A fun ice breaker game at the outset of an event, meeting, party or training session accelerates that getting to know you stage and gets your event off to the best possible start. However, careful preparation and the appropriate selection of icebreaker is crucial to ensure success and avoid mistakes.
Don’t let these mistakes be made by you! The biggest mistakes people make are: worrying your audience; little knowledge of participants; not allowing your participants to opt out and use of inappropriate ice breakers
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?
Picking the right icebreaker for your group means not picking a risky icebreaker for a group you don’t know that could cause embarrassment or loss of face. For groups who don’t know each other well or at all, stick to an easy and simple name game to start and then try something about more demanding if the group is responsive. Don’t plough in with a physical game right at the start. Even something as simple as holding hands will make some people who don’t know each other apprehensive.
Try and build up a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t compel people to take part in icebreakers if they don’t wish to. You will be reliant on your natural charm and friendliness to create a warm atmosphere initially. Many people will be nervous at first. Reassure them and tell them that they’re going to have a great time and that you will make it as fun as possible. Let them know what they can expect from the day and that no one will be forced to take part in anything they don’t feel comfortable with. Think also about how you come across yourself? Don’t forget to smile and be enthusiastic and gradually you will build up trust.
Where possible the icebreaker should be linked to the main session of the day. Make it as relevant as you can. On some occasions it may be totally inappropriate to run an icebreaker anyway. If the main session is of a difficult nature e.g downsizing the company, 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.
Learn how to run an ice breaker game the right way: easily and competently. Stop by Sharon Naylor’s site to get great ideas for icebreakers and get your events off to a great start. I show you how!
Related posts:
- Rent PS3 games online Play station is the favorite game among all the kids,...