20 Icebreaker Activities for Adults

Adults are not always comfortable interacting with each other. It matters when you’re in a corporate meeting, team building activity, workshop, networking meeting, classroom, conference or any informal gathering. People come as guests, sitting silently. They are also not very likely to start talking to strangers.

That’s where icebreaker activities for adults can come to the rescue.

The secret is to choose the right icebreaker to eliminate awkwardness and start the conversation, establish a relaxed atmosphere and find common ground between the participants. As opposed to the games children play, Icebreakers for adults should be spontaneous, interesting and applicable to the group.

You are going to learn the best 20 icebreaker activities for adults, ranging from short games to team building activities, conversation starters to creative activities. If you’re short on time or have a long hour to fill, there’s an icebreaker activity for adults. These will work for your event.

What are Icebreaker Activities for Adults?

Icebreaker activities are activities, questions or games that let people get more comfortable interacting with each other. They can be particularly helpful when participants are new to the group or when a group desires to be more involved.

The key is that a good icebreaker activity does more than just “fill time”! They can:

• Ask participants to introduce themselves to each other.
• Start conversations naturally
• Make it easy to find common ground
• Minimize social anxiety and social awkwardness
• Improve communication
• Establish good relationships in Groups
• Expand attendance at meetings and workshops
• Create a more positive group atmosphere
• Encourage collaboration
• Facilitate new teams to link up quicker

The most effective icebreaker activities for adults are easy to understand, inclusive and suitable for this group and for the ambiance.

Top 20 Icebreaker Activities for Adults

The 20 best icebreakers for adults are:

1. Two Truths and a Lie

Two truths and a lie is an adult favourite icebreaker. It is a very easy-to-prepare game. It is suitable for a variety of group sizes.

Everybody comes up with 3 sentences about themselves. The two statements should be true. But one should be entirely fabricated. The rest of the group then tries to guess which statement is the lie.

For example I have been to 5 countries, sometimes I’ve been on television or I will be able to play 3 musical instruments.

Voting will be done by either waving hands or by shifting position around the room.

Why it works:

With this icebreaker activity for adults, adults can come up with interesting facts without having to do a formal introduction. This also makes for follow-up discussion points. It is ideal for team meetings, workshops, parties, networking events and new groups. The time required is 10 – 20 minutes.

2. Find Someone Who…

If you want to choose an energetic activity where you get the group moving around the room: Find Someone Who… Prior to beginning, make a list of statements like:

• Find someone who has visited another continent.
• Find someone who speaks two or more languages.
• Find someone who runs a marathon.
• Find someone who owns a pet.
• Find someone who met a celebrity.
• Find someone who has a passion for cooking.

Participants then roam around. They look for individuals who match each of the statements.

It can be an objective to do the entire list or discover another individual for each item.

Why it works:

This is one of the simplest ice-breaker exercises for grown-ups. As the individuals are provided with a distinct reason to get in touch with each other. They don’t need to think about what to say, because they have a conversation starter.

It is ideal for large groups, conferences, networking events and new teams. It only takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes.

3. Would You Rather?

Would You Rather? is a quick, easy conversation based game. It can be a great group discussion. The facilitator presents two options to the participants. It invites them to select one of them. Examples include:

• Would you like to go back or forward?
• Would you prefer 4 long days or 5 shorter days?
• Would you prefer to live by the sea or in the mountains?
• Would you like to travel free or be fed free?
• Would you prefer to be 10 minutes early or 10 minutes late?

They may raise their hand or turn to one side or the other in the room, or answer in their own voice. The facilitator may then ask some of the participants to give explanations for their decisions.

Why it works:

The questions are straightforward and the answers give rise to good discussion. Questions can also be easily adapted to professional or social situations. It is ideal for meetings, classrooms, workshops, parties and virtual events. The time required is 5 – 15 minutes.

