Breaking the ice with icebreakers and group activities that aren’t awkward

A few years ago, psychology professor Rachel E. Brenner created a simple icebreaker that would help take the pressure off students: share one boring fact about yourself. She provided examples including “I prefer room temperature water” and “a mechanic told me my car will need a new timing belt within the next year.”

Students loved it, and professors and professionals are beginning to take note and embrace the mundane to help people connect. People didn’t feel put on the spot to come up with something exciting or new about themselves or worry if someone else was going to share the same boring thing; it simply became an opportunity to bond with each other.

Effective but awkward by nature

Psychologist Anton Villa told The Cut that icebreakers don’t need to be pleasant to be effective and that effective icebreakers accomplish three key things:

1. Calm nerves about being in a new situation
2. Set the tone for the rest of the day, session or ongoing interactions with the meeting facilitator
3. Encourage people to share about themselves

A research study revealed that self-disclosure bonds people more than engaging in small talk, reinforcing the purpose of icebreakers and similar group activities. Effective icebreaker activities can be much more efficient than open coffee and networking time to increase the energy in a room, give people a much-needed break and get them up and moving.

Taking out the cringe factor

An important consideration when planning icebreaker activities is determining your audience. It can be about finding balance. While what famously works for younger kids in an elementary school setting may not translate to a corporate setting, an element of fun can help increase the energy in the room.

Many experts suggest avoiding activities that:

• Take up too much time
• Make people touch/don’t account for personal space preferences
• Involve sharing something too personal
• Are embarrassing (think silly motions or making animal noises)

If you are working with a big group, consider breaking people down into smaller sub-groups, and don’t be afraid of a little lighthearted competition.

In addition to sharing a boring fact, here are five simple icebreakers to try out. While some of these activities include standing and movement, they can be modified to accommodate different physical abilities.

Rock Paper Scissors tournament

This is a simple game where, in a small or big group, people go head-to-head until they are eliminated, and one person is crowned champion.

Sit down if…

This is like the corporate version of the game “Never have I ever,” where everyone starts standing. The facilitator calls out things like “Sit down if you had eggs for breakfast” and “Sit down if you walked here today” until one person is left standing.

Would you rather?

The facilitator asks a series of “would you rather” questions where people move from one side of the room to the other depending on their choice. Remember to avoid controversial or political questions. Some examples include: Would you rather live in a treehouse or a cave? Would you rather always have to get up early or always have to stay up late at night?

What’s your favourite cereal or breakfast food?

This simple question gives people a lot to talk about, with strong opinions on everything from coffee or tea to non-breakfast foods at the beginning of the day.

What’s the worst icebreaker you’ve ever participated in?

This activity talks about the proverbial elephant in the room. While it may not be the best for a large group, and there is bound to be a person who answers “This one,” this question can be an excellent way for people to bond over uncomfortable corporate moments of the past. It can also be an excellent way to figure out what activities to avoid, particularly if a group routinely gets together.

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