There is one thing anybody can do that will serve as the single best icebreaker in any situation.
It might be obvious, but it isn’t easy.
Smile.
I am not a natural smiler. I am not unhappy. Frumpy maybe. But not mean.
I don’t walk around with a smile on my face.
Some people smile more easily than others. No?
When you are working an audience before, during and after your talk … smile.
Not a big teethy smile, unless you are Teddy Roosevelt, or that kind of smile is your natural smile.
Speakers are happy to be on stage. To be given the opportunity to share, inspire, educate, motivate … right?
Then let that happiness exude itself naturally.
It’s a lot easier to talk to someone who is smiling than someone who isn’t or may be even frowning.
I have to practice my smile. I have to remind myself sometimes that I am happy, that I am fortunate and that I have an opportunity not a chore when I have an audience.
When I wear a smile, I am able to interact with and work my audience better.
Look in the mirror and give it your best smile. Seriously. Look in the mirror and give it your best smile. Then ask yourself, would you want to talk to this person?
Related: More of the 17 Skills
A genuine smile is a great icebreaker.
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