Icebreakers for virtual meetings

6 Fun Icebreakers to Energize Your Zoom Small Group

Streamalive
May 30, 2024

As more people turn to virtual platforms for meetings and gatherings, it's important to find ways to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. One effective way to do this is through the use of icebreakers. Icebreakers can help to foster a sense of community and camaraderie, even when participants are miles apart.

In this article, we will explore six inventive icebreakers specifically designed for small groups on Zoom. These activities are not only fun, but also promote team building and enhance communication skills. Whether it's for a work meeting, a virtual party, or a casual get-together, these icebreakers will surely make your Zoom event more interactive and enjoyable.

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.

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Other icebreakers you can try

1. Quick Draw

This icebreaker involves each participant quickly drawing something related to a given topic (e.g., favorite hobby, dream vacation etc.) within a set time limit (like 30 seconds). Then, each person shares their drawing and explains it. This not only sparks creativity but also allows participants to share a bit about themselves. Pitfall to avoid: Do not choose complex or sensitive topics to draw about.

2. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

The host names an item and the participants have to find it in their home and show it on camera. The first person to find the item gets a point. This game is fun and it also gives a glimpse into everyone's home life. Pitfall to avoid: Avoid asking for items that might be too personal or inappropriate for a professional setting.

3. Emoji Story

In this icebreaker, participants are asked to share a story or a recent event in their life using only emojis in the chat. Others in the group then try to guess what the story is about. This icebreaker is fun, light-hearted, and can generate a lot of laughs. Pitfall to avoid: Make sure the participants keep their stories appropriate and respectful.

4. Rapid Fire Questions

The host asks quick, light-hearted questions and participants answer as quickly as possible. Questions can range from "Coffee or tea?" to "Mountains or beach?". This helps participants learn quick facts about each other. Pitfall to avoid: Avoid controversial or potentially offensive questions.

5. Virtual Bingo

Create a bingo card with different statements in each box (e.g., "Has a pet", "Loves to cook", "Has been to Europe", etc.). Each participant gets a card and has to find someone in the meeting who matches each statement. The first one to complete a row wins. Pitfall to avoid: Make sure the statements are inclusive and not too specific so everyone can participate.

6. Alphabet Story

Each participant adds a sentence to a story, but the sentence must start with the next letter of the alphabet. This encourages creativity and collaboration. Pitfall to avoid: Make sure the participants keep the story light-hearted and appropriate for the meeting.

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.

Launch interactive demo
Incorporating icebreakers into your small group Zoom meetings can greatly enhance engagement and foster a sense of connection among participants. Whether it's a fun game of Two Truths and a Lie or a creative show-and-tell session, these activities can break the ice and create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. So, the next time you gather your small group on Zoom, don't forget to try out one of these six icebreakers to kick-start your meeting with energy and enthusiasm.