Icebreaker exercises are often used to start workshops or at the start of the first session of a course. Ice breakers are used to “…reduce tension and anxiety, to acquaint participants with each other, to immediately involve the class in the course and to acquaint the teacher with the class members,” according to W. Draves, author of the1984 article, "How to Teach Adults" [The Learning Resources Network, Manhattan, Kansas].
Icebreakers can be quite complex activities that require a lot of preparation. However, a simple question posed at the start of a meeting can help participants get to know their fellow team or committee members and hopefully, have a good laugh to create a relaxed mood.
Start by choosing a question that suits the group. If the group has a focus, then choose a question that matches the focus to help the transition into the meeting agenda. For example, if the meeting members are part of the social committee, try a question such as:
- What is your favorite type of birthday cake?
- What is the best present you either received or bought for someone?
- What would you want to be remembered for when you retire?
Other Icebreaker Questions
- What animal (or colour) are you feeling like today and why?
- Write a fortune cookie message that speaks about your philosophy of living.
- What was the easiest $10 you ever made?
- What was the best prize or award you’ve received?
Meeting Icebreaker Exercises Requiring Preparation or Extra Time
Surprising Fact
- Each participant writes down a surprising, little known fact about their history.
- The slips of paper are put into a hat or bowl.
- Each person draws a paper and reads it aloud and everyone makes a guess whose wrote the fact.
Work History
- Break participants up into pairs.
- Each person takes a turn explaining their work history to the other.
- Then the pairs return to the larger group and introduce their partner using the information gathered.
Personality Adjective
- Each person chooses an adjective that describes their personality or how they are feeling that day and writes it on a name badge.
- Participants then mingle to find someone who has chosen an adjective that is opposite or dissimilar to their adjective to partner with.
- Instruct the pairs to discuss why they chose their adjective and then relate back why their partner chose their adjective to the bigger group.
Matching Facts
- Pass out index cards and have each participant write down three facts about themselves such as place of birth, favorite movie or book and a hobby.
- Shuffle the cards and then distribute them to participants.
- Instruct participants to find the person that matches the card they are given and introduce themselves. Ask each person to introduce their partner by explaining their three facts.
Icebreaker exercises can warm up participants and encourage an open dialogue. Shifting the focus from the agenda for a few minutes at the opening of a business meeting allows for participants and the meeting chair person to get to know the people and personalities involved.
 |
