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Original poster

Zoom icebreaker that won’t make us cringe

88 replies

Handsnotwands · 02/05/2020 09:22

I’ve been tasked with the ice breaker for our monthly team meeting next week

We’ve got a good few new team members since lockdown. There’ll be about 25 of us in total so it needs to work for lots of people.

10 mins in total.

Past ones have been wear a hat / scavenger hunt / draw a unknown pic from instructions given verbally etc

I actually hate this stuff but can see that it is a good way to begin a remote meeting

Anyone done one that works well for that many people over zoom?

OP posts:
LittleBearPad · 02/05/2020 09:27

Through the keyhole? Get people to send photos, put them up on screen and then guess whose house it is?
Or bingo?

Original poster
Handsnotwands · 02/05/2020 09:37

Ooo through the keyhole is good. Thank you

I thought about a treasure hunt where 10 or so people place an object in their background but I can’t quite fully form my plan to make it work well

OP posts:
Original poster
Handsnotwands · 02/05/2020 09:39

We’ve got menti meter (which is like an interactive thing where participants submit their answers) which I think could cone in useful

OP posts:
violetbunny · 02/05/2020 09:43

We've used menti meter for photo competitions... everyone has to dress up in a theme (or show us something, e.g. how they are spending their free time in lockdown) and submit their photo ahead of the meeting. Then vote on the best one

britnay · 02/05/2020 10:05

How about introduce your pet?

EatsShootsAndRuns · 02/05/2020 10:30

Ugh, creeping death. Hate it.

EmpressLangClegInChair · 02/05/2020 10:31

Any kind of icebreaker would feel cringey to at least some people, I think.

GreyGardens88 · 02/05/2020 10:32

This sort of crap that comes with work these days makes me want to quit work forever and live in a tent in the forest, All this is shit, though I know you know that. I wish we could all get down to the task at hand instead of playing primary school games

Ivegotnothing · 02/05/2020 10:38

Get everyone to send in a baby / young photo and guess who is who?

WeAllHaveWings · 02/05/2020 10:40

Put a scene from favourite movie as your background and everyone needs to guess the movies. Keep it relaxed chat together, no competition or forced contribution

Oxyiz · 02/05/2020 10:43

I like the movie screen idea. Thats the least cringeworthy so far.

MrAlyhakinsMassiveYacht · 02/05/2020 10:47

Get a goat. www.cronkshawfoldfarm.co.uk/goatsonzoom

Don't mention it's a goat.

stuckindoors77 · 02/05/2020 12:15

Get everybody to share their least favourite icebreaker?

SomethingOnce · 02/05/2020 12:33

DP’s workplace seems to be populated by emotionally self-sufficient professionals who can successfully run a meeting without all this childish nonsense.

Mine, otoh...

Let’s just say I’m starting to resent having to play along.

SomethingOnce · 02/05/2020 12:37

Some people won’t want to share pictures of their home.

Not everyone enjoys cinema.

How would someone explain not having baby photos to share, or not wanting to? (Doesn’t take much to imagine a few reasons why that could be, and why you wouldn’t want to have to explain the reasons.)

SomethingOnce · 02/05/2020 12:39

e.g. how they are spending their free time in lockdown)

Mind your own damn business Grin

Megatron · 02/05/2020 13:00

This sort of crap that comes with work these days makes me want to quit work forever and live in a tent in the forest, All this is shit, though I know you know that. I wish we could all get down to the task at hand instead of playing primary school games

This, ten times over. I just want to get on with what we're talking about, not fanny about with games. I don't want to show people my home, wear a hat, or any other shite. #miserableoldgimmer

bubblesforlife · 02/05/2020 13:02

Honestly, the trick is to keep it simple.

Right, what did you have for breakfast this morning?

How many cups of tea or coffee have you had today so far ?

What's the one item you're excited about in your next trip to the supermarket ?

What show have you been binging on?

These are easy, lighthearted and engaging!

BarbedBloom · 02/05/2020 13:08

I hate this stuff, so much. But if you must do it then avoid anything personal. I wouldn't want to share photos of my house. We also had a trans person in our work place so there is no way baby photo ice breakers would have been allowed. I don't have any anyway as my father tore them all up to upset my mother.

I think the movie background is the best option.

AmyFl · 02/05/2020 13:11

Can't you just get straight into the meeting. The idea of dressing up in fancy dress for work.... oh my god. It's ok if you've got loads of people in the workplace that you consider friends- but some of us are just there to earn a living, we don't want to do that sort of stuff.

Pipandmum · 02/05/2020 13:15

My husband used to start meetings with new colleagues with a 'tell us something about yourself that would surprise people'. He looked like a typical overweight (but cuddly!) middle aged corporate man with a receding hairline. His surprise was that he used to be a child model.
Simple and effective and makes every one look at you in a new light.

Cantfindaholiday · 02/05/2020 13:15

Say hello and introduce yourself? Job done.

FlaskMaster · 02/05/2020 13:16

I'd do introduce your pet. Everyone loves pets or they can fuck off.

Greenandcabbagelooking · 02/05/2020 13:16

Buy chocolate bars, slice them open, and people have to guess what chocolate bar it.

daisypond · 02/05/2020 13:22

through the keyhole is a terrible idea. People won’t want to share images of their living environment and nor should they be obliged to do so. Likewise, sharing personal information.