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Top : Training Methods and Activities : Icebreakers:
Icebreakers are a means to start training and other group meetings. We've gathered together links to various icebreakers to help you find just the one that suits your purposes, group and objectives.
The Electric Chair - 15-30 Minute Icebreaker or Energizer
By
Felix Nicolai
Variation of musical chairs can be used at the beginnig of a session as an icebreaker, or during the session as an energizer. An undemanding physical type activity. Hits: 709 )
Variation of musical chairs can be used at the beginnig of a session as an icebreaker, or during the session as an energizer. An undemanding physical type activity. Hits: 709 )
Human Bingo (30 minute to 1hour) Icebreaker
By
Réka Incze
Used to help people get familiar with each other. A little longer than many icebreakers, and requires some minimal preparation by the group leader. Hits: 740 )
Used to help people get familiar with each other. A little longer than many icebreakers, and requires some minimal preparation by the group leader. Hits: 740 )
Have You Ever? Icebreaker For Larger Groups - Getting To Know Each Other
By
Holden Leadership Center
Organize participants into a circle. Give each person a place marker and have them put it behind them on the floor at their feet (the facilitator should be standing in the middle of the circle directing this activity, not taking part). Have each person step on their marker. Explain that there is one more person than there are spots on the circle and the job of the person in the middle is to take one of the spots so that they can get out of the middle. How they get people to move is by asking the question, "Have you ever..." and then fill in the blank with something they have done. For example: Have you ever been to a concert? Everyone who has been to a concert will then move to a different marker on the circle that is not directly next to the one they are already on. Once people start to move the person in the middle tries to take a free space. The last person in the middle without a spot then has to say, "have you ever..." and the game continues. Note: It is a good idea for a newer group to have people introduce themselves before saying "have you ever", for example: My name is Sam and have you ever eaten sushi? Hits: 718 )
Organize participants into a circle. Give each person a place marker and have them put it behind them on the floor at their feet (the facilitator should be standing in the middle of the circle directing this activity, not taking part). Have each person step on their marker. Explain that there is one more person than there are spots on the circle and the job of the person in the middle is to take one of the spots so that they can get out of the middle. How they get people to move is by asking the question, "Have you ever..." and then fill in the blank with something they have done. For example: Have you ever been to a concert? Everyone who has been to a concert will then move to a different marker on the circle that is not directly next to the one they are already on. Once people start to move the person in the middle tries to take a free space. The last person in the middle without a spot then has to say, "have you ever..." and the game continues. Note: It is a good idea for a newer group to have people introduce themselves before saying "have you ever", for example: My name is Sam and have you ever eaten sushi? Hits: 718 )
Free Icebreakers
By
na
Three more icebreakers with instructions. Your Worst First Job. Paper-Tearing Exercise. Ten-Dollar Auction Hits: 981 )
Three more icebreakers with instructions. Your Worst First Job. Paper-Tearing Exercise. Ten-Dollar Auction Hits: 981 )
Icebreaker - Who Killed The Cat
By
na
Fun, lighthearted (it had better be with a title like this one) exercise to warm up an audience. Hits: 1535 )
Fun, lighthearted (it had better be with a title like this one) exercise to warm up an audience. Hits: 1535 )
Taste other languages - Diversity Icebreaker Or Activity
By
Pablo Castiñeiras
Great for use in groups with those that speak different languages. Use this to get cross-cultural communication going, as an icebreaker, or energizer activity. Hits: 985 )
Great for use in groups with those that speak different languages. Use this to get cross-cultural communication going, as an icebreaker, or energizer activity. Hits: 985 )
The Lottery Win - Training Icebreaker
By
na
Another icebreaker used to create a positive state of mind at the start of a training session. Takes about fifteen minutes. Hits: 1817 )
Another icebreaker used to create a positive state of mind at the start of a training session. Takes about fifteen minutes. Hits: 1817 )
Mingle Icebreaker: Works For Large Groups, About 10-15 minutes
By
Holden Leadership Center
