Some are silly, others are a little embarrassing, and others are merely informative in a light-hearted way. If chosen correctly, ice breakers can be a very powerful tool that facilitates the success of your group, meeting or party.
At a business function, ask participants to pair up with someone they don't know and learn as much as they can about the other person in five minutes. Then have them introduce that person to the whole group. Break people into small groups at a volunteer organization and give each person a penny. Ask them to introduce themselves to the group and talk about what they were doing during the year on the coin. During a cocktail party tape the name of a famous person on everyone's back. As people socialize, they can ask for clues about their famous person. The first person to guess the name on his or her back wins a prize. If you have a Trivial Pursuit game, put out the cards where guests will see them. Guests automatically read the questions to one another, thus beginning conversations .
Human Bingo
Here is a fun idea for an ice breaker. Before your party make up a grid sheet or list with varied personal characteristics in each square or line. Characteristics might be: sings in shower; been to Asia; never had a speeding ticket; watches a soap opera; has met a famous person; wears thong underwear; plays the lottery; speaks at least three languages; etc. Distribute copies of grid sheet to your guests and have them go around and collect unique signatures of guests who have those characteristics. The first person to get all (or the most) squares filled in wins a door prize.
Teens can sometimes be a tough audience to please. After all, they're too old for childish entertainment and games, and they're dying to look cool. But with all of that coolness in the air, a teen party can get pretty dull unless you find a way to get them active and involved with the party.
One of the easiest things you can do is to hire a DJ for your party. You'll want the DJ to know and bring along all of the latest popular songs. The DJ should have the skills to get the group dancing and participating in games. Kiddie games such as musical chairs or hot potato suddenly become fun again when they are played to current hit tunes. A limbo contest, conga line and even freeze dance will relax the group and keep the party from becoming too cool for fun.
Party games can be as simple or complex as the guest list and room allows. Never overlook an obvious entertainment option like a dueling instruments sort of competition. Karaoke is always fun and sometimes the guests are very talented. Sometimes…