4. Human Bingo

Human Bingo is a fun way to introduce people. Make a bingo card with the following statements:

• Spends some time in another country
• Loves spicy food
• Has a birthday this month
• Takes part in music making activities
• Has a hidden talent
• Is an early riser
• Visited over 10 countries
• Enjoys hiking

When the players don’t know each other, the game “Human Bingo” is particularly fun. It provides a lot of ways for everybody to start a discussion. The first person to get a line, column or the whole card correctly shouts “Bingo!”.

Why it works:

The game “Human Bingo” is especially fun when the players don’t know each other. It offers many opportunities for everyone to begin a conversation. It is ideal for groups, conferences, networking and employee induction. This activity only requires 15 – 25 minutes. 

5. Speed Introductions

Speed introductions are more of a comfort introduction like speed networking. But with a focus on helping participants get comfortable with a group. Pair people up and allow them 2 – 3 minutes to introduce themselves. Offer some questions to prompt the discussion:

1. What do you do?
2. What’s something you like outside of work?
3. What is an interesting thing about you?
4. What is something you’d like to do in the future?

After a couple of minutes, participants switch roles. Repeat the process several times.

Why it works:

The activity does not require participants to approach strangers on their own, but rather sets up a safe-space for engaging interaction.

It is especially helpful for professional groups. It allows for a discussion of both personal and professional matters. It is ideal for corporate events, conferences, workshops and networking events. The required time for this is 10 – 30 minutes.

6. One Word Introduction

One word introduction is a great ice breaker for adults if you are looking for a super quick one. Get each new participant to say one word about themselves, how they feel and what they expect to come out with as a result of the session or what they want to become or do. 

For instance, curious, excited, focused, optimistic, tired, creative and motivated. The facilitator can then pose a few of the participants the question of why they chose their specific word.

Why it works:

This activity is quick. But it allows everyone to have a chance to talk. It’s also a good way for a facilitator to get to know the collective energy of a group prior to starting a meeting or workshop. Perfect for meetings, training, classrooms and workshops. This activity will take 5 – 10 minutes.

7. The Common Ground Challenge

Divide the groups into smaller (3-5 participants) groups. Give each group 5 minutes to think of as many items as they can that all members of their group share. The similarities must not be too evident. For instance, “We are all here today” will not be counted. Instead, the groups could find out:

• All people enjoy a certain kind of food.
• Everybody has been travelling in recent times.
• All people like watching documentaries.
• All have a brother or sister.
• All people love tea more than coffee.

Finally, each group shares what they had as their most surprising discovery.

Why it works:

A way to create connection is to find commonalities. Through the activity, participants will be able to think critically, listen for information and ask questions. It is suitable for team building, corporate training, and new teams. This activity takes 10 – 15 minutes.

8. Desert Island

Have participants close their eyes and picture that they have been stranded on a lonely island. Give them a case example, such as, “There will be three products that will be allowed”.

The participant(s) tell the group or talk about it in small groups. To challenge you further, there are a number of additional rules which can be introduced:

• There is no option for either food or water.
• Items should be chosen that will benefit the whole group.
• There are three things that everyone agrees upon.
• An item selected must be of emotional significance.

Why it works:

Desert Island is a flexible activity. It promotes creativity, problem solving and discussions. It can be tailored to examine decision making and teamwork in work settings as well.

It is ideal for teams, workshops, retreats and leadership sessions. The time required for this activity is 10 – 20 minutes.

9. Guess Whose Fact?

Prior to the event, invite participants to submit one unusual/interesting fact about themselves. Gather all the information and read it all without saying the names. The group then attempts to identify each of the facts to the people to whom they belong.

For example: “There is someone in this room who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.” You could have discussions about their guess before they reveal them.

Why it works:

People naturally become curious when they hear surprising facts. The activity also provides participants a chance to discover some facts about other participants they may not know in their regular conversations. It is perfect for team building, workshops, retreats and leadership sessions. The time required for this activity is 10 – 20 minutes.

