Using a well thought out icebreaker at the start of a meeting, party or training session is usually a fun and energising way to get an event off to a great start. However, a word of caution, without care and forethought an icebreaker can also go badly wrong, turning the start of your event into a complete shambles.
Here are the 4 biggest mistakes people make. Make sure they DON'T apply to you!: - embarrassing your participants; inappropriate use of icebreakers; compelling people to take part and lack of any homework preparation on participants.
As the session leader, you should try and find out as much as possible about your attendees before they turn up so you can choose an appropriate icebreaker. Failure to do this could mean completely mis-matching your icebreaker to your audience and you will get few laughs! For example: are they a work group or social group? How old are they? Male/female split? Can they do physical icebreakers? Do they know each other? Why are they here today?
Don't embarrass your participants by picking a risky ice breaker to start. Choose simple name games first and then build to something a bit more demanding as they progress with enthusiasm. Choosing a physical game to start would not be appropriate unless the group know each other well. Even simple physical actions like holding hands can cause some people to feel uncomfortable. It's all about building trust. Take your time and get a feel for your group.
Forcing people to take part in an icebreaker is a definite no, no. You cannot force people to take part. What you need to do is create a relaxed atmosphere in which the group will trust you and want to participate. You do this by knowing your group and being aware of them and yourself. Think about how you come across? Don't forget to smile and be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is infectious.
Use of inappropriate icebreakers at the wrong times can unravel all the good work you have previously done. If the main session is of a difficult nature, an icebreaker to produce warmth and laughter may not go down at all well. Choose wisely or not at all.
Now cast these cautions to the back of your mind and think of all the great reasons why so many people choose to include an icebreaker game at the start of their group meetings and sessions. They are fun, and provoke feelings of warmth towards others and they help to break down barriers quickly and get people focussed and looking forward to the main topic of the day.
Here are the 4 biggest mistakes people make. Make sure they DON'T apply to you!: - embarrassing your participants; inappropriate use of icebreakers; compelling people to take part and lack of any homework preparation on participants.
As the session leader, you should try and find out as much as possible about your attendees before they turn up so you can choose an appropriate icebreaker. Failure to do this could mean completely mis-matching your icebreaker to your audience and you will get few laughs! For example: are they a work group or social group? How old are they? Male/female split? Can they do physical icebreakers? Do they know each other? Why are they here today?
Don't embarrass your participants by picking a risky ice breaker to start. Choose simple name games first and then build to something a bit more demanding as they progress with enthusiasm. Choosing a physical game to start would not be appropriate unless the group know each other well. Even simple physical actions like holding hands can cause some people to feel uncomfortable. It's all about building trust. Take your time and get a feel for your group.
Forcing people to take part in an icebreaker is a definite no, no. You cannot force people to take part. What you need to do is create a relaxed atmosphere in which the group will trust you and want to participate. You do this by knowing your group and being aware of them and yourself. Think about how you come across? Don't forget to smile and be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is infectious.
Use of inappropriate icebreakers at the wrong times can unravel all the good work you have previously done. If the main session is of a difficult nature, an icebreaker to produce warmth and laughter may not go down at all well. Choose wisely or not at all.
Now cast these cautions to the back of your mind and think of all the great reasons why so many people choose to include an icebreaker game at the start of their group meetings and sessions. They are fun, and provoke feelings of warmth towards others and they help to break down barriers quickly and get people focussed and looking forward to the main topic of the day.
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Looking to find the best ideas and advice on getting your event off to a flying start? Find out how to run a great ice breaker games session by visiting visiting www.ice-breaker-ideas.com Find the best advice on icebreakers for any group.
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