Dr. Wayne Pernell describes additive icebreakers: ask people about their favorite local spots like dog parks or walking trails, then share your own. People pull out their phones to write things down, the conversation keeps going, and you look like someone who knows the community.
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And so I could say, what is one of your favorite dog parks, walking trails, local businesses you like to support, pool you like to swim in? What's one of your favorite city hacks that you love, that you would recommend to some others in this town? That is an additive icebreaker. You're sharing suggestions for other people that can make their life better, and everybody gets to share these little ideas. You'll notice people whipping out their phones, wanting to write down stuff, following up, going to ask other people their ideas for that. Those types of icebreakers, later on in the night, when people have built up rapport, they're a little looser and warmed up. Those are incredibly helpful icebreakers. And they also will make people think of you as a thought leader, as a super connector, because you're inspiring and encouraging these types of conversations.