People love talking about themselves so asking questions is the easiest of ice breakers.

FORBES: 10 Ways to Make the Office Holiday Party a Smash

Other firms are trying ice breakers to bring workers closer together.

WSJ: The Science of Serendipity in the Workplace

The books serve as ice-breakers: people can focus on their book rather than themselves, and each person approaching another has a perfect opening line.

BBC: Paris�� 21st Century literary salon