In an increasingly digital world, video calls have become integral to daily communication in both professional and social contexts. However, these virtual interactions can sometimes lack the warmth and engagement of face-to-face conversations. Icebreakers are designed to address this by creating a friendly atmosphere, fostering open communication, and encouraging connection among participants from the outset. Video call icebreakers can be as simple as lighthearted questions or as structured as group activities. Below is an exploration of the value of icebreakers in virtual settings, types of effective video call icebreakers, and tips for tailoring them to different audiences.

Importance of Icebreakers in Virtual Meetings

The virtual environment can create unique challenges, such as limited body language cues, delayed reactions, and potential distractions. These factors can make interactions feel formal or stilted. Icebreakers help to counter these challenges by creating a space where participants feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to engage.

Icebreakers serve several important functions in video calls:

• Building Rapport: They allow participants to get to know one another, establishing a sense of camaraderie.
• Encouraging Participation: Icebreakers help ensure that everyone is involved from the beginning, making it easier for quieter participants to share ideas later in the conversation.
• Reducing Tension: Starting with a relaxed activity or question can ease any initial nervousness or formality, especially for newcomers.
• Enhancing Focus: A quick, engaging activity at the start can help participants shift their focus from their previous tasks to the meeting at hand.

By fostering these aspects, icebreakers set a positive tone for productive and enjoyable virtual meetings.

Types of Video Call Icebreakers

Different types of icebreakers can serve various purposes, from simple introductions to more complex activities aimed at team building. Here are some popular categories of icebreakers suited to virtual calls:

Lighthearted Questions

Asking simple, fun questions is one of the easiest and least time-consuming icebreakers. This type is versatile and adaptable to any group, providing a gentle way for participants to share personal information without pressure.

Examples:

• “If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go?”
• “What’s a random skill you picked up during quarantine?”
• “What’s your favorite comfort food?”

These questions help participants learn more about each other in a relaxed manner, making them ideal for informal team meetings or social gatherings.

Show and Tell

“Show and Tell” icebreakers invite participants to share an object that has personal meaning or relates to a prompt. This activity fosters storytelling and allows people to express themselves visually.

Examples:

• Ask participants to show an item on their desk that tells a story.
• Invite everyone to share a book, photo, or object that brings them joy.
• Request that each person finds an item around their home that represents their personality.

This approach works well for smaller groups, where individuals have more time to present and share details about their items.

Two Truths and a Lie

This classic icebreaker works just as well virtually. Participants share two true statements and one false one about themselves, while the rest of the group tries to guess which statement is false. This activity provides insight into individual personalities and allows for creativity.

For example, a participant might say:

1. “I’ve hiked Mount Everest.”
2. “I can play five musical instruments.”
3. “I once appeared in a commercial.”

Encouraging participants to choose interesting truths and creative lies makes this icebreaker more engaging. It’s particularly suitable for team-building sessions or smaller group meetings.

Virtual Background Showdown

For platforms that allow custom backgrounds, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, a “virtual background showdown” is a fun way to start a meeting. Participants choose backgrounds based on a theme, which can be discussed and voted on.

Examples:

• “Favorite vacation spot” background, where participants display images of places they’ve visited or dream of visiting.
• “Movie or book theme,” where backgrounds relate to famous scenes from literature or film.
• “Throwback photo” as a background, showcasing images from the past.

This icebreaker is visually engaging and can spark conversations, laughter, and storytelling as participants explain their background choices.

Quick Polls and Surveys

Using polling tools integrated within video platforms or through third-party apps, quick surveys are excellent for getting people talking about topics and creating a sense of group alignment. They also offer insight into team preferences and interests.

Examples:

• Ask questions like “Are you a morning person or a night owl?” or “Do you prefer coffee or tea?”
• Poll participants about the type of music they listen to, their favorite hobbies, or their dream travel destinations.
• Conduct a quick quiz on general knowledge, pop culture, or work-related trivia.

This icebreaker is particularly effective in larger groups, as it allows everyone to contribute without the need to speak, making it a low-pressure but inclusive activity.

Word Association Game

In this activity, participants are given a prompt word, and each person shares the first word that comes to mind. This can reveal interesting connections and encourage spontaneity. It also tends to create moments of laughter and surprise as participants react to each other’s associations.

