6 of the Best Zoom Icebreakers to Energize Your Virtual Meetings
In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, virtual meetings have taken center stage. One platform that has gained immense popularity is Zoom. However, starting a Zoom meeting can sometimes be awkward, especially when the participants don't know each other well.
This is where icebreakers come in. Icebreakers are activities or games designed to help individuals loosen up, get to know each other, and promote a positive meeting environment. In this article, we will explore six of the best Zoom icebreakers that can help kickstart your virtual meetings and make them more engaging and productive.
Run an icebreaker that everyone will love
Running an icebreaker doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as asking everyone where they are joining from or where they were born.
When you use StreamAlive, these responses can be plotted on a map in real-time. All your audience has to do is type their answer in the chat and StreamAlive does the rest.
No more boring or cringeworthy icebreakers. Keep it simple. Just ask everyone where they are from.
See how it works in our interactive demo or learn more.
Other icebreakers you can try
1. Two Truths and a Lie:
This is a classic icebreaker that can work well for both small and large groups. Each participant says two true things and one false thing about themselves, and the rest of the group has to guess which statement is the lie. This game can be a fun way to learn about each other and can also lead to interesting conversations. However, make sure to remind participants to keep their statements appropriate and professional to avoid any discomfort or embarrassment.
2. Virtual Background Challenge
This icebreaker is best suited for medium to large groups. Ask everyone to change their virtual background to something that represents their personality or interests. Then, each participant explains why they chose their specific background. This can be a fun and creative way to get to know each other. The only pitfall to avoid is ensuring everyone knows how to change their virtual background before the meeting.
3. Show and Tell
Suitable for small to medium groups, this icebreaker asks each participant to share an item from their workspace or home and explain its significance. This can provide insight into each other's lives and create a sense of connection. However, remind participants to choose items that are appropriate to share in a professional context.
4. The Alphabet Game
Ideal for large groups, this icebreaker involves participants naming something related to a pre-determined topic (like animals, cities, foods, etc.) in alphabetical order. The game continues until you reach the end of the alphabet. The pitfall to avoid here is choosing a topic that may be too obscure or difficult for some participants.
5. Quickfire Questions
This is a fast-paced icebreaker suitable for small to large groups. The host asks quick, light-hearted questions like "Coffee or tea?" or "Mountains or beach?" and each participant answers in turn. This can be a fun and energetic way to start a meeting, but ensure the questions are inclusive and not potentially divisive (e.g., avoid political or controversial topics).
6. One Word Game
This icebreaker is ideal for small to medium groups. Ask each participant to describe their current mood or day in just one word. This can not only break the ice but also gauge the overall mood of the group. The pitfall to avoid here is allowing the activity to turn into a venting session or become negative.
Make your icebreakers visual
If you want to go with a "tell me about yourself" type of icebreaker then how about making it visual?
StreamAlive helps you to visualize your chat stream into word clouds, call-out bubbles, or even a Tetris-inspiring wall of cascading tiles.