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An Introductory Icebreaker (1)
I've used this successful team building icebreaker; I don't remember where it originated. This team building icebreaker is fast, easy, and fun. Try out this always successful, laughter-generating, team building icebreaker. It’s a good icebreaker for a meeting because it takes so little time.
Team Building Icebreaker Steps
1. Divide the meeting participants into groups of four or five people by having them number off. (You do this because people generally begin a meeting by sitting with the people they already know best.)
2. Tell the newly formed groups that their assignment is to find ten things they have in common, with every other person in the group, that have nothing to do with work. (I tell people no body parts (we all have legs; we all have arms) and no clothing (we all wear shoes, we all wear pants). This helps the group explore shared interests more broadly.
3. Tell the groups that one person must take notes and be ready to read their list to the whole group upon completion of the assignment.
4. Ask for a volunteer to read their whole list of things in common first. Then, ask each group to share their whole list with the whole group. Because people are your best source for laughter and fun, the reading of the lists always generates a lot of laughter and discussion. You can also catch the drift of the conversation in the small groups based on the transitions made from item to item.
This team building icebreaker takes 10 – 15 minutes, depending on the number of groups. To keep the activity to ten minutes, after seven minutes of brainstorming together, I usually tell the groups that the lists they have created are perfect, no matter how many items they have, and debrief.
An Introductory Icebreaker (2)
This ice breaker is a great introduction when people don’t know each other, and it fosters team building in groups that already work together. I have always found people’s answers to be very revealing about who they are as a person.
Ideal Size
Up to 30. Divide larger groups
.
Use for
Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, and as a team building exercise.
Time Needed
30 minutes, depending on the size of the group.
Materials Needed
None.
Instructions
Give people a minute or two to think about this question: If you were marooned on a deserted island, which three people would you want with you? They can be dead, alive, or imaginary. Ask participants to introduce themselves and share their choices with the group. Start with yourself so they have an example.
Example
Hi, my name is Deb. If I were marooned on a deserted island, I would want Tim with me because he’s smart, strong, funny & my best pal. He would know how to make a shelter and find food, and we’d have wonderful conversations. My second choice would be Pamela Anderson Lee as she queen of Baywatch my favourite actress. And my third would have been Princess Dianna as I always wanted to date someone from royal family.
Debriefing
Debrief by asking if there were any surprises in the group and if anybody has a question for another participant. You will have listened carefully to the introductions. If somebody has chosen a person related in any way to your topic, use that person as a transition to your first lecture or activity.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
I've used this successful team building icebreaker; I don't remember where it originated. This team building icebreaker is fast, easy, and fun. Try out this always successful, laughter-generating, team building icebreaker. It’s a good icebreaker for a meeting because it takes so little time.
Team Building Icebreaker Steps
1. Divide the meeting participants into groups of four or five people by having them number off. (You do this because people generally begin a meeting by sitting with the people they already know best.)
2. Tell the newly formed groups that their assignment is to find ten things they have in common, with every other person in the group, that have nothing to do with work. (I tell people no body parts (we all have legs; we all have arms) and no clothing (we all wear shoes, we all wear pants). This helps the group explore shared interests more broadly.
3. Tell the groups that one person must take notes and be ready to read their list to the whole group upon completion of the assignment.
4. Ask for a volunteer to read their whole list of things in common first. Then, ask each group to share their whole list with the whole group. Because people are your best source for laughter and fun, the reading of the lists always generates a lot of laughter and discussion. You can also catch the drift of the conversation in the small groups based on the transitions made from item to item.
This team building icebreaker takes 10 – 15 minutes, depending on the number of groups. To keep the activity to ten minutes, after seven minutes of brainstorming together, I usually tell the groups that the lists they have created are perfect, no matter how many items they have, and debrief.
An Introductory Icebreaker (2)
This ice breaker is a great introduction when people don’t know each other, and it fosters team building in groups that already work together. I have always found people’s answers to be very revealing about who they are as a person.
Ideal Size
Up to 30. Divide larger groups
.
Use for
Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, and as a team building exercise.
Time Needed
30 minutes, depending on the size of the group.
Materials Needed
None.
Instructions
Give people a minute or two to think about this question: If you were marooned on a deserted island, which three people would you want with you? They can be dead, alive, or imaginary. Ask participants to introduce themselves and share their choices with the group. Start with yourself so they have an example.
Example
Hi, my name is Deb. If I were marooned on a deserted island, I would want Tim with me because he’s smart, strong, funny & my best pal. He would know how to make a shelter and find food, and we’d have wonderful conversations. My second choice would be Pamela Anderson Lee as she queen of Baywatch my favourite actress. And my third would have been Princess Dianna as I always wanted to date someone from royal family.
Debriefing
Debrief by asking if there were any surprises in the group and if anybody has a question for another participant. You will have listened carefully to the introductions. If somebody has chosen a person related in any way to your topic, use that person as a transition to your first lecture or activity.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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