Why Asking About Superpowers Is Still the Best Icebreaker (Plus Smarter Variations)

Starting a conversation with someone new can be awkward—we all know that social “elevator pause” where everyone’s scrambling for something clever to say. You toss around a few options in your mind, something safe like “What do you do?” or “Where are you from?” and hope for the best. But let’s be real—those questions can feel like conversation filler, not conversation starters. That’s exactly why one simple, slightly quirky question still reigns supreme: “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”

At first glance, it might seem like something pulled from a comic-con icebreaker bowl, but hang tight—there’s more to this question than capes and teleportation. It taps into personality, imagination, values, and even a bit of vulnerability, all without making anyone feel interrogated.

And in an age where authentic human connection is harder to come by, this playful-yet-revealing question may just be the secret key to unlocking better conversations. Let’s dive into why this works so well—and how to spin it with smarter, fresher variations.

Why the “Superpower” Question Still Works Wonders

when you ask someone about their ideal superpower, you're not just making small talk. You’re inviting them to share a glimpse of how they see the world—and what they might want to change in it. Whether they say “time travel” to revisit childhood or “mind reading” to decode awkward social encounters, you’ve just learned something you wouldn’t get from “So, what do you do?”

Unlike many standard icebreakers, this question levels the playing field. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a CEO or a college freshman—everyone has a dream, and many have imagined having powers at least once in their life.

Psychologists have found that asking imaginative questions often leads to more open, authentic conversations because it activates parts of the brain tied to memory, emotion, and creativity. That’s science’s quiet way of saying: this question works because it makes people feel seen without being too serious.

Did you know that according to a survey by YouGov, invisibility and ability to fly are the two most wished-for superpowers among adults in the U.S.? These choices often reflect deeper desires like privacy, second chances, or control.

It’s Fun—but It’s Also Sneakily Insightful

When someone tells you they’d pick flying, they’re not just saying they like birds. Maybe they crave freedom. Maybe they like big-picture thinking or feel stuck in some area of life and want to soar. Asking about superpowers can reveal values, desires, fears, or even unspoken aspirations—without anyone feeling put on the spot.

From a social psychology standpoint, this is called a projective question—you’re not asking someone directly how they feel, but rather inviting them to answer in a way that naturally reveals who they are. That’s gold for building rapport. And in the right setting—team meetings, networking events, first dates—it can spark a lot more than surface-level banter.

Also, it keeps things light. You’re not diving into childhood trauma or career regrets five minutes in. You're just playing in the mental sandbox together, which is often when real connection begins.

It Opens the Door to Personality-Driven Dialogue

This kind of question is what we’d call identity-revealing. In other words, it doesn’t just help people talk—it helps people show who they are. Want to know if someone is more about protecting others or enhancing themselves? Their answer may clue you in.

Here's a quick example:

• “Teleportation” could hint at someone who values time, convenience, or even wanderlust.
• “Healing” may come from someone who’s empathetic or has experienced illness around them.
• “Super speed”? Likely a high-efficiency thinker or someone who struggles with patience.

Of course, none of this is a perfect science (no need to psychoanalyze your coworker on day one), but it nudges people to tell you more than they realize. And that’s what makes for a great conversation starter.

Superpower Icebreaker Variations That Feel Fresh (But Still Work)

Now, if you’ve already tried the original superpower question and want to keep the magic without sounding repetitive, good news—you can remix it. Here are some smarter, elevated twists that still capture imagination but give the conversation a unique spin:

• “What’s a talent you wish you could download instantly, Matrix-style?” This is great for creatives and professionals who are constantly learning. It’s grounded, but still dreamy.

• “If you had a magical remote control for life, what button would you add?” A fun way to explore life frustrations or hidden wishes. People often answer with “pause,” “rewind,” or “mute,” which naturally opens up dialogue.

• “If your personality had a secret power, what would it be?” This lets people share their strengths in a self-aware (and less braggy) way.

• “What’s one rule you’d rewrite if you had the power to?” This variation introduces values and social commentary—but gently. It’s especially great in group discussions.

• “If your younger self saw you now, what superpower would they think you had?” A reflective one. It combines imagination with a bit of personal growth.

Each version keeps the tone casual but leads toward deeper, more meaningful exchanges. They're subtle, smart, and often lead to conversations that people actually remember.

Why We Crave These Types of Questions

In today’s hyper-digital world, where so many of our conversations happen through screens and Slack threads, our brains are starved for imaginative, genuine connection. The superpower question lets people step outside of their roles for a minute—no need to be the “project manager” or the “recruiter” or the “consultant.” You just get to be a person with dreams.

That kind of emotional safety is what fosters real engagement. It’s no surprise that team-building experts, educators, and leadership coaches regularly use playful hypothetical questions to unlock participation. They create a low-risk, high-return situation: minimal effort, maximum insight.

Superpowers in the Age of Emotional Intelligence

There’s another reason why this question works so well today: we’re living in a time where emotional intelligence matters more than ever. And that means the ability to read people, connect quickly, and make others feel at ease is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a differentiator.

Using playful yet thoughtful questions taps into something deeper: empathy, listening, and curiosity. These are “soft” skills, sure, but they drive hard results. Better conversations mean better trust, better ideas, and stronger bonds.

So even though asking someone what superpower they’d pick might feel like a childhood throwback, it actually reflects a surprisingly modern awareness: knowing how to bring out someone’s best self starts with asking the right kind of question.

The Spark Corner

1. The best questions don’t demand answers—they invite stories. Aim for curiosity, not interrogation.
2. When someone shares their “superpower,” listen for the why behind it. That’s where the gold is.
3. Playful doesn’t mean pointless. Sometimes, the most creative questions reveal the deepest truths.
4. Connection isn’t about what you say—it’s how you make someone feel seen. Lead with warmth.
5. A memorable conversation starts with one unexpected question. Dare to ask it.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Not every conversation will be life-changing. But any conversation could be more memorable, more enjoyable, and more human—if you start it right. And questions like the superpower one give you a light-hearted, low-pressure way to move beyond the usual script.

So the next time you’re standing at a networking event, chatting with a new teammate, or just trying to avoid awkward silence at a dinner table, give it a try. Or better yet—make up your own playful twist. Because the truth is, in a world full of small talk, asking the right big question could be your real-life superpower.

Let that be your spark.