22 Fun Team Meeting Icebreakers to Break the Monotony

Do you need to liven up the team before your on-site or virtual meetings? Playing team meeting icebreakers is a great way to liven up the mood before you kick-off.

That's why we've put in the time and effort to create an exhaustive list of 22 fun icebreakers may jazz up your team meetings and build fantastic collaboration for remote teams and in-office teams alike. This list will be full of funny questions and team challenges— be ready!

Let's explore! Check them out.

Why Play Icebreakers Before Meetings?

Icebreaker games are more than just plain games that fill up time slots; they smash through social barriers and turn awkward silences into laughs and high-fives. If you need to spark connections, build common ground, and turn strangers into friends faster than you can say "team spirit,” icebreakers do the trick.

We love team meeting icebreakers before strategic planning, online meetings, operational meetings, and so on because they rev up the energy from the start. They can also spark creativity, loosen up the conversation, and ease a new team in.

And the beauty about most icebreakers (especially the ones we’ll share below) is that they take very little time. If you’re running a sixty to ninety-minute operations meeting or a five-hour planning session, icebreakers will probably only eat up 20 minutes of your time… max.

Fun Team Meeting Icebreakers to Break the Meeting Ice

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some in-office and virtual team meeting icebreakers that can get conversations going and break the monotony before we get into our formal agenda:

1. Icebreaker Quizzes

Icebreaker quizzes are our top option for team meeting icebreakers. To us, they're one of the best icebreakers because they're easy and direct to the point. Moreover, you always finish learning something new about your colleagues or co-workers after.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Prepare a set of quiz questions covering various topics or interests.
• Distribute the quiz to participants either electronically or on paper.
• Give participants a specified time to answer the questions individually. For virtual meetings, you can send people to breakout rooms.
• After the time is up, review the answers together as a group.
• Encourage discussion and laughter as participants share their answers and experiences.
• Award points for correct answers if desired, but focus more on the fun and interaction.

Tip: For fun and engaging icebreaker quizzes, try our platform, QuizBreaker. Our asynchronous icebreaker quizzes create great pre-team meeting conversations and help boost team empathy, morale, and bonding.

We also have a whole array of other virtual icebreakers you'll love, including:

• Trivia games (more on that later)
• Escape rooms
• Workstyle profiles
• And more!

Next Read: If you need some excellent icebreaker questions, check out this list of 115 options we wrote for you.

2. Trivia Games

Here’s another great icebreaker option we always recommend— trivia games. All it takes is a set of really fun trivia questions, some teams, and fifteen minutes or so.

Not only do you have fun getting a little competitive before you get into official business, but You also learn an interesting fact or two. We highly recommend playing trivia with categories and switching it up every time. They're great for small groups and big ones too.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Divide participants into teams of equal size.
• Create trivia questions covering history, entertainment, or interesting facts about our company.
• Choose someone from each team to answer the questions for the group.
• Give each team their questions, let them chat, and come up with their answers quickly.
• Keep track of points for correct answers and announce the winning team at the end.
• Encourage friendly banter and teamwork throughout the game.

Quick Tip: Check out our platform. Our trivia game player lets you effortlessly create and play trivia questions. We also have over 100,000 trivia questions, an AI-powered trivia creator, and a fun multiplayer platform that can host up to 100 players simultaneously. Sign up for QuizBreaker.

3. Share Memes

Who doesn’t love sharing memes? We do it outside of work, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t share some during “official business.” You can even share a few memes before the meeting.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Request that participants bring their most cherished memes to the meeting.
• Give each person a chance to share a meme to the group.
• Let everyone share why they think their meme is funny or relatable.
• Keep the vibe chill and fun, where laughter is welcomed.
• Discuss the memes together, sharing similar experiences or reactions.

One tool we also recommend is Know What I Meme, which is available on Discord. We play this game once a month and we love it!

