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Quick Meeting Openers: Icebreakers for Introductions
November 11, 2008
"Quick Meeting Openers for Busy Managers, Chapter 3" by Brian Cole Miller
By Brian Cole Miller
Although most meeting starters can be used to help people introduce themselves, the activities in this section are particularly aimed at doing just this. And yes, although any of them could be used with people who already know each other, you'll find them more effective with people who don't. They also work well with two separate groups that are coming together for the first time, when the members of each group know their own group but not the other one—like during a merger of two departments.
All the icebreakers in this section can work for any size group. Some are better suited for larger groups, some for smaller. Regardless of what ideal group size is listed for the activity, I've included tips for adjusting for larger or smaller groups when applicable.
The key to successful introductions in larger groups is to not plan for everyone to meet everyone else. It's usually not practical, and sometimes it’s not even possible. Besides, the human brain can learn only so many new names at once! So set your sights on helping everyone meet a few new people, people with whom they can network for the day. If there are future meetings, the realm of people they know will grow each time and at a pace that they can handle.
BLANKET NAMES
This is . . . An icebreaker activity in which participants learn each other's names and then try to be the first to say each other's name when a blanket between them is dropped.
Use it to . . .Help participants remember each other's names.
Best group size. . .Unlimited but best with fewer than 30 participants.
Materials you'll need. . .One large sheet or blanket.
Here's how. . .
1. Divide the group in half.
2. One participant from each team holds the blanket up between the teams and is out of play for that round.
3. Each team then selects one player to stand behind the blanket opposite each other.
4. The blanket is dropped.
5. The first person on either side of the blanket to call out the other person’s name wins that round.
6. The person whose name was called is recruited to the winning team.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for several rounds or until one team is eliminated.
Tips for the team success. . .
• Use a large enough blanket that most of the team members can be hidden behind it.
• Sheets can work better because they are not as heavy, but be careful that participants cannot easily see through them.
• Have teams rotate the role of "blanket holder" so that no one's arms get too tired and so that everyone gets a chance behind the blanket.
Try these variations. . .
• Rather than call out the person’s name, have participants call out the person's location, job title, or other piece of information that would be important for everyone to remember.
• This icebreaker can work for much larger groups by first dividing them into smaller teams. There must be one blanket for each two teams. Alternatively, line up two to three people at the blanket each time and have them call out the name of the person opposite them.
BOUNCING BALLS
This is. . . An icebreaker activity in which participants say each other's names as they bounce a ball to each other.
Use it to. . .Help participants learn each other’s names.
Best group size. . .Up to about 40.
Materials you'll need. . .One large ball that bounces well on the floor of the meeting room.
Here's how. . .
1. Participants stand in a circle.
2. Everyone announces his or her name.
3. The first person takes the ball and bounces it once to another participant while saying that person’s name. After bouncing the ball, participants fold their arms to indicate they have already had the ball (and not to throw it to them again).
4. The next participant catches the ball and immediately bounces it to someone else, saying that person's name (and then folding his or her arms).
5. If someone misses a name or the ball, start over, but the ball is bounced to someone different this time.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 above until the ball has made it to everyone in the group. Then play another round, but instruct participants not to bounce it to the same person they did before.
Tips for success. . .
• The kind of ball used for Four Square is good for this game too.
Try these variations. . .
• Add a second ball simultaneously to the game (this will make it very confusing!).
• Make the game faster by using a soft handball and tossing it rather than bouncing it.
• After everyone has learned everyone’s name, play the game again, this time announcing their job, location, or other relevant information that’s important for everyone to know.
• Speed things up and by playing the game more like Four Square. Rather than catching the ball, merely tap it to bounce to the next person. This will make the game quicker and much more challenging.
• This activity can work for much larger groups by first dividing them into smaller teams. Be sure to have a ball for each group.
Editor's Note: For more quick meeting openers, such as Mind Reader and Survivor, read "More Quick Meeting Openers for Busy Managers" at www.salesandmarketingmanagement.com.
Adapted from QUICK MEETING OPENERS FOR BUSY MANAGERS by Brian Cole Miller © 2008 Brian Cole Miller. All rights reserved. Published by AMACOM Books.
www.amacombooks.org. Division of American Management Association, 1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.
Sales & Marketing Management Magazine
This article is brought to you by Sales & Marketing Management, the leading authority for executives in the sales and marketing field.
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