An icebreaker is an activity, game, or event that is used to welcome and warm up the conversation among participants in a meeting or gathering. The purpose of an icebreaker is to help members of a group begin the process of working together or forming themselves into a team). Icebreakers are commonly presented as a game to "warm up" the group by helping the members to get to know each other). They often focus on sharing personal information such as names, hobbies, etc. ). Icebreakers can also be designed to help warm up online learning spaces and orient students to the online environment.
Icebreakers can range from simple one-question answers to elaborate team games. All icebreakers are designed to help the participants get to know one another and build rapport, but that doesnt mean they cant also be work and results-focused. The vast majority of icebreakers involve asking a thought-provoking or interesting question, which all participants then answer in a go-around.
It is important to note that icebreakers should be relaxing and non-threatening). For example, icebreakers in a professional setting should not require people to reveal personal information or to touch other people, as this may be stressful or culturally inappropriate). They should not embarrass the participants or make them feel compelled to participate). They should also not show disrespect for any social and professional hierarchies in the group, as this can be uncomfortable for participants). The icebreaker should allow people to experience the behaviors that are expected or desired within the group).
