In a seminar, workshop, corporate event, or even a team building session, the first few minutes are crucial for creating a relaxed atmosphere. Workshops are especially suited to the use of icebreakers, as they encourage idea sharing and creativity. Finding a good icebreaker idea, adapted to the context and audience, can transform the mood and create a positive dynamic right from the start. Here is our advice on how to choose and run memorable icebreaker activities.
Summary
1. What is an icebreaker?
An icebreaker isn’t just a fun moment: it’s a powerful tool for setting a relaxed tone in the first minutes of an event. When used well, an icebreaker eases communication, boosts participation, and lays the groundwork for true co-creation among participants. In training sessions, icebreakers are particularly effective for creating a dynamic environment and engaging the audience.
Its purpose is clear: to encourage interaction between people who don’t yet know each other, relax the atmosphere, stimulate listening, and create group momentum. Whether it’s for training, a team meeting, or a bonding session, the goal remains the same: get participants involved right from the beginning.
A good icebreaker also reveals common ground, highlights individual “superpowers”, and involves participants in what’s to come. Just a few minutes (typically 5 to 10) are enough to set the right tone.
Depending on your topic, audience or objective, you can choose from various icebreaker ideas. The key is to keep it simple and smooth for maximum impact.
If you’re still wondering what type of icebreaker suits your situation, our guide will help you make the right choices and improve your next sessions !
2. How to choose the right icebreaker
Choosing your icebreaker depends on several factors:
- The number of participants: some ideas work better in small groups, others need a large crowd to be effective.
- The type of event: formal seminar, creative workshop, informal meeting… The tone will vary depending on the context.
- The available time: an icebreaker can last 5 minutes or stretch to 30, depending on your schedule.
- How well participants know each other: are they colleagues who’ve worked together before, or meeting for the first time?
It’s also vital to plan ahead. That includes setting up the space, preparing materials, and allowing the right amount of time to keep things running smoothly.
Don’t forget to consider your organisation’s culture and the mood you want to set: are you aiming for something fun and energetic, or calm and reflective?
3. Icebreaker ideas for small groups
With fewer than 10 people, go for simple activities that create genuine connections without pressure.
Paired introductions
A classic with a twist: instead of standard introductions (name, role, company), each person shares a quirky anecdote or hidden talent. This quickly breaks the ice and gives the exchange a more personal, authentic feel. Expect laughter and surprise—even among strangers!
Two truths and a lie
Each participant shares three statements about themselves—two are true, one is a lie. The rest of the group must guess which is the lie. Great for sparking curiosity and learning surprising things about each other. Works in small or medium groups with a bit of pacing.
The Chinese portrait
Ask each person to answer questions like: “If I were an animal, I’d be…”, “If I were a season…”, or “If I were a musical instrument…”. A fun way to learn more about each other’s personality and preferences while stimulating imagination and easing the mood.
The post-it challenge
Each participant writes a surprising fact or unusual trait about themselves on a post-it note (e.g. “I’ve been skydiving” or “I collect vintage postcards”). The notes are mixed up and the group must match each note to the right person. Light and fun, this game helps uncover shared interests and sparks conversation.
The secret superpower
Ask everyone to reveal a “superpower” they’d love to have in their work or personal life (e.g. “pause time”, “convince with a look”, “read minds”). A light-hearted way to uncover deep aspirations and spark creative discussions.
The item in my pocket
Each person pulls out an item from their pocket, bag, or desk and tells a story about it. The anecdote can be true or completely made up! This format encourages spontaneity, humour, and improvisation, creating a relaxed and friendly vibe.
These formats promote active listening, mutual discovery, and a relaxed mood that fosters engagement from the first moments.
4. Icebreaker ideas for medium groups
With 10 to 30 people, choose dynamic yet manageable activities
Human bingo
Give each person a grid with traits like “Has visited Asia”, “Plays a musical instrument”, or “Has a pet”. The goal is to find others who match each description and complete the grid. A great way to spark spontaneous chats and discover shared traits quickly. At the end, participants swap partners.
Speed networking
Inspired by speed dating, this exercise involves short rounds where everyone chats for a few minutes before switching partners. It’s a great way to meet many people in a short time and break the ice in mid-sized groups.
Word association chain
The facilitator starts with a word (e.g. “holiday”, “collaboration”, “success”), and each participant adds a related word in turn, without overthinking. This fun, fast game builds active listening and spontaneity. Then each person can link their word to a personal story to encourage sharing.
The red thread
Propose a general theme (e.g. “co-creation”, “travel”, “teamwork”) and ask each participant to share a short personal story related to it, in under 30 seconds. This gives a personal touch to the session while keeping a fast, fluid pace.
Quick quiz
Divide the group into teams and give them a short quiz on a light topic. Questions could be about personal tastes (“What’s your favourite work song?”), fun hypotheticals (“What superpower would boost your meetings?”), or light professional topics. It encourages group interaction and team spirit right from the start.
