As we progressively return to face-to-face communication at work, meetings, and events, there’s a sense of anticipation, and for some, a hint of awkwardness. Our interaction landscape has shifted, and the social dynamics have evolved, making us reconsider the basics of human interaction.
Are handshakes still the norm, or have they been permanently replaced by distant nods and friendly waves? In an era where video meetings have become the standard, can we seamlessly transition to real-life interactions without the convenience of a “mute” button?
Navigating the waters of reintegration might seem challenging, but there’s a silver lining – straightforward and effective “ice-breaking” activities. These well-thought-out warm-up exercises will help loosen up participants, foster a sense of connection, and initiate a conversation that might otherwise stall.
5 Effective Ice Breakers
We’re here to introduce you to five top-notch icebreaker ideas for in-person events. Some can be facilitated with the help of an artist, while others are DIY. These icebreakers not only alleviate awkwardness but also bring a splash of creativity and fun to your gatherings, making them memorable.
Engagement Board
One of the most potent ways to engage event attendees is by deploying an “Engagement Board.” This distinctive tool allows participants to interact with the event’s theme or objective in an engaging manner, setting the stage for further discussion.
How it Works:
- On the board, there are one or more questions for which you seek answers. A team of visual note-takers (graphic recorders) manages the board, prompting attendees to share their responses. Artists then illustrate these inputs;
- Participants can verbally share their insights or jot them down. Post-event, these illustrations can be digitized and shared;
- A heartening example of an active engagement board is the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. They employed it during an annual fundraising event aimed at promoting waste-free production. The installation, crafted from recycled materials, not only added an aesthetic appeal but also helped attendees connect to the event’s sustainability theme.
Reverse Pictionary
Reverse Pictionary offers a fresh twist on the classic word-drawing game, ensuring a lively ambiance filled with laughter. What sets this activity apart is its adaptability to both in-person and virtual settings.
How It Works:
- Assign every participant a unique query, like “What’s your spirit animal?” or “What’s your go-to snack?”;
- Participants take turns describing their answer to the artist without revealing the actual answer. For instance, if pickles are your favorite snack, you might describe it as green, elongated, and covered in bumps;
- The artist sketches based on these descriptions, while the group tries to guess the answer. If no one figures it out within three minutes, the actual answer is shared, and it moves on to the next player;
- For online meetings, consider emailing the questions to participants in advance to streamline the activity. Ask the artist to share their screen so the group can watch the drawing unfold live and keep the microphones on for guessing.
Blind Contour Sketching
The “Blind Contour Drawing” exercise is a staple in art classes and is perfect for smaller groups. It hones observation skills and offers participants a calming, often humorous experience. This activity can serve as an “ice breaker” or be suggested during breaks for relaxation. No prior drawing skills are needed.
How It Works:
- Provide each participant with a pencil and paper and ask them to choose an object in the room to draw. Alternatively, you can specify a particular item;
- Instruct participants to sketch the contour of the chosen object with one continuous line without looking at their paper;
- After a set time, ask everyone to showcase their sketches. Given the nature of this method, it’s nearly impossible to craft a realistic drawing, so outcomes often lean towards the comical side. It’s vital to emphasize that the journey matters more than the final piece.
A helpful tip is to give a demonstration or example to ease any apprehension participants might feel about drawing.
Guided Visual Conversations
A visual discussion guide serves as a potent tool to foster collaborative efforts, especially among individuals who might not be well-acquainted. It’s a prime icebreaker setting the mood at the start of a sectional meeting and offers a striking visual output that remains valuable post-event.
How It Works:
- Partner with an artist to craft a visual guide tailored to your event’s objectives. For instance, if the event involves brainstorming in small groups, the guide can be aligned accordingly;
- During the event, the artist leverages this guide to visually capture the group’s ideas in real time. Upon conclusion, groups can effortlessly share their visualized concepts with each other;
- For DIY enthusiasts wanting to design their own visual guide, a visual thinking toolkit like Ink Factory might come in handy, offering templates and sets of symbols to jumpstart your creative process.
For online meetings, you can upload a digital version of the worksheet to collaborative board tools such as Mural or Google Meet’s Whiteboarding. The artist can then make use of digital visual notes to bring group ideas to life, and groups can share snapshots of their finished pieces.
Visioning Your Purpose
The exercise, “Visualize Your ‘Why’,” delves into the query: What drives you? This activity promotes introspection while simultaneously focusing thoughts on achieving a shared purpose, be it a team, an organization, or an initiative. It’s particularly effective for mission-driven entities and nonprofits.
Here’s the Process:
- Allow participants a 45-minute window to mold their vision and equip each with a marker and blank paper;
- Encourage participants to project themselves into the future – spanning months, years, or even decades. Have them contemplate their purpose or their “why” and how it’s likely to manifest down the line;
- Participants then visualize this foresight using one word and 2-3 images, employing artistry to hone their ideas into a focused and directed sketch.
Once participants carve out their personal visions, encourage them to think about the prospective state of the business, sector, or any other assembly that has brought them together for the meeting or event. Participants should interlink their personal visions and engage in group discussions.
Conclusion
Icebreakers are invaluable in breaching social barriers, reinforcing connections, and adopting a creative approach to personal events. The five distinct icebreaker ideas detailed here cater to a wide array of scenarios, ensuring everyone finds an activity that resonates, whether you have an artist onboard or opt for a self-reliant approach.