Teach participants the mingle song, which goes, "Mingle, mingle, M I N G L E" (the mingle song is open to interpretation, dance moves may be incorporated depending on the creative mind/ coordination of the facilitator. Explain that while the mingle song is being sung, participants must move about the room. After participants have mingled to the satisfaction of the facilitator, the facilitator will yell out a number, and the participants must then stop mingling and get into groups of that number. For example: After participants have mingled, the facilitator will yell out, "GROUPS OF 3". Participants would then make groups of 3 as quickly as possible. After giving participants about 15 seconds to make groups. The facilitator then yells out 2-4 questions for everyone to ask their group members. The questions should be get-to-know you questions decided by the facilitator. After giving participants adequate time to ask and answer the questions, the facilitator then starts singing the mingle song, everyone should join in and the game starts over. The group size and questions should change throughout the game. For example on the second round... Hits: 648 )
Teach participants the mingle song, which goes, "Mingle, mingle, M I N G L E" (the mingle song is open to interpretation, dance moves may be incorporated depending on the creative mind/ coordination of the facilitator. Explain that while the mingle song is being sung, participants must move about the room. After participants have mingled to the satisfaction of the facilitator, the facilitator will yell out a number, and the participants must then stop mingling and get into groups of that number. For example: After participants have mingled, the facilitator will yell out, "GROUPS OF 3". Participants would then make groups of 3 as quickly as possible. After giving participants about 15 seconds to make groups. The facilitator then yells out 2-4 questions for everyone to ask their group members. The questions should be get-to-know you questions decided by the facilitator. After giving participants adequate time to ask and answer the questions, the facilitator then starts singing the mingle song, everyone should join in and the game starts over. The group size and questions should change throughout the game. For example on the second round... Hits: 648 )
Gestures Icebreaker and Name Rememberer
By
Felix Nicolai
Simple introductory activity to help people remember the names of the group members. Suitable for smaller groups rather than very large ones. Hits: 813 )
Simple introductory activity to help people remember the names of the group members. Suitable for smaller groups rather than very large ones. Hits: 813 )
Beach Ball Toss - 10 minute Icebreaker
By
Holden Leadership Center
Good for groups of 5- 25. Material Needed: Beach ball Time Required: 10 minutes Group Size: 5-25 Purpose: Getting to know you A beach ball is pre-divided with random questions written on it. The participants toss the ball around the circle introducing themselves and answering the question closest to their pinky. Variation: Allow participants to choose which question to answer. Hits: 714 )
Good for groups of 5- 25. Material Needed: Beach ball Time Required: 10 minutes Group Size: 5-25 Purpose: Getting to know you A beach ball is pre-divided with random questions written on it. The participants toss the ball around the circle introducing themselves and answering the question closest to their pinky. Variation: Allow participants to choose which question to answer. Hits: 714 )
Brief Encounters Icebreaker
By
na
Have you ever needed to run a workshop where you just knew delegates would be turning up over a period of five or so minutes and you want to get over that embarrassing silence where everyone waits to begin. Well this ice breaker let's you begin immediately. Hits: 1530 )
Have you ever needed to run a workshop where you just knew delegates would be turning up over a period of five or so minutes and you want to get over that embarrassing silence where everyone waits to begin. Well this ice breaker let's you begin immediately. Hits: 1530 )
Icebreakers For Training and Other Group Meetings
By
na
An excellent list of icebreakers to use in training, that includes instructions for group leaders. Available online and also in adobe acrobat. Hits: 972 )
An excellent list of icebreakers to use in training, that includes instructions for group leaders. Available online and also in adobe acrobat. Hits: 972 )
Free Icebreakers, Introductions, and Hellos
By
Kate Zabriskie
Several dozen icebreakers you can use and modify to suit your needs. Scavenger hunts, story of my life, six degrees of separation and dozens more. Hits: 904 )
Several dozen icebreakers you can use and modify to suit your needs. Scavenger hunts, story of my life, six degrees of separation and dozens more. Hits: 904 )
Insight: 40 Icebreakers for small groups - FREE eBook
By
Grahame Knox
This is a great, attractive set of icebreakers for use with small groups in the form of a free downloadable ebook. Nice work. Hits: 1872 )
This is a great, attractive set of icebreakers for use with small groups in the form of a free downloadable ebook. Nice work. Hits: 1872 )
GIANTS WIZARDS & ELVES
By
Athanasios (Sakis) Krezios
A short (less than 10 minutes) exercise useful as an icebreaker or energizer with groups of about 10-20 people, to encourage communication and effective group work. A bit theatrical so it may put off more reticent participants. Hits: 680 )
A short (less than 10 minutes) exercise useful as an icebreaker or energizer with groups of about 10-20 people, to encourage communication and effective group work. A bit theatrical so it may put off more reticent participants. Hits: 680 )
Choose Meeting Ice Breakers Wisely!