10. Picture Your Story

Ask participants to choose a photo on their phone. The photo needs to represent an important memory, interest, hobby or experience.

Each participant can show the photo to a partner or small group. They then need to explain the story behind it. If you wish to have a professional version, have participants look for a picture that symbolises:

• Their biggest achievement
• A hobby that they enjoy doing
• A location where they would like to go
• One of the crucial lessons they’ve learned

Why it works:

Photos help to make the conversations more personal and do not push participants to talk about sensitive information. They also provide a point of discussion for people. It is Ideal for small groups, workshops, retreats and creative groups. Time required for this activity is 15 – 30 minutes.

11. Would You Survive?

Create a fictional survival scenario. Divide participants into teams. For example:

“Your group is stranded in the dense forest. You have 10 objects available. But you can only choose five.” Give them a list of items. These items include:

• Rope
• Flashlight
• Knife
• Blanket
• Compass
• Mirror
• Matches
• First-aid kit
• Water container
• Map

Teams will need to decide what they would have chosen and why. They need to explain it properly.

Why it works:

This is a conversation game and more! It fosters teamwork, negotiating, communicating and decision making. The activity can be especially beneficial as a corporate icebreaking activity for adults. 

As they should work together.  They don’t require simply introducing themselves. It is ideal for business groups, leadership development, training sessions and retreats. The time required for this is 20 – 30 minutes.

12. The Story Chain

Ask one participant to begin a fictional story with a single sentence. For example:

“One morning Sarah opened the office door. She realized something was not right.”

The next player writes another sentence. Round the circle going around until all have spoken. You can add themes or restrictions for extra challenges. For instance one participant has to incorporate a certain word, object or character.

Why it works:

Story Chain is an activity that fosters creativity and listening. The participants are required to listen to what others say. It is important in order to make logical contributions to the current story. It is ideal for creative teams, workshops, classroom and casual events. The time required for this is 10 – 20 minutes.

13. Speed Networking Questions

The networking concept need not be restricted to professional networking. Create pairs and have one question for each round. The example of the questions include:

• What would you like to learn to do?
• What has been the best trip you’ve ever taken?
• What would you like to do more if you had more time in your spare time?
• What book, movie or show would you recommend that they read, watch or listen to?
• What is something that you always find funny?

Rotate participants to another partner after giving them 2 minutes to respond to each question.

Why it works:

This way, you can avoid repetition of conversations. It’s particularly useful if there are people from various departments or organisations in the group. It is ideal for networking events, conferences, employee events and professional workshops. Time required for this activity is 15 – 30 minutes.

14. The Name and Motion Game

Ask participants to say their name while performing a simple movement. For instance: “I’m David,” said with a clap.

The next person says his name and repeats David’s action. Go around the circle again. With larger groups, the participants need only say their name and do an original gesture – no need to repeat the others.

Why it works:

In large groups, it’s difficult to remember names. You can have another memory cue with a physical movement and it will make introducing people more interesting. The tip here is to maintain easy and natural movements. 

It involves social interaction and creativity. Perfect for corporate team building, workshops, training and retreats. This activity will take 10 – 20 minutes.

15. The Five-Minute Challenge

Divide participants into small teams. Now give them a simple challenge. They need to complete within five minutes. The possible challenges include:

• Develop the tallest structure using paper.
• Create a slogan for your team.
• Design a fictional product.
• Make a paper airplane.
• Test distance of paper plane
• Create a one minute advertisement.
• Solve a simple puzzle.

Each team needs to present its result.

Why it works:

The Five Minute Challenge gets participants collaborating almost immediately. It is particularly effective when you want an activity. It combines social interaction with creativity. This is ideal for corporate team building, workshops, training sessions and retreats. The time required for this activity is 10 – 20 minutes.

16. Childhood Dream Job

Ask participants: “What you want to be when you was a child” 

Each person shares their answer. If they want, explain whether their current career is linked with childhood ambition.

