Avoid The 4 Biggest Mistakes With Icebreakers
A fun ice breaker game at the outset of an event, meeting, party or training session accelerates that getting to know you stage and gets your event off to the best possible start. However, careful preparation and the appropriate selection of icebreaker is crucial to ensure success and avoid mistakes.
Here are the 4 biggest mistakes people make (make sure they DON'T apply to you): not knowing your audience; embarrassing your participants; forcing people to take part and inappropriate ice breakers.
If you, as session leader, fail to do your homework and run the event without finding out about your participants, your choice of icebreaker could be completely inappropriate. You must find out as much as you can about your audience to ensure you pick the right icebreaker. For example:who are they? What kind of age are they? What is the male/female split? Do they know each other at all? Can they do physical icebreakers? Are they a work group or social group? Do they all speak the same language? What is their reason for coming together?
Picking the right icebreaker for your group means not picking a risky icebreaker for a group you don't know that could cause embarrassment or loss of face. For groups who don't know each other well or at all, stick to an easy and simple name game to start and then try something about more demanding if the group is responsive. Don't plough in with a physical game right at the start. Even something as simple as holding hands will make some people who don't know each other apprehensive.
Try and build up a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Don't compel people to take part in icebreakers if they don't wish to. You will be reliant on your natural charm and friendliness to create a warm atmosphere initially. Many people will be nervous at first. Reassure them and tell them that they're going to have a great time and that you will make it as fun as possible. Let them know what they can expect from the day and that no one will be forced to take part in anything they don't feel comfortable with. Think also about how you come across yourself? Don't forget to smile and be enthusiastic and gradually you will build up trust.
Use of inappropriate icebreakers at the wrong times can unravel all the good work you have previously done. If the main session is of a difficult nature, an icebreaker to produce warmth and laughter may not go down at all well. Choose wisely or not at all.
Now cast these cautions to the back of your mind and think of all the great reasons why so many people choose to include an icebreaker game at the start of their group meetings and sessions. They are fun, and provoke feelings of warmth towards others and they help to break down barriers quickly and get people focussed and looking forward to the main topic of the day.
Looking to find the best ideas and advice on getting your event off to a flying start? Find out how to run a great ice breaker games session by visiting visiting www.ice-breaker-ideas.com Find the best advice on icebreakers for any group.