4. Share Funny or Embarrassing Stories

We’ve all had those moments that “haunt” us. Why not share them with the world and heal from them? Sharing funny and embarrassing stories before a meeting can lighten the mood and help everyone connect at a personal level.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Invite others to share their funniest or most humiliating stories.
• Set a good example by telling your own experience, which will encourage others to be honest and vulnerable.
• Make sure everyone feels safe to share in a supportive atmosphere.
• Remind everyone that funny moments happen to everyone and bring people closer.
• Let everyone tell their story in peace and without interruption. For larger groups, put a time limit to your sharings.
• Show empathy and understanding by acknowledging and affirming the experiences of all individuals. If people aren’t comfortable sharing, don’t force them.

5. Show and Tell

Show and Tell encourages group members to bring an item of personal significance to share in a virtual or in-person meeting. This activity fosters deeper connections and understanding by revealing personal stories, interests, or achievements.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Request that each participant brings a meaningful item.
• Allow time for everyone to present their item and its significance.
• Encourage storytelling and reflection during the sharing.
• Engage actively by asking questions and showing interest.
• Make sure that the atmosphere is welcoming and conducive to sharing.
• Wrap up the activity by expressing gratitude to everyone for joining in and sharing their thoughts.

6. Company Trivia

Another offset of trivia games, but this time focus more on company-related facts and questions. Play this icebreaker if you want an icebreaker that enhances knowledge about the company, promotes a sense of belonging, and sparks friendly competition.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Prepare trivia questions covering the company's history, culture, products, or notable individuals.
• Split everyone into teams or let individuals compete solo. Alternatively, get everyone to make some team names. Use this free team name generator we created for teams like yours.
• Ask each team or individual the questions, rewarding correct answers with points.
• Encourage collaboration and creative thinking to figure out the answers.
• Keep the vibe upbeat and welcoming, prioritizing enjoyment rather than winning.
• Wrap up by declaring the winning team or person and celebrating their company knowledge.

7. Throwback Photos

We love this activity because it gives a heartfelt glimpse into each other's past. Share a little bit of laughter, memories, and a supportive atmosphere. Throwbacks strengthen connections and understanding and leave your team enriched by shared experiences.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Encourage people to provide a sentimental old photo from their early years of work or upbringing.
• Give each person a few minutes to present their picture and tell the tale behind it.
• Promote laughter and fond memories as participants reminisce.
• Foster a supportive atmosphere for sharing personal experiences.
• Foster connection and understanding by encouraging comments and questions from other participants.
• Conclude the activity by thanking everyone for sharing and reflecting on the memories created.

8. Name that Tune

Name that Tune is another lively icebreaker but one that also tests musical knowledge across various genres. It's a fantastic way to break the ice, revealing team members' musical tastes and triggering shared memories or new discoveries.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Create a playlisrt with songs from different styles and times.
• Play short parts of each song and let everyone guess the title and artist.
• Allow participants a limited time to discuss and submit their answers.
• Keep the game lively by playing upbeat or recognizable tunes.
• Award points for correct answers and keep track of scores throughout the game.
• Encourage friendly competition and teamwork as participants identify the songs.
• Wrap up the fun by announcing the champions and cheering for their awesome music know-how!

9. Two Truths and a Lie

Here’s one we’ve mentioned a few times, but never gets old. It’s quick, easy, and you can play as many rounds as you’d like!

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Ask that each person share two facts and one lie about themselves.
• See if anyone can determine which statement is the lie.
• Keep the atmosphere friendly and relaxed for open sharing.
• Encourage discussions and storytelling to build connections.
• Conclude the activity by revealing the truths and lies and congratulating participants on their guessing skills.

If you need help formulating your two truths and one lie, check out this list of great examples.

10. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Here’s another traditional yet classic game that can turn a pre-team meeting into an exciting adventure. Participants race against the clock to find items or complete tasks in their home environment based on clues provided.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Give participants a list of things to find in their homes.
• Set a time limit for them to locate and gather the items.
• Encourage them to take photos or videos as evidence.
• Award points for each item found.
• Promote teamwork by letting them work together or in teams.
• End by reviewing the items and announcing the winners.
• Conclude the scavenger hunt by reviewing the collected items and announcing the winning team or individual.

