How to Use Icebreaker Games in Kickoff Calls Effectively
I get it—kicking off a meeting can sometimes feel stiff and awkward, especially when everyone’s just trying to get settled. Using icebreaker games offers a quick way to warm things up and help people feel a bit more comfortable. But the trick is finding the right game that makes everyone want to join in without feeling forced or silly.
If you keep reading, you’ll discover simple tips and fun games that can turn your kickoff calls into engaging, friendly chats. Plus, I’ll share some common mistakes to avoid so you can keep the vibe positive and productive from the start.
So, let’s look at how you can use icebreaker games to build connections and kick off your meetings on the right foot.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Use quick, fun icebreaker games at the start of meetings to make everyone comfortable and boost engagement. Keep activities short, around five minutes, to avoid losing interest.
- Choose games that fit your team’s size and comfort level. Simple options like “Would You Rather?” or “Two Truths and a Lie” work well for new or shy teams, while more energetic games suit experienced groups.
- Popular games like “Icebreaker Bingo” or “Six Word Memoirs” are easy to set up and help team members share and learn about each other while keeping the mood light.
- Gather feedback after meetings to learn what activities are enjoyed or feel forced. Use that input to make future icebreakers more effective and relevant for your team.
- Incorporate icebreakers regularly in meetings to build a routine of open sharing. Consistent use fosters trust and makes these activities feel natural, improving team connection over time.
- Leverage online tools like Google Jamboard or Miro for virtual or hybrid meetings. Clear instructions and backup plans can keep these activities fun and inclusive, regardless of location.
Use Icebreaker Games to Build Connection in Kickoff Calls
Starting a kickoff call with a quick game keeps everyone engaged and helps break down initial hesitations.
Icebreaker games create a lighter atmosphere, making team members feel more comfortable sharing and participating.
Research shows that even five-minute activities can boost engagement levels, making remote or new teams feel more connected from the get-go.
For instance, a simple “Two Truths and a Lie” can reveal fun facts about each person, sparking conversations later on.
Incorporating these games early on encourages open communication and sets a friendly tone for the rest of the meeting.
You don’t need to schedule long activities—short, targeted icebreakers make a big difference in how teams bond and collaborate.
Choose the Right Icebreaker for Your Team
Picking the best icebreaker depends on your team’s size, culture, and comfort level with sharing.
If your team is new or shy, relaxing activities like “Would You Rather?” or “Three Words” can warm people up without putting anyone on the spot.
For more experienced groups, games like “Sales Success Stories Swap” or “Sales Superpower Game” can inject energy and encourage quick thinking.
Think about what your team values—do they prefer humor, personal stories, or work-related sharing?
A good rule of thumb is to choose activities that are quick, inclusive, and easy to explain—nobody wants a game that takes 20 minutes to set up.
Remember, the goal isn’t to win but to get everyone talking and comfortable, so pick something that suits your team’s vibe.
Popular Icebreaker Games for Kickoff Calls
Some of the most common and effective icebreakers include “Icebreaker Bingo,” which gets people sharing fun facts and discovering commonalities.
“Six Word Memoirs” is another popular choice, where everyone summarizes their personality or week in just six words—simple yet revealing.
“Count Up,” a quick team activity, encourages patience and teamwork by having everyone add numbers collectively without speaking over each other.
“Would You Rather?” asks light, humorous questions that spark quick answers and generate laughs.
For remote teams, simple tools like [Google Jamboard](https://jamboard.google.com/) or [Miro](https://miro.com/) can make these games more interactive.
In the end, trying out a few of these popular options can help you find what works best for your team and keep kickoff calls lively and engaging.
How to Keep Icebreaker Games Short and Powerful
Stick to games that last around five minutes—no one wants to sit through a lengthy activity.
Choose activities with simple instructions that everyone can understand instantly.
Start with quick warm-up questions, like “What’s your favorite color?” or “Share one thing you’re looking forward to this week.”
Use timers or visual cues to keep the pace brisk and prevent the game from dragging on.
Remember, the goal is to energize and connect, not to have a deep discussion or lengthy storytelling.
If you notice participants losing interest, quickly switch to a new activity or wrap up on a high note.
Incorporate multiple short games throughout the call to keep energy levels high and engagement up.
How to Use Icebreaker Feedback to Improve Future Meetings
Ask team members what they thought of the icebreaker—did they enjoy it or find it forced?
Send out quick surveys or informal polls after the call to gather their opinions.
Pay attention to what activities resonate most—if humor games get lots of laughs, stick with those.
If certain games make people uncomfortable or seem forced, try different options next time.
Use their feedback to tweak timing, game types, or facilitation style—sometimes a simple change makes a big difference.
Remember, not every activity will hit the mark, so stay flexible and open to suggestions.
This way, you’ll create a routine of fun, meaningful icebreakers that truly bring your team closer.
Why Consistency Matters with Icebreaker Games
Integrate icebreakers into your regular meeting routine—whether weekly or monthly—so team members start expecting and opening up during these moments.
Consistent use helps build a habit of sharing and connecting, making these activities feel more natural over time.
Even if some sessions feel less fun, sticking with it shows you’re committed to team bonding.
Try different types of games periodically to keep things fresh, but keep the frequency steady.
Over time, these quick activities will become a trusted way for everyone to start meetings on a positive note.
This consistency can boost trust, improve team cohesion, and make collaboration smoother overall.
The key is to keep it simple, regular, and genuine—no need for elaborate activities every single time.
How to Incorporate Icebreakers into Virtual or Hybrid Meetings
Use online tools like [Miro](https://miro.com/) or [Google Jamboard](https://jamboard.google.com/) to make activities interactive for remote teams.
Share the activity screen and encourage everyone to participate in real-time, even if they’re miles apart.
For hybrid setups, invite in-office team members to share their responses live, while remote members join via video.
Set clear instructions beforehand to avoid confusion, especially with tech-enabled games.
If using a game like “Six Word Memoirs,” ask everyone to prepare in advance or do it spontaneously.
Keep in mind that technology hiccups happen—have a backup plan like sharing responses via chat if needed.
With some creativity, virtual icebreakers can be just as effective at building bonds as in-person activities.
FAQs
Select an icebreaker that suits your team’s size, culture, and goals. Consider activities that promote interaction and comfort, ensuring everyone feels included without putting them on the spot.
Games like Two Truths and a Lie, Virtual Bingo, or Speed Networking are common. They encourage sharing, build rapport, and set a friendly tone for the meeting.
Keep activities short, inclusive, and optional. Encourage participation, set a positive tone, and be mindful of diverse comfort levels to make everyone feel at ease.
Follow up with team members about their experience, share insights from the activity, and transition into the main agenda to maintain momentum and foster connection.