Getting to know people at a workshop doesn't have to be boring.
When you are leading a workshop, one of the first things you need to do is greet the participants by introducing yourself and then have them introduce themselves to you and the rest of the group. While these introductions are useful, they can also be boring. Many workshop leaders use different icebreakers to make introductions more fun and get the workshop off to a great start.
Fact or Fiction
A simple way to inspire people to tell some interesting facts about themselves is to have them write down two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The facilitator can start by using himself or herself as a demonstration. Invite the group to ask questions concerning each of the statements to see if they can figure out which one is a lie. If the workshop group is small, have all participants share their three statements with the group. Break larger groups into smaller ones so people can share their statements with one another.
What's the Question?
Another way to inspire participants to share interesting facts is to write down the answers to three questions and see if the group can determine the question. Answers should be simple one-word answers or numbers. The facilitator can start by sharing his or her three answers and see if the group can figure out the questions. For small groups, have participants share with the whole group. For larger groups, break into smaller groups to complete the activity.
Birth Order
To get the group moving around and mingling, try having them divide themselves by traits such as birth order. Before the workshop the facilitator should make up signs labeled "only child," "oldest child," "youngest child" or "middle child" and place them in four different locations in the room. Instruct the participants to get up and walk to the sign that describes them. Have the groups discuss how their birth order affected their choice of a job or how it does or does not affect the way in which they work.
Ball Toss
Movement can help keep introductions from being too boring. Facilitators can use either a beach ball or a smaller, hand-sized ball such as a tennis ball. The group should stand in a circle. The ball should be tossed back and forth across the circle. Participants say their name each time they catch it. When all of them have had a chance to introduce themselves, you can add different challenges, such as asking them to shout out the name of the person who threw them the ball as well as their own or have them share a fact about themselves when they catch the ball. The exercise can also be used later in the workshop to brainstorm ideas or review subjects covered in the workshop.