By
Lyndsay Swinton
Well chosen meeting ice breakers bond teams and ease people through the discomfort of getting to know others better. However, a badly chosen ice breaker can cause more discomfort than it cures. Hits: 891 )
Well chosen meeting ice breakers bond teams and ease people through the discomfort of getting to know others better. However, a badly chosen ice breaker can cause more discomfort than it cures. Hits: 891 )
Newcomers on the island Icebreaker
By
Laimonas Ragauskas
Icebreaker to familiarize group members with each other, requires very light physical activity (walking), and suggested rhythmic music. Hits: 629 )
Icebreaker to familiarize group members with each other, requires very light physical activity (walking), and suggested rhythmic music. Hits: 629 )
The ball of names - Learning Group Member Names
By
Denis Morel
An icebreaker that involves some physical activity and helps people learn each others' names at the start of a group session or meeting. Hits: 714 )
An icebreaker that involves some physical activity and helps people learn each others' names at the start of a group session or meeting. Hits: 714 )
Icebreaker - A good yarn
By
na
A 10-20 minute activity to help people talk about themselves. Download the instructions here. Hits: 957 )
A 10-20 minute activity to help people talk about themselves. Download the instructions here. Hits: 957 )
Gordian Knot
By
Felix Nicolai
Interesting little problem solving puzzle involving light physical contact, that promotes group cooperation. 10-20 minutes with groups of about 15 people Hits: 835 )
Interesting little problem solving puzzle involving light physical contact, that promotes group cooperation. 10-20 minutes with groups of about 15 people Hits: 835 )
Treasure Hunt Icebreaker OR Activity
By
Tony Geudens
Used in a short form, this can be used as an icebreaker at the beginning of a group session, but also as an activity. Treasure hunt activities are often used in staff orientation sessions. Hits: 776 )
Used in a short form, this can be used as an icebreaker at the beginning of a group session, but also as an activity. Treasure hunt activities are often used in staff orientation sessions. Hits: 776 )
Icebreakers - Idea
By
n a
These icebreakers will help you to craft your own icebreaking activities for your training sessions. Hits: 1110 )
These icebreakers will help you to craft your own icebreaking activities for your training sessions. Hits: 1110 )
Who? Where? When? Fun Humorous Icebreaker for small groups
By
Nerijus Jankauskas
This fun icebreaker is used to loosen people up through the creation of laughter and amusement without risk to group members. Hits: 1478 )
This fun icebreaker is used to loosen people up through the creation of laughter and amusement without risk to group members. Hits: 1478 )
Do You Love Your Neighbor? IceBreaker OR Energizer
By
Holden Leadership Center
Organize group members into a circle and have them put their place markers behind them at their feet. The facilitator should be in the middle explaining the game and should not have a place marker. Tell participants that in order to get out of the middle the people surrounding them in the circle need to ask in unison, "Name of person in middle, Do you love your neighbor?" The person in the middle will then respond by saying one of two things. The first thing they can say is "No" in which case everyone needs to move from their spot and find a different one. They may not take a spot directly next to the one they are already at. This gives the person in the center time to take a spot and escape from the middle. The second thing the person in the middle can say is, "Yes, especially those who are wearing blue jeans". And then only those people wearing blue jeans must move and find a different spot. The person in the middle may say anything within reason to get people to move. For example: I especially love my neighbors who have ever been to the beach, eaten spaghetti, been to a baseball game, watched cartoons, etc. Hits: 767 )
Organize group members into a circle and have them put their place markers behind them at their feet. The facilitator should be in the middle explaining the game and should not have a place marker. Tell participants that in order to get out of the middle the people surrounding them in the circle need to ask in unison, "Name of person in middle, Do you love your neighbor?" The person in the middle will then respond by saying one of two things. The first thing they can say is "No" in which case everyone needs to move from their spot and find a different one. They may not take a spot directly next to the one they are already at. This gives the person in the center time to take a spot and escape from the middle. The second thing the person in the middle can say is, "Yes, especially those who are wearing blue jeans". And then only those people wearing blue jeans must move and find a different spot. The person in the middle may say anything within reason to get people to move. For example: I especially love my neighbors who have ever been to the beach, eaten spaghetti, been to a baseball game, watched cartoons, etc. Hits: 767 )
