Workshops normally begin with an ice-breaker or warm-up exercise. It’s like stretching before you start a long run. It sets the tone for the whole session, so starting well is important. Here are some thoughts on what to consider.

The icebreaker format

Typically, the facilitator asks people to say hello and explain who they are and their role. An icebreaker question then follows this, that everyone answers.

‘Please tell me your name and what you do and…(insert ice breaker question here)

Go around the room until everyone has answered the question. Sound familiar? I’m sure we’ve all done this at some point.

Choosing appropriate Icebreaker questions

The trick is to decide on what the goal of the icebreaker is. Then invent some questions to help you achieve that goal.

Here are some suggestions on possible goals and the questions you could ask. Of course, choose a wording that works best for you.

1 Surfacing Expectations: ensuring everyone’s aligned on the session objectives.

These questions help you stay on track. They’re easy and relevant for any session. For example:

- What would you like to get out of today’s session?

- What would success look like to you?

- What are your hopes and wishes for today?

- Any key watch-outs for today’s session?

It’s also good to go back to the list of expectations at the end of the session, to ensure you’ve covered everything.

2 Getting to Know You: getting a deeper understanding of people in the room.

This is helpful if participants don’t know each other well. It builds trust and forms connections. For example:

- Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?

- What’s your favourite…(insert here) eg film/book/holiday destination/pizza topping?

- If you were given £1 million what business would you set up? 

- Draw yourself as a mood board (hand out sheets of paper to do this)

- Name one thing on your bucket list.  

3 Exploring the Task: to allow you to begin thinking about the topic under discussion indirectly.

Tailor the question accordingly. For example, if the session is about technology, ask tech-related questions. If it’s about food, focus on food-related questions. People also reveal something interesting about themselves. For example:

- What’s your favourite app and why?

- What would be a restaurant recommendation to a visitor to your town/city?

- Which business leader (or brand) do you admire most and why?

- Think of an example of a high-performing team from any walk of life. Explain why.

4 Exploring Topical Issues: if there’s a ‘hot’ topic in the air or a specific time of year then use it as a fun way to connect people.

- What book will you take on holiday this Summer?

- Which box set/series did you ‘binge’ on recently?

- Who will win the Euros?

- What have been your best and worst Christmas presents?

- Are you a Swiftie? Favourite Taylor Swift song?

Alternatively, kick off with an energiser

An alternative to the ice-breaker question format is the energiser. Something physical. Something to have a bit of fun. This is particularly useful if the teams already know each other well, or if there’s a big group.

Here are the types of energisers that can be used to kick off a session.

Think carefully. Some energisers require verbal/linguistic dexterity - which may not be appropriate for a multi-cultural audience. Others are very performative and are more geared towards extroverts. For example, tasks that involve singing or dancing. Some people may shine, others may fail. Some energisers are very physical and again may not be appropriate for your participants.

1 Team Quizzes

We all became quiz experts during lockdown, so dig them out again. Any topic can be used, but making it company or category-specific makes it feel more bespoke. Offer silly prizes to the winning team. Everyone loves a quiz.

2 Team Name

If people are in the same teams all day, ask them to invent a fun team name. Something that unites them. And then design a logo on a flipchart that brings that name to life.

3 Stretching

Conduct a simple head-toe stretching routine. Alternatively, do a series of yoga stretches or breathing exercises. Something physical, but not too demanding.

4 Table Top Games

Tasks that can be completed as a team, using materials on a table. For example: build a tower using marshmallows and spaghetti or paper and tape. Create something eg a cityscape using Play-Doh or Lego bricks. It’s playful, creative and bonding.

5 Personality Bingo

Create individual 5 x 5 bingo cards with various statements in each box: eg has a dog, loves hiking, etc. Participants find others who match one of the statements. They then fill out their cards with the initials of the person who agrees with the statement. When a card has a line of initials from different people - shout bingo! You’re the winner.

6 Speed Networking

Pair up participants. Give each pair a couple of minutes to share one interesting fact. Rotate pairs every couple of minutes until everyone has met a different person.

Summary

Icebreakers are important. They loosen minds (and bodies). It signals that this is going to be an exciting and enjoyable session. It enables you to make a fast and productive start. Think carefully about the goal of the icebreaker and then invent a question that will help you achieve it. Something interesting but not too challenging. You don’t want the participants to fail the warm-up. Alternatively, do something physical. Do an energiser. Nothing too strenuous - beware of health and safety! Something that allows them to bond and have fun. Something that doesn’t take up too much time. Once the icebreaker or energiser is done - the work begins!

What’s your favourite icebreaker? Please share in the comments below.