break the ice

There was no small talk required to break the ice between these two leaders who have become unlikely friends.

“One thing that really helps people break the ice is a lot of times people are really generous with their supplies,” Hansen said.

Growing up on the East Coast and being a little person, I used comedy as a way to break the ice, and also be like, “Hey, let’s be funny and lighten the situation.”

"Personally, I think the transition should be gradual, and for certain areas there should be some kind of co-management. But everything will depend on the tact of the mediators, and their ability to break the ice," Mr Sematumba added.

We began with some very brief small talk, which always helps to break the ice before a formal sit down, but we didn't touch the topic at hand until the cameras started rolling.