Small Talk

168 . the fine art of small talk
uncertainty. You can wander around the room looking
for food or drink and simply adapt yourself to the environment.
Now is a good time to soak up the scene:
Who’s here? How does the crowd feel? Are people having
a good time or is there a lot of tension? Look around.
Who seems approachable?
As you make your observations, your thoughts will
Icebreakers for Singles
• I’ve been here before, but it’s never been so
crowded.
• Which way to the food (bar)?
• I know exactly zero people here. How about you?
• This food looks like it’s pretty tasty.
• It looks like there are a lot of interesting people
here. Do you know any of them?
• Would you please hand me a napkin?
• Friday afternoons are a great time for this kind of
thing. Something to look forward to at the end of
the week.
• I never know what to say at these affairs, but I
would like to meet you.