Icebreakers in Workshops

Introduction

• Icebreakers often cause anxiety but enhance relationships and boost creativity.
• These activities set the tone for workshops, helping participants understand the flow and engage in collaborative activities such as writing ideas on sticky notes.
• Essential for warming up participants and easing them into the workshop environment.

Top 3 Favorite Icebreakers

1. My First Job

• Materials Needed: Rectangular sticky notes, Sharpie for each participant.
• Steps:
  1. Participants write their name, first job, and lesson learned from that job on a sticky note.
  2. Participants share their notes with the group.
• Variation: For groups that know each other, participants can write their notes anonymously. The facilitator reads them out, and the group guesses who the note belongs to.

2. Pointless Questions

• Purpose: Non-work related questions to ease participants into conversation and foster creativity.
• Materials Needed: None.
• Steps:
  1. Prepare at least three light-hearted and inclusive questions.
  2. Set a timer and have everyone write their responses on a sticky note.
  3. Go around the room and have participants read out their answers.
  4. Optional: Repeat with other prepared questions.
• Example Questions:
  • If you could invite any celebrity over for dinner, who would it be and why?
  • What is your most prized possession and why?
  • You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life. What do you choose?

3. Pictionary

• Purpose: Fun activity to get participants engaged and comfortable, helps in visualizing ideas.
• Materials Needed: Whiteboard or drawing surface, prompts (pre-prepared or using a Pictionary generator).
• Steps:
  1. Prepare prompts on cards or use a generator.
  2. Write participants' names on paper slips and draw a name.
  3. The chosen participant draws their prompt on the board in 30 seconds while others guess.
• Example: Drawing a strawberry and having the group guess.

Bonus Icebreaker: Draw a Duck

• Steps:
  1. Give everyone sticky notes and a Sharpie.
  2. Set a timer for one minute for participants to draw a duck.
  3. Participants place ducks on the Whiteboard and briefly introduce them.
• Similar benefits to Pictionary, highlights that artistic skill isn’t necessary for simple sketches.

Closing Remarks

• Icebreakers are vital for creating a relaxed and engaging workshop environment.
• The Facilitator Club offers more resources and ideas for icebreakers and facilitation techniques.
• Encourage subscribing for more facilitation content.
• Thanks to viewers and a call to watch more content.