Ice breaker games are fantastic for getting people to talk and befriend each other quickly. They bring people together that otherwise may not have the opportunity to talk. Having a bit of fun together breaks down barriers quickly and helps people relax. Icebreakers speed up the getting to know you process and make it easier to take a group forward. They are a trainer’s dream tool but can be used in many more meeting situations than people do!
When should you use an Ice Breaker? Ice breaker games have so many uses both socially and at work. They are suitable for all ages too! You can use them to commence your training sessions, sales meetings and corporate events but you can also use them to get your school pupils mixing at the start of the new school year. Almost any gathering of people could utilize ice breakers to ensure an event gets off to an excellent start. I used to use them at the start of every PTA meeting.
To get your meetings off to an excellent start you should learn how to to lead an icebreaker really well. Get to know your chosen ice breaker game very well and then practise on your friends!
To begin with, give an outline of the game and then step by step instructions. Begin with an easy ice breaker when you’re first starting out and then think about something a bit more challenging for established groups. Consult your colleagues and friends for their favourite ice breaker game and try those. With care and attention your confidence will grow and your meetings and events will be buzzing!
Ice breakers can be quite loud and raucous affairs – that’s often the goal! Get a whistle or bell of some sort if you need to make yourself heard. Try this energetic ice breaker game:
Have everyone in a circle seated. You stand in the middle and say something like: “Everyone wearing black change places” and “say hello to your new neighbours on both sides” So everyone wearing black changes places and you try and slip into one of the temporarily empty seats.
Allow a minute for folk to greet their new neighbours
The latest person in the centre issues another order such as: “Everyone who drinks coffee change places and greet your new neighbours” So nearly everyone changes places and the central person tries to get into an empty seat. Everyone greets their new neighbours and it continues until everyone has had enough.
This energetic ice breaker is great fun and suitable for all kinds of groups. When you feel more confident, experiment with some ice breaker ideas of your own.
Learn more about ice breaker games, visit ice-breaker-ideas.com where you can download ice breakers and watch how they instantly transform your meetings and events.