Name Tag Grab (Icebreaker - Learn Names Of Other Participants)
By
Holden Leadership Center
Organize participants into a circle and hand each person a name tag. Tell each person to write their name on the name tag. The facilitator then takes all the name tags and redistributes them at random to the participants. (You may not have your own name tag or the person to your right in the circle). The facilitator then instructs the participants to place the name tag they are holding on the back of the person to their right. On the "go" signal everyone must move among the group members and try to locate their own name tag while avoiding someone finding the name tag that is on her or his back. Once a person finds their own name tag, they grab it off of the person's back and place it on their chest for all to see. Each person stays in the game until they find their own name and the person whose name was on their back finds her/his name. Hits: 808 )
Organize participants into a circle and hand each person a name tag. Tell each person to write their name on the name tag. The facilitator then takes all the name tags and redistributes them at random to the participants. (You may not have your own name tag or the person to your right in the circle). The facilitator then instructs the participants to place the name tag they are holding on the back of the person to their right. On the "go" signal everyone must move among the group members and try to locate their own name tag while avoiding someone finding the name tag that is on her or his back. Once a person finds their own name tag, they grab it off of the person's back and place it on their chest for all to see. Each person stays in the game until they find their own name and the person whose name was on their back finds her/his name. Hits: 808 )
Icebreaker - Group Juggle
By
na
For between 12-30 people an activity with some physical movement that helps people get to know each othter better. Download the simple instructions here. Hits: 900 )
For between 12-30 people an activity with some physical movement that helps people get to know each othter better. Download the simple instructions here. Hits: 900 )
Map of Europe Icebreaker
By
Bara Stemper-Bauerova
Use to help group members learn about where they come from. Can be used with any other geographic location. Hits: 631 )
Use to help group members learn about where they come from. Can be used with any other geographic location. Hits: 631 )
Feel the Rhythm - A non-verbal icebreaker that promotes listening
By
Felix Nicolai
A 15 minute exercise that can be used in moderately sized small groups (15-30 people) that is primarily non-verbal, but that still promotes listening and concentration. Hits: 1010 )
A 15 minute exercise that can be used in moderately sized small groups (15-30 people) that is primarily non-verbal, but that still promotes listening and concentration. Hits: 1010 )
The Best Thing - Training Icebreaker
By
na
10-15 minute icebreaker exercises that encourages group members to introduce themselves in a positive way, to support the positive thinking theme. Hits: 1406 )
10-15 minute icebreaker exercises that encourages group members to introduce themselves in a positive way, to support the positive thinking theme. Hits: 1406 )
MAKE A DATE, REMEMBER A NAME Icebreaker
By
Viktorija Panovaite
Another icebreaker to help people get to know each other, and learn each others' names. Hits: 696 )
Another icebreaker to help people get to know each other, and learn each others' names. Hits: 696 )
Chaos Icebreaker Or Energizer (About 10 Minutes)
By
Holden Leadership Center
Organize participants into a circle One person begins by tossing one of the objects to someone else, saying, "Hi, Name of Person!", The person who catches the object then says, "Thanks, Name of tosser!" and repeats by tossing to someone else in the circle. Names must be said each time the item is tossed or caught. 3-4 items may be in place at once, but make sure to space them 30-60 seconds apart from each other. Hits: 835 )
Organize participants into a circle One person begins by tossing one of the objects to someone else, saying, "Hi, Name of Person!", The person who catches the object then says, "Thanks, Name of tosser!" and repeats by tossing to someone else in the circle. Names must be said each time the item is tossed or caught. 3-4 items may be in place at once, but make sure to space them 30-60 seconds apart from each other. Hits: 835 )
Breaking The Ice
By
Paul Edwards
Some trainers mistakenly think trainees need to be totally serious in order to learn. They see fun group activities as a waste of time and an impediment to the learning process where in fact the opposite is true. When people are comfortable with their surroundings and peers, they are more likely to grasp and accept new ideas. Frequently, people come to training sessions tense from a prior activity or resent the fact that they are present. Ice breakers can help to turn around such negative feelings. Hits: 896 )
