Use Group Activities as Icebreakers
Thirty-two easy ways to use group activities as icebreakers, so doing something together warms the room.
Activities do the talking. Join in and it gets easy.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker), Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Activities help shy people
When there is a task, you do not need to invent conversation. The activity speaks.
Join in.
Say yes to simple games
Quizzes, ice-breaker games and team tasks are made for newcomers. Try them.
Say yes.
Choose a team
Join a team with friendly faces. Teams create quick bonds.
Pick one.
Learn the rules
Ask if you are unsure. Others usually love to explain.
Ask.
Laugh at yourself
Mistakes are fun. A smile makes you likeable.
Laugh.
Share ideas gently
Offer ideas but accept others’ views. Teamwork matters.
Share.
Chat during breaks
Use pauses to ask, how are you finding it? Easy talk.
Chat.
Notice who you enjoy
Pay attention to people who make you smile. Talk to them more.
Notice.
Help the group win
Support the team spirit, even in small ways. Be kind.
Support.
Take a photo if allowed
Photos create memories and talk. Ask permission first.
Ask.
Suggest a game
Once comfortable, suggest a game or challenge. Share the fun.
Suggest.
Script: joining
Count me in for the quiz, I am new but keen. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: asking
Which team would you like me to join? Say it politely.
Use it.
Script: cheering
Great answer, that was brilliant! Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: chat
How are you finding the game so far? Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: closing
That was fun, thanks for the game. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: refusing to join
Saying no keeps you outside, so try a small part.
Say yes.
Troubleshoot: when you dislike games
Pick quieter roles like scorekeeping. Contribute your way.
Find a role.
Troubleshoot: when you feel silly
Silly is fine. Most people feel the same.
Relax.
Troubleshoot: when you feel left out of teams
Ask the organiser to place you. Say, I am new, could I join a team?
Ask.
Troubleshoot: when you have a disability
Ask for adaptations. Good organisers will help.
Ask.
Troubleshoot: when the activity is too fast
Ask for a slower pace or a demonstration. Others may thank you.
Ask.
Drill: say yes once
Say yes to one icebreaker at your next event. Note how you feel.
Do it.
Drill: learn three games
Learn three simple group games you can suggest. Practise.
Learn.
Drill: cheer someone
Give a sincere cheer to someone at your next group. Notice the smile.
Cheer.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“Count me in for the quiz.”
“Which team should I join?”
“Great answer!”
“That was fun.”
“Thanks for the game.”
“See you next time.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Join in
Choose a team
Cheer others
Laugh
Learn the rules
Chat during breaks
Stay for the end
Further reading
- The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker)
- Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Join Groups”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Ask Questions to Learn the Group CultureNext: Stay for the After-Event Chat →
- Why Groups Beat One-on-One for Making Friends
- Interest Groups That Work
- Local Clubs and Community Groups
- Online Groups That Lead to Real Meet-Ups
- Sports, Games and Creative Groups
- Groups for Introverts
- Try Three Before You Choose One
- Check the Group Beforehand
- Contact the Organiser First
- Arrive Early, Meet Early Birds
- Take a Friend for the First Visit
- What to Wear and What to Bring
- Plan Your First Three Sentences
- Give Yourself Permission to Leave
- How to Join a Group Conversation
- Find the Person Who Is Standing Alone
- Ask the Organiser for an Introduction
- Offer to Help Set Up
- Ask Questions to Learn the Group Culture
- Use Group Activities as Icebreakers
- Stay for the After-Event Chat
- Show Up Consistently
- Remember Names and Stories
- Volunteer for Small Roles
- Contribute Ideas Gently
- Welcome Newcomers Yourself
- Celebrate Group Wins
- Follow Up With People Between Meetings
- What to Do When a Group Feels Cliquey
- Handle Being the Newest Person
- Handle a Difficult Member
- When You Feel Left Out
- Know When a Group Is Not Right
- Leave a Group Without Drama
- Invite One Person for Coffee After Group
- Organise a Small Spin-Off Meet-Up
- Start Your Own Group
- Host a Gathering at Your Place
- Keep the Group Chat Alive
- Your Group Plan
