Yes, some participants HATE meeting icebreakers, and even we can see why. In the context of a massage therapists conference it might be okay, but the “give your neighbor a back-rub” command can go really wrong. Some other meeting ice breakers aren’t so touchy-feelie, just pretty lame. And yes, you need to think of the introverts at the meeting who have ZERO interest in shaking hands and introducing themselves to ten new people they’ve never met. But, they do serve a purpose and we’re sharing our top five reasons you should include them in your meeting planning and/or meeting design.
Why you need meeting icebreakers:
- BBS – Bored Brain Syndrome. Truly, it could be the most fascinating presentation in the world on how to achieve world peace, but your brain needs to experience frequent shifts in voices, lighting, perspectives, position, color and topics in order to stay awake. The brain becomes very comfortable and relaxed with the patterns of most meetings: Keynote, breakout, breakout, lunch, etc. And it’s hard to learn when you’re bored. Shake it up and put on some jammin’ music and have an Ellen show style dance party. Wake that brain up!
- Your body is Smokin’ – Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? Not good! And what do we do at meetings at least 75% of the time? We sit! Well, not the meeting planner, but the participants sure do! Ice breakers can provide your body some movement and motion, whether it’s the dance party we suggested, or a few yoga moves or even some simple stretching. Do a mini walk-race around the ballroom and all participants a small prize. Or do a high five challenge. Just MOVE!
- Excuses, excuses – For some of your introverted participants, and even extroverts too, having a reason to go say hello or meet someone new is actually pretty helpful. An interesting meeting icebreaker can create opportunities for networking connections that wouldn’t otherwise occur. The introvert may not love it. But doing it because “that’s what they said to do” may be the only excuse those individuals need to march up and say hello!
- Put a ring on it – People who participate in meetings get way more than those who are passive attendees. Translation: engagement. Engagement leads to increased learning retention, increased performance, higher retention and more. A meeting ice breaker is only one small way that participants can get engaged, but the whole point of ice breakers is to smooth the transitions. Once someone takes part in an ice breaker, they are more likely to participate in other ways as well. They move forward in their commitment to the meeting.
- #TRUTHbomb – Meeting Icebreakers can actually be pretty fun! Yep, it’s true. You might see a senior leader doing something pretty wacky. Can we say photo op?! You might giggle. That giggle might turn into a laugh. It might turn into a memory. It might help you remember the content from the session before or after. Emotional memory can help solidify learning. Yep, it’s true.
A few hints about including ice breakers at meetings:
- You will thank yourself if you hire a professional emcee or facilitator. Nothing kills the effectiveness of these moments more quickly than poor instructions, less than confident delivery, or someone unconvinced of their value.
- Less is more. We love ice breakers, but you don’t have to do them at every session. They are supposed to be fun, surprising opportunities to interact, not predictable reasons to arrive to the session late.
- Pick some creative ice breakers that you haven’t seen at the last three conferences. Check out a list of some of our favorites. Or, connect with us to find out how we can provide ice breakers at your next meeting.