Icebreaker Workshop Activities

"ice melter" to connect participants in small groups around something unusual they have in common (created by Jan Keck, of Ask Deep Questions)

For in-person groups who don't already know each other

Ask people to place themselves on an imaginary map laid out in the room representing the country according to where they grew up. Ask them to share one internal value they got from that place, and why is that important for them. Encourage people to share a short story if they want

This is a fun icebreaker or energizer where participants are asked “What's in the bag?” It's a simple way to engage people and have fun getting to know each other, it gets participants to step into the space together. Each team gets points for any items that are called out that they have with them.

Name Juggling is another variation of a try-to-learn-everyone's-name but the game guarantees high energy level as well as some strategic thinking.

This activity could work between sessions as an energiser or an icebreaker. It builds on participants' memory and communication.

Impulse (also known as Pass the Pulse) is a great exercise for teamwork and breaking the ice at the same time.

This activity can serve multiple purposes. It can be used as an energiser or ice breaker for groups that a bit low on energy or first meet each other. Another purpose of the game could be enhance teamwork and show that different people with different beats can make an orchestra.

Most people have a repertoire of song lyrics in their head. This activity offers the fun of recalling them, the opportunity to belt them out without anxiety about singing "well", and the aspect of learning which songs "everyone" in the group knows and which are familiar to only you.

Rythm Instruments is a fun way to break the ice in groups, helping each participant to feel involved and create something from "scratch".

A fun activity that helps participants working together as a team while teaching the importance of communication, strategy and trust.