The answers can range from predictable choices. These include doctor, teacher or astronaut to surprisingly creative ones.

Why it works:

This is one of the easiest icebreak activities. This is because almost everyone has an answer. It also creates opportunities to discuss aspirations, interests and personal experiences.

For professional teams, you can follow it with:

“What’s one thing you still want to accomplish?”

It is ideal for teams, networking events, workshops and social gatherings. The time required for this activity is 5 – 15 minutes.

17. Emoji Introductions

Invite participants to select three emojis that represent their personality, mood, hobbies and/or life.

For example:

The participant then describes what each emoji symbol means.

If virtual, participants can post their emojis in the chat. If it is in person they can write it on a card or white board.

Why it works:

Emoji Introductions are fast, contemporary and convenient. These are very useful with younger members of the profession and online meetings. 

The virtual variation is to ask everyone to use only emojis. Ask the rest of the group what they think they are. Have the participant explain them to the group. It is ideal for virtual teams, online learning and meetings, classroom or casual situations. Time required for this activity is 5 – 15 minutes.

18. The Mystery Object

Put a number of unusual objects in a bag or box. The class members blindfolded and took turns picking an item out of the bag. Then they must explain it without using its name and/or come up with a short story about their object’s importance.

If a person pulls out a spoon, for instance, he or she could make up a story about finding a magical spoon on a journey.

Why it works:

Mystery Object helps to foster imagination and spontaneous expression. It’s also a great option if you are looking to have participants laugh and relax.

Try to get the adults to use everyday items. You also need to have them describe an unusual use for each item. It is ideal for creative sessions, Team Building, Retreats and social gatherings. Time required for this activity is 10 – 20 minutes.

19. Rank Your Favorites

Provide participants with a category. You need to ask them rank their top #5 choices. Possible categories include:

• Favorite travel destinations
• Favorite foods
• Best movies
• Weekend activities
• Favorite hobbies
• Dream vacation destinations
• Best breakfast foods

Participants discuss their rankings with another person or group and justify their top answer.

Why it works:

Everyone likes to express opinions and conflict. It is a good way to make the discussion more interesting. For work related events, you can use the appropriate categories like:

• Most helpful workplace skill
• Best productivity habit
• Favorite team tradition
• Most valuable leadership quality

It is ideal for meetings, workshops, networking sessions and parties. The time required for this activity is 10 – 15 minutes.

20. The Question Ball

Write different questions on a soft ball or create a digital version using randomly selected questions. Participants toss the ball to someone else. Whoever catches it answers the question closest to their hand or the question selected by the facilitator.

Questions could include:

• What is something you are surprisingly good at?
• What destination is on your travel bucket list?
• What is one skill you would like to learn?
• What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
• What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
• What is a small thing that makes you happy?

Why it works:

The Question Ball combines movement with conversation. It also prevents the activity from feeling like a formal round of introductions. It is ideal for parties, workshops, retreats, team-building events and social gatherings. Time required for this is 10 – 20 minutes.

You can see more relevant blogs on Educator Standards. It will help you get a more in-depth understanding of educational and workplace activities. 

How to Choose the Best Icebreaker Activity for Adults

Not every activity works equally well for every group. Before choosing your icebreaker activities for adults, consider the following factors.

Consider the Group Size

For small groups, activities such as Two Truths and a Lie, Picture Your Story, and Common Ground work well.

For large groups, Human Bingo, Find Someone Who, and Speed Networking are usually more practical. This is because participants can interact with several people.

Think About the Setting

A corporate meeting may require more professional icebreakers for adults. While a birthday party or social gathering can support sillier and more personal games.

For professional environments, avoid questions that could make participants uncomfortable or require them to disclose private information.

Consider Available Time

If you have only five minutes, choose a quick activity such as:

• One-Word Introduction
• Would You Rather?
• Emoji Introductions
• Childhood Dream Job

If you have 20 – 30 minutes, consider:

• Human Bingo
• Speed Introductions
• Common Ground Challenge
• Five-Minute Challenge
• Would You Survive?

