It’s not uncommon to be at a business dinner, a wedding guest table or another venue where you barely know or do not know the people you’re sitting with. Breaking the ice with, “How about those Cubbies?” doesn’t work if you find yourself for some strange reason outside of Chicago. So, what’s the best way to get everyone talking? One way is to suggest you all share details about your first job. Everyone gets a turn and by the time you’ve gone around the table, the ice is broken and everyone is talking about their past workday experiences.

But let’s kick it up a notch. Ask the question shown in the image instead.