An Introduction to Icebreakers

Icebreakers. You've probably heard of them, that's because they are rather convenient way of...breaking ice. Ever been in a meting? When everyone sits down, the meeting starts and it can't seem to get anywhere? Or it just seems to drag on without end? These are the times where using a few simple icebreakers could help alleviate the stress, boredom or just let people settle in.

What exactly is an icebreaker you may ask? An icebreaker is simply any activity meant to encourage cohesiveness or cooperation when performed in a group. Icebreakers are activities aimed towards and designed to opening up communication, or at least establishing it (As is the case in the example icebreaker here.) There are hundreds of different kinds of ice-breakers, but here only one quick kind that can be used at the beginning of a meeting or gathering.

If It Was

The icebreaker to be discussed here is called "If it Was" it's based around one simple question frame "If your ______ was a/had a ________ what would it be and why?" At the beginning of the meeting or gathering the group's facilitator chooses one word to fill in each blank. As the facilitator informs the group each person in the group will answer it in turn. When everyone has answered and seen a brief glimpse of how the group is feeling today, the meeting can begin.

An example of one of a question formed in this manner is "If your mood was a color what color would it be and why?". Below are two lists containing word suggestions for both the first and second blanks in the question. Keep in mind that these are suggestions and not rules and the that the instructions of this icebreaker could and should be modified to suit your particular group.

First Blank Word Suggestion
Weekend
Day
Life
"You" [Modify question to "If you were a _____"]
Mood
Job
Car
Family

Second Blank Word Suggestions
Animal
Candy
Color
Country
Beverage
Food
Store
Restaurant
Object
Game
Computer Program