Match the Energy Level

Some groups respond well to movement and competition. While others prefer quiet conversation.

High energy icebreak activities include Human Bingo, Find Someone Who, and The Question Ball. Low pressure options include One Word Introduction, Would You Rather?, and Childhood Dream Job.

Tips for Running Icebreaker Activities Successfully

Even a great activity can fail if it is introduced poorly. Use these tips to make your icebreaker activities more effective.

• Keep instructions short and straightforward. If an activity has several rules, demonstrate an example before starting.
• Adults have different comfort levels. Give participants the option to keep answers light. Avoid questions involving sensitive personal information.
• An icebreaker should energize the group, not become a lengthy interview. If conversations begin to drag, move to the next round.
• The facilitator should participate when appropriate. Sharing your own answer can make participants feel more comfortable.
• Avoid activities that depend heavily on physical ability, cultural knowledge, expensive experiences or highly personal information.
• The best icebreaker activity for adults is one that fits the people in the room. Feel free to change the questions, time limits, rules, or group size.

Icebreaker Activities for Adults in the Workplace

Workplace icebreakers can be particularly valuable for new employees, cross-functional teams, remote workers and teams returning from a break. Some of the best professional options include:

1. Two Truths and a Lie
2. Common Ground Challenge
3. Speed Introductions
4. Find Someone Who…
5. Five-Minute Challenge
6. Guess Whose Fact?
7. Would You Rather?
8. Speed Networking Questions

For workplace events, keep the activities professional enough for the environment. But you still need to allow participants to reveal some personality.

A good workplace icebreaker should not feel like an additional work assignment. Its purpose is to make communication easier and help colleagues interact more naturally.

Icebreakers for Adults at Parties and Social Events

Social gatherings often benefit from more relaxed and playful activities. Some good choices include:

• Would You Rather?
• Two Truths and a Lie
• Mystery Object
• Question Ball
• Rank Your Favorites
• Childhood Dream Job
• Emoji Introductions

The goal is to give guests an easy reason to start talking, especially when people from different social circles are attending the same event.

Icebreakers for Adults in Virtual Meetings

Remote meetings can sometimes feel more awkward because participants cannot rely on informal conversations before or after the meeting. Virtual friendly icebreakers for adults include:

• Emoji Introductions
• Would You Rather?
• Two Truths and a Lie
• Speed Introductions
• Guess Whose Fact?
• One-Word Introduction
• Childhood Dream Job

Keep virtual activities short and easy to participate in through video calls or chat. Avoid activities that require complicated software unless everyone is already comfortable using it.

FAQs

What are some ways to make icebreaker activities less awkward for adults?

Keep activities simple and have clear instructions, don’t put people on the spot. Allowing participants to choose to pass, keeping questions light, and including the facilitator can ease the discomfort.

Is it appropriate for everyone to do the same icebreaker?

Everyone should be given the opportunity to participate but participation should not be compulsory. It can be helpful to provide alternative means for responding (including speaking, writing, voting or using the chat).

Which of the following do you NOT want to use for an adult icebreaker?

Don’t ask too personal questions, physical limitations, controversial questions or experiences some may not be able to relate to. The activity should be appropriate for the group and their comfort.

Can icebreakers be used with people already familiar with each other?

Yes. Icebreakers don’t have to be with strangers! They can assist existing groups in finding new hobbies, rejuvenate connections, promote interaction or just provide some respite.

Is it possible to use icebreakers with mixed-age groups?

Yes. The key is to select activities that are not based upon age-specific interest or experience. For a variety of ages, simple conversation, creativity, teamwork, and problem solving activities can prove effective.

What can a facilitator do to involve the “shy” persons?

Begin with low pressure activities and let participants interact in pairs or small groups prior to having to speak to all participants. This may make it easier for those who are not used to speaking in public.