Sometimes when people hear the word 'icebreaker' they cringe or might feel super anxious about taking part in one.

Yes, icebreakers can make you feel a bit awkward initially, but they are proven to help enhance relationships and encourage creativity.

'Icebreakers can help increase team bonds, boost performance and creativity'—Harvard Business School study

Integrating icebreakers into your workshops or meetings is a great way to get everyone relaxed and ready to participate. But how do you choose the right ones so that you avoid those dreaded awkward silences?

Here are my Top 2 Icebreakers that are easy to implement (in-person or online):

1. My First Job

Ask everyone in the group to write down their name, their first job, and what they learned from that job. Then go round the group and have everybody read theirs out.

2. Pointless Questions

Prepare a few fun questions ahead of the workshop, then go round the room and have everybody take turns answering the questions. It’s as simple as that—you don’t even need to write anything down!

Here are some question suggestions to get you started:

• If you could invite a celebrity over for dinner, who would it be and why?
• What is your most prized possession and why?
• You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life. What do you choose?

Here are some more icebreakers for you to explore!

What's another great icebreaker that I can add to my list?