Icebreakers That Actually Work (and the Ones That Don’t)

Ewan Laing
Apr 16
2 min read

A frozen lake with deep cracks in the ice, set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The accompanying text discusses the effectiveness of icebreakers in training sessions, emphasizing that not all icebreakers are equally effective. Team BrightSpark shares insights on which ones work best for fostering engagement and which ones fall flat.

Let’s be real—not all icebreakers are created equal. Some build instant connections and set the stage for a great session, while others… well, let’s just say they make people want to fake a WiFi issue.

At Team BrightSpark, we’ve tested icebreakers in every training environment imaginable, and we’re here to share the ones that work—and the ones that don’t.

🚀 Icebreakers That Actually Work

These icebreakers get people talking, thinking, and engaged without the awkwardness.

1️⃣ The One-Word Check-In

✅ Best for: Virtual or in-person sessions where you need a quick energy gauge.

Ask learners to describe how they’re feeling in one word. It’s simple, fast, and tells you a lot about the room’s mood.

🔹 Example: “In one word, how are you feeling about today’s topic?” Responses might range from “Curious” to “Caffeinated” to “Terrified.” This gives you insight into the group dynamic before you even start.

2️⃣ Two Truths and a Lie (With a Twist!)

A graffiti-style painting of the word ‘TRUE’ in bold, black letters on a white wall with dripping paint effects. The accompanying text describes a variation of the classic ‘Two Truths and a Lie’ icebreaker, encouraging participants to share two true statements and one false statement related to their experience with the session’s topic to foster engagement and discussion.

✅ Best for: New teams or sessions focused on personal connection.

Instead of the usual version, make it topic-related. Ask learners to share two truths and a lie about their experience with today’s subject.

🔹 Example: In a leadership session, someone might say:

“I once managed a team of 50 people.”
“I’ve fired someone over text.”
“I once worked under a boss who never held a single meeting.”

Now, you’ve got engagement and a fun way to surface real experiences.

3️⃣ The 5-Minute Drawing Challenge

✅ Best for: Creative thinking, problem-solving, or team-building sessions.

Give each learner 30 seconds to draw something related to the topic—no artistic skills required! Then, have them explain their masterpiece.

🔹 Example: For a customer service training, ask “Draw what great service looks like to you.” You’ll get everything from superhero waiters to a simple smile—and a great discussion starter!

🙅‍♂️ Icebreakers That Flop (Avoid These!)

⛔ The Forced Fun Game

🚫 Why it fails: If it feels like something from a kid’s birthday party, adults will resist.

🔹 Example: Making people dance, sing, or do trust falls before they’ve even had their morning coffee. Just no.

⛔ The Endless Introductions

🚫 Why it fails: No one wants to sit through 30 minutes of people listing their name, job title, and favorite dessert.

🔹 Fix it: Keep intros short and engaging. Try the One-Word Check-In instead!

⛔ The “Embarrass Yourself” Challenge

🚫 Why it fails: No one enjoys being put on the spot in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

🔹 Example: Asking learners to share their most embarrassing moment or do an impression of their boss. Cringe.

🎯 Your Challenge: Swap out your usual icebreaker for a new one from this list and see how your group responds.

Ready to Take Your Training Skills to the Next Level?

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