How to Choose a Great Icebreaker Activity
Here are some of the qualities of a good icebreaker activity:
- They are brief. A generally good icebreaker activity last between 2-5 minutes. If it goes any longer than 10 minutes, it risks taking over the broader purpose of the meeting or gathering. Remember that the icebreaker is there to set up something more important.
- They are interactive. As we said, the main purpose of an icebreaker is to get the group mentally ready and more receptive to the main activity coming up next. Ways to make an icebreaker interactive include having the group move around the space in some way; talking to each other, either in pairs or small groups; or giving them a brief assigned task to complete.
- They are memorable. The best icebreaker activities are ones that the participants will remember for a while after the fact.
- They are creative. There are a million ways to spin off new variations even on the oldest exercises. So even if you decide to use a “tried and true” icebreaker with your group, find a way to customize the experience to your group. Get creative!
- They are Fun! – For a group to relax, it is essential that the icebreaker exercise incorporate fun! As a result, participants will be more relaxed and open to the main event that’s coming next when they are laughing and having a good time.
Where can you find a good icebreaker activity?
You can find tons of ideas for activities on the internet, in the library, or by asking around! So, if you use the criteria in this article to gauge the quality of the activity, you can make sure you are selecting one that will be a good fit for your group.
Here are a few to get you started. “Sample Ice Breaker Activities for Meetings“.
So to get the best out of your group at your next meeting, conference or activity, consider including an icebreaker that will start everyone out on the right foot.
Icebreaker Activities for Any Occassion
Choosing the right icebreaker can make all the difference. Below are a variety of fun and effective icebreaker activities designed to suit any group setting. These exercises are not only easy to implement but also ensure everyone starts off on the right foot, fully engaged and ready to participate.
For Smaller Groups:
A classic game that works exceptionally well is “Two Truths and a Lie.” Each person shares two truths and one lie about themselves. Then, the rest of the group tries to guess the lie. This simple activity encourages creative thinking. Above all, it offers a fun way for members of the group to learn interesting facts about each other. Thus fostering personal connections on a deeper level.
For Larger Groups:
“Human Bingo” is a great icebreaker game where each participant receives a bingo card filled with traits or experiences. Participants mingle to find people who match the descriptions on their cards. This is a fun way to discover common interests and experiences among a large number of participants, creating a sense of community and a common ground quickly.
For Virtual Teams:
One of the best virtual icebreakers is the “Virtual Scavenger Hunt.” The team lead sends out a list of items or quirky tasks, and team members have a set amount of time to find them in their homes. This could include finding a favorite book, showing off a pet, or presenting a piece of art. It’s a great conversation starter and gives everyone a good laugh, making it a perfect way to start a remote meeting.
For Hybrid Meetings:
A fun icebreaker for hybrid meetings is “Roll Call with a Twist.” Each participant says their name and, instead of a simple introduction, shares a random fact about themselves, like their favorite song or an interesting fictional character they admire. This activity can be a great way for new hires to introduce themselves in a less formal manner, enhancing engagement across both in-person and virtual settings.
Creative and Fun Icebreakers:
Why not try a “Build Challenge” where small teams or individuals compete to build the tallest structure using only a few provided materials, such as index cards, rolls of toilet paper, or sticky notes within a time limit? This activity not only sparks creative thinking and problem-solving skills but also injects a lot of fun into the group.
Getting to Know You:
“Desert Island” scenarios can be a great way to get people talking. Each person can share what three items they would take to a desert island and why. This is an easy way to uncover new things about each other and provoke good-natured debates about the best strategies for survival, which can lead to building strong interpersonal connections.
These are just a few examples of icebreaker activities that can cater to different group sizes, types of meetings, and team dynamics. Whether it’s for small teams, large groups, new teams, or established ones, the right icebreaker can set a positive tone for the meeting and help achieve the goal of building a cohesive and collaborative team environment. Remember, the best icebreakers are those that match the tone of the meeting and the personality of the group, so feel free to modify these suggestions to better fit your specific needs.