Meeting Icebreakers

Meeting icebreakers are indeed a great way for companies and organizations to get started with meetings and training sessions. There are virtually hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, of possible meeting icebreakers that you could use during your next meeting or training session. However, always keep I n mind that icebreakers are not all equally appropriate for every circumstance. The best icebreaker is something that fits in with the meeting’s agenda and needs. So it is very important to know what the functions of icebreakers are.

What are the Functions of Meeting Icebreakers?
There are many reasons why meeting icebreakers are used, and it is not only because they are a good way to get a meeting started. It can be seen clearly that meeting icebreakers are very useful when large groups get together for a meeting or a seminar for the first time.

Meeting icebreakers are also very valuable when groups tend to meet on a regular basis. For instance, if there is an organization that has regular meetings, these meeting icebreakers are a great way to help introduce the old guard to the newer members and vice versa. Or, in cases where it is very important for groups to work together and trust each other, but they only end up meeting once or twice a month (as in the case of most non-profit organizations), then introducing a meeting icebreaker each time will help increase the groups comfort levels and cohesiveness. However, it is very important to alter the icebreaker each time so that it matches the situation at hand.

Here are a few guidelines about what icebreakers to use and when to use them:

• When the meeting deals with introducing group members to each other then use name games as icebreakers.
• When the meeting requires new members to be introduced to older members then you should consider games or activities that separate people into small groups or pairs.
• If you want all the members at the meeting to share thoughts and get to know each other, then round robin is a good icebreaker to start with or you could make them ask each other thought provoking questions.
• If you want to diffuse any kind of nervousness, stress, tension or negative energy, then consider implementing an activity that requires a lot of movement or a question game.
• If the group seems to be bored and dead and you want to energize the group, then make use of a fun game that requires a lot of thinking and movement.
• If you want commitment from the group, then consider using a kind of ritual like a prayer or a song as an icebreaker.

How to Choose the Best Meeting Icebreaker?
Now that you know what the functions of icebreakers are, you should also know that a badly chosen icebreaker can cause some serious discomfort, and instead of making the meeting a success, it could break it. You’ve probably gone though those hair raising days of going for a meeting and experiencing the familiar pounding heart, the dry mouth, the fake smiles and the rising panic as your turn to introduce yourself to a whole crowd of strangers is creeping up on you slowly and steadily.

No one enjoys a meeting icebreaker if it’s making them feel uncomfortable, so it is important to choose your icebreaker wisely. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a meeting icebreaker:

1. The size of the group – Some meeting icebreakers work well in larger groups, while others work better for smaller groups. If there are too many people in the meeting, split them into smaller groups.
2. The purpose of the meeting – What are you going to do with the group once the icebreaker round is over? Will you be brainstorming for new ideas? Will you be discussing results? Will you be introducing a new project? Remember to match the mood of the meeting icebreaker to that of the meeting. Always be on the lookout and be prepared to switch icebreakers if you have misjudged the mood.
3. The purpose of the icebreaker – Will it awaken the group or energize them? Will it make introductions easier? Remember that you don’t have to restrict icebreakers to the starting of the meeting. A well-timed icebreaker has the ability to encourage creativity and lift flagging energy levels.
4. What is required – Icebreakers are effective only if they have been explained properly. Complicated meeting icebreakers require more preparation. Try to choose the simpler ones over the complicated icebreakers.
5. What materials are required – Verbal icebreakers are the best and there are no materials required. Flip charts and pens are generally required at meetings so stick to icebreakers that require these materials. However, if you are looking for something that’s more complicated, then make a checklist of all the things that you would require and bring them along with you.

Yes, we all are a bit shy and just a little awkward in situations that require us to mingle with new and different groups. It is always best to be kind to your fellow peers and use meeting icebreakers to make them feel comfortable.

Meeting icebreakers can speed up most processes that if they had been left to their own devices, it would have been painfully slow or would not have happened at all! A well chosen meeting icebreakers is really worth its weight in, well, in ice! Choose your meeting icebreaker carefully and you will surely reap the rightful rewards that you deserve, and that to many times over!