Not everyone likes to present. This is especially true when you must present in front of strangers, but some people are nervous also in a familiar environment – even among colleagues. For these situations using icebreakers at the beginning of the presentation can be the perfect choice. In this blog post, we will explain the meaning of it, the benefits of using an icebreaker and the factors to be considered when choosing an icebreaker.
What is an icebreaker?
The icebreaker, as the name suggests, breaks the tension between two parties by easing the mood of the presenter and the audience. In the first round, the presenter doesn’t necessarily have to talk about the topic. An icebreaker can help the presenter get into the talk and brings the audience closer to the presenter. Icebreaking makes both the performer, and the audience feel more relaxed, so it makes it easier for both sides to convey and absorb important information.
Icebreakers can take many different forms and vary depending on the size of the audience, but anything can be interpreted as an icebreaker to open up the participants.
The benefits of using icebreakers
There are many advantages of using icebreakers, we have collected the 5 most important one.
1. Creating a pleasant atmosphere
Icebreakers help to relieve tense silences, create a more comfortable atmosphere between participants and thus reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Facilitating communication and networking
These activities allow participants to open more easily in the group, communicate and build relationships with each other.
3. Fostering a sense of connection
Icebreaking activities usually create positive experiences and memories that strengthen bonds between people and create a sense of unity. The latter is particularly important for people working in teams.
4. Stimulating creativity
Some types of icebreakers include challenges that stimulate participants’ creativity and problem-solving skills.
5. Flexible adaptability
Icebreaking exercises can be used in a wide range of forms and environments.
What to look for when choosing an icebreaker?
When selecting icebreakers, there are a number of factors to consider ensuring that they are truly effective and appropriate for the situation and group.
Nature and size of the group
It is important to consider who makes up the group. The icebreaker must adapt to the age, professional background and the size of the group.
Aim and objective
When choosing an icebreaker, you should think about the purpose of the event or meeting. The selected icebreaker should support the pre-established goal, whether it is to build relationships, strengthen team spirit or simply to lighten the mood.
Time frame
Take the duration and number of icebreakers into consideration to fit the schedule of the event or meeting. An icebreaker that is too long or too short is not effective.
Comfort level
Icebreakers should offer an activity that is comfortable for the participants. For example, the suitable icebreaker for an introverted group might be one that does not require standing out in large company or talking.
Fun factor
It is important that the icebreaker is fun and interesting for the participants. If the participants find it enjoyable, they are more likely to be active during the task and to become relaxed more easily.
Creativity
Unique and creative icebreakers are usually more effective, because they attract the attention and curiosity of those present. It is worth choosing activities that offer a fresh approach and an opportunity for individual creativity to flourish.
Environment
When choosing an icebreaker, it is important to consider the space and equipment available. For example, if there is little space available or no access to technological equipment, activities should be chosen that are adapted to this.
Experimentation and feedback
It’s not a bad idea to experiment with different icebreaking techniques and listen to the participants’ feedback, and then use this as a basis for future work.
The icebreaker is therefore a perfect solution to relieve tension during presentations, but choosing the right icebreaker is a complex process. It involves several factors and considerations that need to be carefully thought through in order to ensure that the icebreaker is suited to the needs of the situation and the group.
If you want to relieve the tension at the beginning of your presentation, use icebreakers with Vivicon!
