HOW TO DEVELOP AN ICEBREAKER GAME

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March 15, 2011

Michael-Jane Levitan

Icebreaker

Instructions:

Take a few minutes and turn to the person next to you and discuss what you were doing on:

September 11, 2001

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OBJECTIVE of HOW-TO

To demonstrate how to effectively prepare, develop and execute an icebreaker game for a group facilitation, training, or workshop.

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What is the purpose of an icebreaker?

Warm up activity or an energizer Stimulate the flow of conversation Reinforce the topic or theme of the facilitation Allow participants to get to know each other Break down social barriers and relax participants Introduce new skills or information Expose participants to new ways of reflecting on

their own personal values or beliefs

Ask yourself…

How much time do I have available for the icebreaker? What audience am I working with? Is it better to initiate a physical or verbal icebreaker? What type of message do I want to convey? What is the size of the group? Do I have access to any props or materials?

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CONSIDERATIONS

Ensure a safe and open space for participants Conversation topics should be non-threatening Must be time conscious

Make sure the game is adequately balanced with discussion and reflection

Rules of the game should be easy to follow Keep underlying themes in mind as a segue into

facilitation

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Verbal Examples

Discuss the last vacation you went on with the person sitting next to you

Two truths and a lie Little known fact about me Six degrees of separation Brain Teasers / Riddles Name games …or create your own!

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Physical Examples:

Arrange into groups based on astrological sign, or form a map based on hometown

Building and testing paper airplanes Human knot Toilet paper game …or create your own!

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For future reference…

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QUESTIONS?

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References

Heathfield, S. M. (n.d.). Ice Breaker - How to Develop an Ice Breaker. Human Resources - Business Management Development Jobs Consulting Training Policy Human Resources. Retrieved March 13, 2011, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/icebreakers/a/develop_icebreaker.htm

Schweitzer, K. (n.d.). Icebreakers- The Do’s and Don’ts of Icebreakers. Business School. Retrieved March 13, 2011, from http://businessmajors.about.com/od/studentresources/a/icebreakers.htm

Trainers Guide for Participatory Learning and Action. (1997). New York: IIED.

Tucker, J. (2007). The Ultimate Icebreaker and Team-builder Guide. Eugene: Western Oregon University.