Meetings often start off tense or a bit bored, especially if the participants don’t know each other or are meeting in the middle of a long workday. However, a well-chosen icebreaker game can not only lift the mood but also help team members get to know each other better and make collaboration smoother. We’ve collected 10 simple and effective icebreaker games that you can use at the beginning of any meeting—either in person or online!

1. Two Truths and a Lie
   Everyone says three statements about themselves: two true, one false. The others have to guess which one is the lie. The group can vote by raising their hands.
2. Alliterative Introduction Round
   Everyone must say an adjective before their name that starts with the same letter and describes them. For example: "Cheerful Charlie."
3. Draw a Question
   Everyone draws a slip of paper from a hat with interesting, funny pre-written questions designed to break the ice and help people get to know each other. Examples include: "What’s your favorite book/movie/series and why? Which era would you like to live in? If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? What superpower would you choose for yourself?"
4. Lightning Questions
   Quick, simple questions: "Beach or mountains?", "Cat or dog?", "Coffee or tea?"—everyone answers at the same time by showing a 1 or 2 with their fingers.
5. Show Your Background!
   In an online meeting, ask participants to show and tell about an object from their background and share a sentence or two about it.
6. In One Word: How Are You Today?
   Everyone shares how they feel in one word—then you can discuss the choices.
7. Dance!
   Someone starts with a simple dance move, the next person repeats it and adds their own, continuing around the group.
8. Thermometer
   Participants express how much they agree with a statement or how they feel about a topic by lining up according to their opinion. Examples: "How motivated are you this week? How much do you like pizza? Are you an early riser?"
9. Rapid Association
   Say a word, and everyone quickly says the first thing that comes to mind—preferably as fast as possible!
10. Move Your Mood!
    Everyone demonstrates with a movement how they’re feeling at that moment.

Summary

Icebreaker games not only improve the atmosphere, but they also help team members get to know each other better and make working together easier. Try a few at your next meeting!