Are you like me and still get nervous meeting new people and when asked to be part of an ice-break activity? Now I'm genuinely very confident but I still feel a little uneasy deciding what to say to contribute to these activities. I’m telling you that this is normal to experience and quite common. You have the power to not let it become a barrier or a big fear. Here is what I practice to help these nerves not become a barrier:

• Make a comment about something relevant to the event you are in at that moment.
• Practice active listening by asking questions for the other person to either go into more detail on the topic they are speaking about or share genuine empathy if what they are talking about is something that you have experienced or can relate too.
• Use open body language and gestures so it invites people to come up to you to start a conversation so you do not feel you need to go up to a new group of people all the time.
• Don’t overthink the situation by being present, that is, observe all that is happening around you and get curious about it.
• Find common ground, is there someone you both know that is a mutual friend?
• Forget about perfection as this is a setting to focus on being genuine so connections may be made.

Now here is an exercise for you.

For ice breaker activities where you need to say something about yourself, prepare ahead of time by creating a space where you can reflect and write down information you are willing to share to people in your different social groups. Examples of different social groups you may include but are not limited to, work colleagues, industry peers, friends of friends being introduced to you, your hobby groups / communities, neighbour, religious or spiritual community, etc. Note down what information and stories about you that you are comfortable to say. Doing this ahead of time means you already know what to say and it may help you be at ease sharing it without overthinking it.

All the best, Susan.

I use the Speak Afraid Method when attending networking events. Become a founding member of our Speak Afraid Group Program that starts 12th October 2026, so you may practice ways to apply this method so you may get the most out of attending these events too.