Virtual Icebreakers

Here is our guide to virtual icebreakers.

We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team building activities and connecting remote teams in all industries for over a decade!

Virtual icebreakers are interactive activities designed to help remote teams relax, engage, and build connections in a virtual setting. Hosts can incorporate fun and engaging prompts, such as trivia questions or quick-fire challenges, to team gatherings. Participants can break the ice, foster camaraderie, and create a positive atmosphere.

Ideal group size:

4 to 15 participants per group

Activity duration:

10 to 30 minutes

Cost:

$0 to $50

The cost largely depends on whether hosts need to purchase any materials or tools for specific icebreaker activities.

What you’ll need:

This list varies depending on which icebreakers you want to try, but here are a few examples of possible materials.

  • Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
  • Virtual whiteboard platforms (e.g., Miro, Jamboard)
  • Pen and paper
  • Access to online trivia or quiz websites

How to do it:

Step 1: Choose Icebreaker Activities

You can start by selecting a variety of virtual icebreaker activities suitable for your team’s preferences and objectives. Examples include trivia quizzes, two truths and a lie, or quickfire questions.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Materials

If the games and activities you choose require materials, then be sure to prepare those in advance.

Step 3: Set Up Virtual Meeting Space

Next, set up a video conferencing platform and ensure all participants have access to the meeting link or invitation.

Step 4: Welcome and Introduction

During the meeting, start the session by welcoming participants and explaining the purpose of the icebreakers. Be sure to emphasize the importance of fostering connections and building rapport.

Step 5: Icebreaker Instructions

Next, briefly explain the rules and objectives of each icebreaker activity, ensuring each attendee understands how to participate and engage effectively.

Step 6: Facilitate Icebreakers

Finally, lead the group through each icebreaker activity, providing clear instructions, keeping the energy level high, and encouraging active participation from all team members.

Step 7: Monitor Engagement

During the meeting, pay attention to participants’ engagement levels and adjust the pace or format of the icebreakers as needed to maintain interest and involvement.

Step 8: Foster Interaction

Hosts should encourage open communication and interaction among participants. These discussions create opportunities for sharing stories, experiences, and interests during the icebreaker activities. You can use breakout rooms to create small group dynamics that make it easier for team members to share. Also, consider calling on teammates with specific questions or follow-up questions.

Examples of games or activities:

1. Chain Reaction Introductions

In Chain Reaction Introductions, players build on each other’s introductions to create a connected story.

  1. Arrange participants in a virtual meeting.
  2. The first player introduces themselves briefly, adding a unique detail or interesting fact.
  3. The next player repeats the previous introduction and adds their own, connecting it to the previous one.
  4. Each subsequent player continues this pattern, building a chain of introductions.
  5. The game continues until each player has had a turn.

To keep the game engaging, encourage players to listen closely to each introduction. Players can find creative ways to connect their own introduction to the ongoing story.

2. Name That Tune Challenge

Name That Tune Challenge is a game where players guess the name of a song based on a short audio clip.

  1. Prepare a playlist of songs spanning different genres and eras.
  2. Play a short clip of a song without revealing its title or artist.
  3. Participants race to guess the name of the song as quickly as possible.
  4. Award points for correct guesses, either individually or as teams.
  5. Repeat with multiple rounds, varying the difficulty of the clips.

To make the game more challenging, consider playing clips with distinctive but less well-known sections of songs.

3. Snapshot Stories

Snapshot Stories is a storytelling game where players create narratives based on random images.

  1. Gather a collection of diverse images, such as photographs or illustrations.
  2. Randomly select an image and display it to the group.
  3. Each player takes turns crafting a short story inspired by the image.
  4. Encourage creativity and imagination in storytelling.
  5. Rotate through the images, allowing multiple opportunities for storytelling.

To enhance the experience, encourage players to incorporate elements from previous stories into their own narratives. This step creates a collaborative storytelling environment.

4. Guess the Fact

Guess the Fact is a trivia game where players try to guess true facts about each other.

  1. Each player writes down an interesting or surprising fact about themselves on a piece of paper.
  2. Collect the facts and read them aloud, keeping the authors anonymous.
  3. Players take turns guessing who each fact belongs to.
  4. Award points for correct guesses.
  5. Revealing the authors and facts at the end of the game.

To add a twist, consider including facts that are unexpected or humorous. This process makes the guessing more challenging and entertaining.

5. Virtual Museum Tour

Virtual Museum Tour allows participants to explore museums and exhibitions from the comfort of their own homes.

  1. Choose a museum or exhibition with a virtual tour option.
  2. Share the link or access the tour together in a virtual meeting.
  3. Explore the virtual space, observing exhibits and artworks.
  4. Encourage discussion and reflection on the exhibits.
  5. Optionally, incorporate trivia or quiz questions related to the tour.

To make the experience more immersive, encourage participants to engage with the exhibits actively, asking questions and sharing insights.

6. Online Hobby Swap

Online Hobby Swap is an activity where participants exchange information and tips about their hobbies.

  1. Each participant prepares a brief presentation or demonstration about their hobby.
  2. Arrange a virtual meeting where participants can share their hobbies.
  3. Allow each participant time to showcase their hobby and answer questions.
  4. Encourage discussion and exchange of tips and resources.
  5. Optionally, organize a swap where participants exchange hobby-related items or resources.

To ensure inclusivity, encourage participants to share hobbies of varying interests and skill levels, fostering a diverse and engaging experience.

7. Remote Riddle Challenge

Remote Riddle Challenge is a game where players solve riddles and puzzles together in a virtual setting.

  1. Prepare a series of riddles or puzzles of varying difficulty levels.
  2. Share the riddles with the participants in a virtual meeting.
  3. Allow players time to solve each riddle individually or in teams.
  4. Provide hints or clues if needed to keep the game progressing.
  5. Celebrate successful solutions and move on to the next challenge.

Consider incorporating a storyline or theme that ties the riddles together, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.

Tips:

  1. Keep it short and sweet: Virtual icebreakers should be concise to maintain interest and engagement.
  2. Choose inclusive activities: Select games or questions that the whole team can participate in regardless of location or background.
  3. Test technology beforehand: Ensure players understand how to use the virtual platform, and troubleshoot any issues before starting.
  4. Encourage participation: Create a supportive environment where the team feels comfortable sharing and contributing.
  5. Mix it up: Vary the types of icebreakers to cater to different preferences and personalities within the group.
  6. Be mindful of time: Set clear time limits for each activity to keep the session moving and prevent it from dragging on.
  7. Foster connections: Use icebreakers that encourage participants to learn more about each other and find common ground.
  8. Embrace creativity: Encourage imaginative thinking and unique responses to spark conversation and laughter.
  9. Provide clear instructions: Explain the rules and objectives of each icebreaker clearly to avoid confusion.

Final Thoughts

Fun icebreakers can make a big difference during team gatherings. You should pick activities that each individual can join in on, like sharing interesting facts or playing quick games. Be sure to keep activities clear and easy to follow, and remember to keep it positive and cheerful. Icebreakers can really bring teams closer together, even when they are far apart.

Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual icebreaker questions.

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