Quick Hit: Icebreakers Actually Work

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Let’s be honest: small talk sucks, right?

It’s shallow, boring and infinitely less interesting than the sort of deep conversations that most of us would prefer to have.

But we can’t hide from the truth: lame conversation starters, despite the fact that the word “lame” is in their very name, work. Or so says the Science of Us:

“An icebreaker can help to foster a sense of ‘psychological safety,’ or an atmosphere in which people feel
free to speak up.”

Read the full reason why dumb games and anecdotes work to help us form connections over here, or keep reading to discover another technique for striking up small talk…

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About Dave Bowden

Dave Bowden

Irreverent Gent founder Dave Bowden is a style blogger whose advice on how to look good and live well has been featured in some of the world’s most trusted publications, including New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and more.

When not obsessing over style and self-improvement, he can usually be found spending time with his wonderful wife and son, indulging in a hoppy craft beer, or sobbing over the woeful state of Toronto's sports teams.

Check out Dave's Style Story to find out how a chance encounter with his friend's step-dad taught him the value of looking good and living well. (Don't worry—it's less creepy than it sounds!)

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