The 17 best icebreakers to use at a party where you don't know anyone

Parties where you know virtually no one can be awkward, especially if you're not sure how to start a conversation.

You could rely on the classic, "So what do you do?" But then you run the risk of coming off as the least interesting or original person at the party.

Maybe you're interested in making a new professional contact, or perhaps you simply want to make a good impression on a friend of a friend.

Whatever the reason, busting out the clichés upon the first introduction is never a good idea.

To mix the conversation up a bit, try using one of these 17 icebreakers. They should help ease you into an engaging conversation with people you've never met before.

Natalie Walters contributed to an earlier version of this article.