Examples:

• Start with words related to the meeting topic or team goals, such as “success,” “teamwork,” or “innovation.”
• Use random words to keep it light and humorous, such as “beach,” “superhero,” or “adventure.”

Word association games are simple, fast, and adaptable to both small and large groups. They work well as warm-ups before more serious discussions.

Mini Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are versatile and can be adapted for video calls by asking participants to find specific items around their home and show them on screen. This is a fun, active icebreaker that brings energy to the meeting.

Examples:

• A “color theme” hunt, where everyone finds an item of a specific color.
• A “memory item” hunt, where each participant shares an object tied to a meaningful experience.
• A “work-from-home essentials” hunt, with participants showing items they consider essential to their remote workspace.

Virtual scavenger hunts work well in small teams and are especially engaging for social or team-building gatherings.

Group Story Creation

This collaborative activity encourages creativity by having each participant contribute one sentence to a collective story. The sentences can be connected logically or take a humorous, unexpected turn.

How it works:

• One participant begins with a single sentence, and each subsequent participant adds another line to build the narrative.
• Alternatively, the group can be given a genre or topic for guidance, such as “mystery,” “adventure,” or “sci-fi.”

Group story creation works best in smaller groups and can lighten the mood, stimulate creative thinking, and foster a sense of teamwork.

Visual Icebreakers

Visual icebreakers involve using images, GIFs, or drawings as a starting point for conversation. These icebreakers leverage visual stimulation to create connections, making them well-suited to audiences who appreciate visuals over verbal discussions.

Examples:

• Each participant shares a meme or GIF that represents their mood.
• Show an abstract or humorous image and ask participants to interpret it or share what it reminds them of.
• Swept downUse a whiteboard feature or collaborative drawing tool to play a quick game of Pictionary.

These icebreakers can energize a group and create memorable moments, especially in creative teams.

Choosing the Right Icebreaker for Your Group

The effectiveness of an icebreaker largely depends on selecting the right activity for the group. Here are some considerations:

• Group Size: Smaller groups may benefit from conversational icebreakers like “Two Truths and a Lie,” while larger groups might find quick polls or background themes more manageable.
• Meeting Purpose: In professional settings, choose lighthearted but brief activities that don’t distract from the meeting’s main goals. In social or team-building sessions, feel free to select more interactive or humorous icebreakers.
• Audience Demographics: Consider the group’s familiarity with each other, cultural backgrounds, and comfort levels with virtual platforms when selecting an icebreaker.
• Time Constraints: Short meetings should incorporate quick and straightforward icebreakers, like word association or simple questions. For longer gatherings, more elaborate activities such as scavenger hunts or group storytelling can be considered.
• Platform Limitations: Certain icebreakers rely on specific platform features, such as virtual backgrounds or whiteboard tools. Ensure that your chosen icebreaker is compatible with the platform being used.

Tips for Implementing Icebreakers Effectively

To ensure that icebreakers succeed in achieving their purpose, here are some best practices for facilitation:

• Encourage Participation, But Don’t Force It: Icebreakers should be enjoyable, not intimidating. Allow participants to opt out or simply observe if they prefer.
• Set Clear Instructions: Explain the rules and objectives of the icebreaker clearly to avoid confusion, especially in larger groups.
• Limit Time: Keep icebreakers concise and ensure they don’t consume too much meeting time. A well-timed icebreaker will leave participants energized rather than fatigued.
• Adapt to the Group’s Energy: Be attentive to participants’ reactions. If the group seems enthusiastic, let the activity run a little longer. If the response is lukewarm, transition smoothly to the next agenda item.
• Follow Up: After the icebreaker, acknowledge the contributions and use any insights gained to facilitate smoother interactions during the rest of the call.

Summary

Icebreakers are a valuable tool for fostering connection, reducing tension, and engaging participants in virtual meetings. By choosing the right type of activity and tailoring it to the group, facilitators can set a positive tone for collaboration and open communication. From lighthearted questions to interactive activities, icebreakers offer a range of possibilities to make video calls more enjoyable and productive.

When implemented thoughtfully, they can transform virtual gatherings into dynamic, connected experiences that bring participants closer together, regardless of physical distance.