In the begin of a workshop or seminar participants don’t know each other. Depending on their nature, they even might be too shy to talk to each other. So, time to break the ice!
Participants get to know each other and to present each other. As workshop leader you can observe who is shy and needs more encouragement as well as how they present, deal with cards etc.
Big cardboard circle/clouds.
20—45 mins (depending on the number of participants) plus 5 mins preparation.
Write the name of each participant on the back of the cards and let each participant pick one. Now, they have to find their ‘invisible friend’, i.e. ask around which person belongs to the name of the card. Interview them and write their findings on the card. After all the interviews are conducted, the participants present their friend to the group.
You glue the cards on the wall or hang them on a clothesline for later reference.
You freeze a current moment of the workshop by doing a quick round of all the participant to know the current emotion or opinion.
Read more ...
Newspaper Interview is an ice-breaker activity to familiarize your participants with each other. Create teams of two participants who interview each other. It’s advisable to mix gender, organisation, and age groups.
Read more ...
This is an ice-breaker activity to familiarize participants with each other. The form of the wanted poster reduces information to the relevant and the time needed.Make teams of two who interview each other and draw a Wanted Poster. It’s recommended to mix gender, organisation, and age groups.
Read more ...
Often so-called facts are presented to us, which we accept without further questioning. This excellent game teaches people to question further.
Read more ...
Participants will learn and remember the other participants’ name. It’s also very energising and great fun.Present yourself with name plus animal name, e.g. I am Anita and I am a cat because I love the independence and self-reliance of cats.
Read more ...
Icons are visual symbols, which are very important in our everyday lives. We are all familiar with symbols for toilets, exits, or restaurant logos etc. But have you ever thought of symbolising yourself in a single sign? Icon - I can!
Read more ...
There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth...
Read more ...
Alliteration means using the same starting letter of words as a rhetorical tool. Here, we use alliterative epithets together with participants’ names, e.g. Ali the Attractive, Laila the Lunatic, or Jim the Jealous.
Read more ...
There is a treasure in each workshop participant. Find it and let find the participants in each other. This game sets a positive atmosphere when everybody is new - and perhaps a little insecure - in the workshop. It builds confidence and relationships.
Read more ...