Some trainers mistakenly think trainees need to be totally serious in order to learn. They see fun group activities as a waste of time and an impediment to the learning process where in fact the opposite is true. When people are comfortable with their surroundings and peers, they are more likely to grasp and accept new ideas. Frequently, people come to training sessions tense from a prior activity or resent the fact that they are present. Ice breakers can help to turn around such negative feelings. Hits: 896 )
More Training Kickoff Methods
By
na
More methods to start off training sessions. A nice collection of ideas. Hits: 966 )
More methods to start off training sessions. A nice collection of ideas. Hits: 966 )
Time Capsule
By
Mike Wills
This is a good exercise for practising reaching consensus and for team members to understand each others' values. Hits: 1221 )
This is a good exercise for practising reaching consensus and for team members to understand each others' values. Hits: 1221 )
Out To Dinner Energizer
By
na
This is a really fun energiser that involves numbers, and takes less than two minutes to do with a group. Hits: 1855 )
This is a really fun energiser that involves numbers, and takes less than two minutes to do with a group. Hits: 1855 )
Ice Breaker Introductions
By
Paul Edwards
Ice breakers can help to relax participants and can also serve a valuable role in building relationships and a team atmosphere. Here we present ten icebreaker ideas designed to help training participants get to know each other better. Hits: 1590 )
Ice breakers can help to relax participants and can also serve a valuable role in building relationships and a team atmosphere. Here we present ten icebreaker ideas designed to help training participants get to know each other better. Hits: 1590 )
Icebreaker/TeamTool - Pairing Exercises
By
na
Not so much an icebreaker as a method of getting people into teams, always a process that can be difficult, boring, or seem arbitrary. Contains a number of methods, similar to each other. Hits: 756 )
Not so much an icebreaker as a method of getting people into teams, always a process that can be difficult, boring, or seem arbitrary. Contains a number of methods, similar to each other. Hits: 756 )
Move it Laverne! (Icebreaker - Help People Remember Names Of Group Members
By
Holden Leadership Center
Organize participants into a circle either standing or sitting. Make sure there is one less place marker or chair in the circle than there are people. The facilitator should start in the middle and give participants 30 seconds to learn the first, middle and last names of the people on both their left and right. The person in the middle then approaches anyone on the circle and says either "right" or "left" and then begins counting to 5. The person must then recite the person's full name on their right or left before the person gets to five. If they say an incorrect name or can't do it before the person counts to five they need to become the person in the middle. At any time someone can yell, "switch!" and everyone must get up and change places, giving the person in the middle an opportunity to take someone else's chair. Hits: 644 )
Organize participants into a circle either standing or sitting. Make sure there is one less place marker or chair in the circle than there are people. The facilitator should start in the middle and give participants 30 seconds to learn the first, middle and last names of the people on both their left and right. The person in the middle then approaches anyone on the circle and says either "right" or "left" and then begins counting to 5. The person must then recite the person's full name on their right or left before the person gets to five. If they say an incorrect name or can't do it before the person counts to five they need to become the person in the middle. At any time someone can yell, "switch!" and everyone must get up and change places, giving the person in the middle an opportunity to take someone else's chair. Hits: 644 )
Touch blue
By
Zilvinas Gailius
Short ten minute icebreaker that can be used with any sized groups. Note that since it is based on color, it will not work with color blind as is, so is somewhat problematic. Hits: 766 )
Short ten minute icebreaker that can be used with any sized groups. Note that since it is based on color, it will not work with color blind as is, so is somewhat problematic. Hits: 766 )
Training Icebreaker - Short Intros
By
na
Collection of short icebreakers to be used in the introductions part of a group session. Exercises betwen 2-15 minutes. Hits: 1597 )
Collection of short icebreakers to be used in the introductions part of a group session. Exercises betwen 2-15 minutes. Hits: 1597 )
Training Icebreaker - Lineup
By
na
5-7 minute icebreaker but also works as an energizer. Group size, 8-20 Hits: 1328 )
5-7 minute icebreaker but also works as an energizer. Group size, 8-20 Hits: 1328 )
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Pages Updated On:
22-Aug-2019
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09:09:04