These activities structure interactions, keep communication lively, and maintain a friendly tone without becoming chaotic.
5. Icebreaker ideas for large groups
For 50+ people, aim to maintain energy and avoid chaos.
Interactive quiz
Use tools like Kahoot!, Mentimeter, or Slido for a live quiz. Participants respond on their phones, making it seamless even with large numbers. Choose accessible, fun topics, music, films, quirky facts, to involve everyone and energise the room.
Team challenge
Divide participants into teams for a shared task: build the tallest tower using spaghetti and marshmallows, solve a giant puzzle, or assemble a collaborative mural with randomly distributed pieces. These games promote communication, role sharing, and bonding, with plenty of laughter and energy.
Improvised flashmob
Teach the group a short choreography in just a few minutes. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s about having a laugh and enjoying a collective, liberating moment. Great for relieving pressure and creating unforgettable memories.
Visual icebreaker
Display images, keywords or symbols on a screen and ask people to group based on what represents them best. This could reflect their passions, personalities or professional goals. A simple but effective way to foster natural connections and self-discovery.
Express mission
Form small teams and give them a quick creative challenge with a 10-minute deadline: invent a motto for the event, create a team gesture, or draw a symbolic logo. This fast-paced format encourages movement, imagination, and co-creation.
These activities build group spirit, break hierarchies, and create momentum from the start.
6. Top tips for successful icebreaker sessions
Running an icebreaker isn’t something you can completely improvise. To maximise its effectiveness and truly spark group dynamics, a few best practices are essential.
First, be clear with your instructions. A brief that is simple, direct and reassuring helps to avoid confusion from the outset. Next, always adapt your tone to your audience: take into account the culture, backgrounds and sensitivities of participants to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
It’s also crucial to recognise the strengths of each participant, as this encourages the discovery of individual talents and skills. Respect different personalities too. Some people may be more introverted or reserved: offer activities that allow everyone to participate at their own pace, without excessive pressure.
Finally, think about linking your icebreaker to the theme or overall objectives of your event. A good icebreaker is not a standalone activity, it should naturally fit into the flow of your session, setting the tone for what follows. By applying these tips, you’ll maximise the positive impact of your session and create an atmosphere that fosters interaction and collaboration.
7. Original icebreakers to try
Looking to think outside the box? Here are a few creative ideas:
- Object game: each person draws a quirky object and must include it in a short introduction. The topics discussed can vary depending on the activity, offering a chance to explore preferences and encourage active listening between participants.
- Timeline: ask participants to physically position themselves according to their year of joining the company or their birth month.
- Photo challenge: in teams, take a photo representing a chosen keyword such as “success”, “team”, or “creativity”.
- House of cards: build the tallest card tower possible as a team, within a set time limit.
Originality grabs attention in the first few minutes and helps establish a spirit of cooperation.
8. Digital icebreaker: how to break the ice online
Virtual events also need great icebreaker ideas to build connections remotely.
Here are a few effective formats for video calls:
- Quick round-table: “My mood today in one word” or “A passion outside of work”.
- Background contest: everyone sets a funny or original virtual background, then the group votes for the best.
- Mini video quiz: fast, interactive, and perfect for kicking off a session.
- One-minute challenge: each participant must find a specific item in their home within 60 seconds.
Remember to make use of your video platform’s features, polls, breakout rooms, interactive chat—to boost engagement.
To deepen your knowledge and make informed choices when running your icebreakers, we recommend attending a training session and continuing your reading.
9. Why include an icebreaker in every event?
A good icebreaker is much more than a simple warm-up, it’s a powerful lever to establish a positive dynamic from the very first minutes. Timing is key: launching your icebreaker at just the right moment will maximise its impact.
It accelerates the creation of human connections between participants, even those meeting for the first time. In professional contexts especially, between colleagues from different departments or organisations, it helps to break down initial barriers and kick-start genuine exchanges.
An effective icebreaker also enhances the quality of interaction throughout the session. By building a climate of trust at the heart of the group, it makes meetings more productive, facilitates the flow of information and encourages active participation. Each person then feels fully involved, naturally finding their place within the team or collective.
From a practical point of view, energising the group from the start amplifies the impact of your event, whether it’s a training session, a workshop, a kick-off meeting or a brainstorming session. Optimising this key moment ensures your participants are in the right mindset to collaborate, share ideas and build something together.
And most importantly, through a well-designed activity tailored to your audience’s expectations and needs, you send a clear message: everyone counts, everyone is valued. That impact, even if achieved in just a few minutes, can significantly change the atmosphere and overall success of your event.
A good icebreaker is therefore a small investment of time for maximum benefit at the heart of your collective effort.
Pair your event and icebreakers with a comprehensive solution like Weezevent to centralise registrations, manage access, and deliver a smooth, professional experience for your participants.