11. Bad Joke Contest

Share some “bad jokes” to get some laughs and relieve stress. This will allow your participants to let their guard down and connect over humor. It's an effective way to kickstart meetings with a smile and foster a fun atmosphere.

Participants: Any number of participants can join in the fun.

Duration: Typically 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Ask everyone to bring their funniest or cringiest jokes to share.
• Let each person take a turn telling their joke to the group.
• Encourage laughter and playful groans as reactions.
• Ultimately, you can vote for the best (or worst) joke or just enjoy the shared humor together.

12. Bucket List

Here’s a personal icebreaker that fosters deeper connections by revealing personal aspirations and passions. You can encourage support and shared dreams within the team by running this icebreaker a few times. It’s also perfect to break the ice in goal-setting meetings.

Participants: Any number

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Have everyone share something from their bucket list.
• Give time for everyone to chat about their chosen items and why they matter.
• Encourage listening and understanding as they talk about their dreams.
• Make sure everyone feels safe sharing their goals and aspirations.
• Foster connections and understanding by encouraging questions and comments from other participants.
• Conclude the activity by thanking everyone for sharing and reflecting on the shared aspirations and dreams.

Some More Games to Play

Do you need more ideas? Here are some more options you can try out:

13. Themed Meetings

Participants: Any number

Duration: Varies depending on meeting length

Instructions

• Pick a fun theme like a holiday or favorite topic.
• Encourage everyone to dress up and decorate their virtual backgrounds accordingly.
• Include theme-related games or discussions in the meeting.
• Make it exciting and engaging by fully embracing the theme.
• Keep it light and enjoyable for everyone to join in.
• End the meeting by thanking everyone and brainstorming future theme ideas.

14. Online Pictionary

Participants: Any number

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Split participants into teams or let individuals compete.
• Use an online Pictionary tool or virtual whiteboard. Check out our pictionary word generator if you need words to use for a game.
• One person draws while others guess the word.
• Set a time limit for guessing.
• Rotate who draws.
• Give points for correct guesses.
• Encourage teamwork and creativity.
• Announce the winners and celebrate with prizes and recognition.

15. The One-Word Icebreaker

Participants: Any number

**Duration:**10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Have everyone pick a word that sums up their feelings or what's on their mind.
• Let each person share their word and why they chose it.
• Listen attentively and show understanding as others share.
• Make sure everyone feels safe expressing themselves.
• Encourage questions and comments to help everyone connect and understand each other better.

16. The Four Corners Game

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Label four corners of the room with different options or statements related to a topic.
• Ask participants to choose a corner that best represents their opinion or preference.
• Allow participants to discuss their choices with others in their corner.
• After a brief discussion, invite participants to share their reasons for choosing their corner with the group.
• Facilitate a larger group discussion by asking participants from each corner to share their perspectives.
• Conclude the activity by summarizing key insights and encouraging further dialogue.

17. The Silent Interview

Participants: Any number

Duration: 5-7 minutes per round

Instructions

• Assume the roles of interviewer and interviewee in pairs of participants.
• Aim for 5-7 minutes for each round.
• Interviewers ask thought-provoking questions while interviewees respond using gestures and expressions, not words.
• Encourage expressive communication through body language.
• After each round, switch roles and continue.

18. The Storytelling Chain

Participants: Any number

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Begin by sharing a prompt or starting sentence related to a specific theme or topic.
• Invite the first participant to continue the story by adding a sentence or paragraph.
• Pass the storytelling responsibility to the next participant, who adds their contribution to the narrative.
• Continue this process, with each participant adding to the story in sequence.
• Encourage everyone to be creative and go with the flow as the story develops.
• Wrap up the activity when the story naturally ends or after a set time.

19. Would You Rather

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Give participants a few "Would You Rather" questions to answer by providing two options.
• Make them select one and share their reasoning for their choice to start spirited debates among the group.
• Keep the questions fun and diverse to capture everyone's interest.
• Wrap up by discussing the interesting insights and perspectives shared during the activity.

