
Pin a Welcome Thread for New Members
- One of the easiest ways to get new members talking is to have a pinned “Get to Know Each Other” thread where they can answer one of these questions.
- That way, they have a low-pressure way to start engaging.
Final Thoughts: The Best Communities Feel Like Conversations
If your community feels like a ghost town, it’s not because people don’t care.
They just need a reason to engage.
A well-placed question can break the silence, create connections, and make people feel like they belong. And when that happens? Your community starts to thrive.
So try one of these non-cringe, non-boring, non-forced icebreakers (ugh, I still hate that word) and watch what happens.
Need help making your community more engaging? Let’s talk.