We’ve all been there before.
The dreaded Monday morning Zoom call.
With your coffee in hand, the video conference call begins with the cacophony of microphones being turned off and on, virtual backgrounds being changed, and the classic vocalization of, “Can you hear me?”
After everyone is fully equipped and ready for the meeting, the facilitator typically greets the audience with a simple, “How is everyone, or how was everyone’s weekend?”
Alas, this is no way to start a Monday morning!
We need a different way of engaging with our team virtually before we hit the ground running – a way to boost morale and can keep your viewer’s attention longer.
Now, if you are presenting to a new group of employees, communicating with other departments, or even if you just want to spice things up in your typical weekly call, I’ve got a few icebreaker games to try out with your team!
1. Island Time
The Question: If you were left on a desert island and you could only bring one item, what would it be and why?
Response: The response is usually short and sweet. Be prepared with some quirky answers! I’ve heard everything from just a book to a lifetime supply of coffee.
2. Poorly Explain Your Job
The Question: Poorly explain your job description and what your daily work routine looks like.
Response: Be prepared to have a few laughs over this mind-twisting icebreaker game. This one is great for new hires to get to know the team or for a large staff meeting. Give members 1-5 minutes to formulate an answer. Provide examples so your audience stays on track.
(You’ve really got to use your imagination on this one!)
3. Cereal Flavors
The Question: What cereal flavor matches your personality the most and why?
The Response: Bring back the nostalgia of classic childhood sweets and breakfast-time goodies. This icebreaker game is one of my favorites because there are so many possibilities! You can switch up the question by asking about ice cream flavors, soda pop, etc. This is great for any team that really wants to have some fun!
4. Fan Favorites!
The Question: What is your fan favorite and why?
The Responses: Everyone is passionate about something. It’s good to really take a mental breather before diving into a content-heavy meeting. Discussing something light like “what are you a fan of?”, can lighten up a room. Topics of discussion can be television shows, book series, sports teams, movies, artists, performers, and more. This can also mean you’re a big fan of a local pizza joint and you’ve been going there for 25 years! So, Jurassic Park and Star Wars fans, this is your time to shine!
5. Two Truths and a Lie
The Question: Make three statements about yourself, two truths and one a lie. Then, the group will try to guess which one is the lie!
The Response: The best way to explain this one is with examples.
- Statement 1: I was a barista for 7 years.
- Statement 2: I swam with sharks.
- Statement 3: My favorite artist is Elton John.
The lie: I was a barista for 7 years.
This game is short and sweet. If you are concerned about time, this one is good for quick introductions.
6. Name That Tune!
The Question: Play a tune and let your audience guess that song!
The Response: Music is a way to bring everyone together. Play a somewhat familiar tune and have your fellow zoomers guess the song! If no one is identifying the music after a couple of rounds, play a classic hit song. And if everyone is guessing your song choices right off the bat, switch to some oldies but goodies!
7. Show N’ Tell
We as humans like to keep important things closest to us and sharing something special with others is a way for us to bond. Have your team bring an item to your meeting and tell everyone about it! Even if it’s your soccer trophy from 9th grade, every item has a story to tell! Be sure to let each person take time to describe their item and its memory and your team will feel closer than ever.
8. Movie/TV Suggestions
The Question: Suggest a movie or TV show from any genre!
The Response: Movies and TV shows are often unique to each one of us. Every person on your team has a particular taste in films and television, so be respectful of their choosing. If someone in your audience isn’t big on movies or tv, let them suggest a book or their favorite activity. This will give a little insight into your team’s interests outside of work.
9. Themed Meetings
Share a laugh or two by dressing up or creating a fun Zoom background for holidays or special occasions. If it is National Pet Day, bring your pet along on your Zoom call! Your colleagues will appreciate the change of pace.
Of course, make sure your theme is chosen in good judgment as some holidays have cultural ties, and keep this icebreaker for more commercial holidays.
10. What’s on Your Bucket List?
Everyone has goals and dreams outside of work. Have your colleagues write down and share a few dreams they would like to achieve. This great exercise will open the door for encouragement from other team members.
What are some icebreakers you’ve tried that aren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