20. One-minute Introductions

Participants: Any number

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instructions

• Give everyone a chance to introduce themselves.
• They should mention their name, what they do, and something interesting.
• Keep it lively with a timer.
• Make sure everyone feels comfortable joining in.
• After each introduction, encourage interaction and acknowledgment from others in the group.
• Conclude the activity by thanking everyone for participating and summarizing key introductions highlights.

21. Define Ways of Working Together

Participants: Any number

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

• Split participants into small teams and give them scenarios about teamwork.
• Ask them to chat about how to tackle each scenario.
• Encourage them to use their own experiences to come up with solutions.
• When they're done, bring everyone back together.
• Let each team share their ideas.
• Talk about the strategies, get feedback, and discuss.
• Wrap up by highlighting the main points and determining what to do next.

22. Share your Workspace

Participants: Any number

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Instructions

• Invite participants to share insights into their workspace, either physical or virtual.
• Encourage participants to describe their workspace setup, including any unique features or personal touches.
• Invite everyone to show off their workspace with photos or videos.
• Encourage questions and comments to spark conversation.

20 Icebreaker Questions to Ask Before a Meeting

Get everyone warmed up before meetings and team-building activities with these enjoyable and stimulating icebreaker questions!

Icebreakers related to work

1. Which project are you working on right now that is the most exciting?
2. What's your favorite thing about your current job role?
3. Share something awesome you've recently learned that's shaking up your work game.
4. Let's chat about a tricky work puzzle you're tackling—any brainstorms?
5. If you could introduce one wild idea to turbocharge our team's mojo, what would it be?

Icebreakers to get to know each other

6. Which song is your favorite to perform live at karaoke? Everyone is listening!
7. What was your favorite movie growing up, and why did you love it?
8. Tell us about an experience from your youth that still makes you smile.
9. What's your favorite food, and would you share it with a friend?
10. Where would you go first if you could teleport anywhere right now?

Deeper icebreakers

11. What's giving you the warm fuzzies today?
12. Name-drop a book, flick, or tune that's left its mark on your life.
13. What's the best advice your father, mother, or parent figure gave you?
14. Share a recent facepalm moment and how you flipped it around.
15. Let's aim high! What personal mountain are you scaling, and how's the climb going?

Icebreakers to tickle your funny bone

16. Which character in your favorite book would you like to date?
17. Which fictional character would you like to live with for a day?
18. Have you got any amusing jokes to make us laugh this week?
19. Time to LOL! Dish up a work oopsie that's now a comedy goldmine.
20. Celebrity swap alert: If you could hang in the shoes of any A-lister for a day, who's the lucky star, and what's on your agenda?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a meeting icebreaker?

Meeting icebreakers aim to foster connections, ease tension, and enhance engagement, setting a positive tone for effective communication and collaboration during the meeting.

How can you break the ice with each other at a first team meeting?

Start by sharing fun facts, playing team-building games, or engaging in brief introductions to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

When should you kick off with an icebreaker in a meeting?

Starting with an icebreaker gets everyone in the zone, amps up the vibe, and helps forge connections before diving into business.

Are there icebreaker activities suitable for large teams?

Yes, there are plenty of icebreaker activities perfect for large teams. For instance, games like Two Truths and a Lie, Human Bingo, and Speed Networking can be adjusted to suit a big group. Interactive options like Giant Jenga, featuring icebreaker questions on each block, or Group Storytelling, where everyone adds to a shared narrative, are great for engaging many people while encouraging teamwork.

These activities aim to foster connections and camaraderie among team members, making them excellent for promoting unity in larger teams

Final Thoughts

Beyond simply having a good time, these activities are great ways to strengthen work bonds, foster collaboration, and promote workplace inclusivity.

You can spend a few minutes reminiscing about childhood memories, tackling trivia questions to sharing jokes. It’s not a waste of time. Icebreakers cultivate connections that positively impact our teams, and that’s a fantastic outcome to desire in your workplace, right?

Let's remain committed to integrating these engaging activities into our meetings. They catalyze joy and unity, ultimately leading to greater productivity and success. Here's to continued laughter, teamwork, and achievements in our future endeavors!