Worried about how an introvert can break the ice with their teammates? While introverts tend to be quiet and reserved, that doesn't mean they don't want to socialize. It means they need help when conversing and getting comfortable around new people.
That's why we'll share with you games and questions that work best for breaking the ice with them. You'll learn how much more there is than "small talk" when getting along with introverts once you try them!
Why do introverts hate icebreakers?
Before we begin, let’s talk about why introverts hate icebreakers. Introverts feel uncomfortable when there are many people around. That's because they'd rather have deep and meaningful conversations in a one-on-one setting. So, when they're forced into an icebreaker, it makes them feel nervous. That’s why group activities can be incredibly draining for them.
Accordingly, it's essential for the icebreaker master to keep introverts comfortable! Let them get involved in making conversation but not feel forced into being chatty. And that’s where the icebreaking games and questions for introverts come in.
10 Icebreaking games for introverts
1. Two truths and a lie
This one is a great way to get introverts talking about themselves. It requires them to tell you something personal! They'll either go with the truth, leading you to get to know them, or tell you two truthful things and one that isn't. Then, it's your job to figure out which is the lie.
2. Inflatable beach ball questions
In this game, everyone first sits in a circle. Then, you start by bouncing an inflatable beach ball with a question written on it. Whoever catches the ball when it comes their way has to answer the question. Then, they'll throw the ball to someone else, who will, in turn, bounce it to someone else when they're ready.
3. Boss of the world
This one's simple: everyone closes their eyes and imagines they're the boss of the world. Then, someone starts asking them questions like: "Boss of the world, what do you do first thing in the morning?" or "Boss of the world, if you could change one rule/law/regulation today, what would it be and why?"
4. Things in common
Here, you present your team with questions and they discover what they have in common. Some examples are: "How old are you?", "What kind of music do you like?", "Where are you from?", "What is your favorite color?" and more.
5. Matching task
With a matching task, everyone holds onto a pen/pencil and scrap paper. They're then asked to answer a question on the sheet in 10 seconds and stick it on a wall. Everyone is then tasked with matching the answers to the question to the person who gave that answer.
6. Name game
This one is a classic icebreaker game that works really well for introverts! Go around in a circle and have each person say:
- Their name
- The thing they like most about themselves
- The thing they dislike most about themselves
What makes it great for introverts is that it really gets them to open up without feeling any pressure.
7. Table topics
Table topics can be short, one-sentence discussions about a topic (e.g., "if you could go back in time, what would you do?"). They could also be longer questions like: "What is your favorite meal of the day and why?" or "What is your earliest childhood memory?"
8. Last letter guessing
With this game, someone starts by saying a word that represents nature (e.g., "sun", "mountain", "river"). The next person has to say a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word, and so on. Keep going until someone can't think of another one!
9. The positivity game
This one helps introverts, especially shy and socially anxious ones, to get comfortable. To play it, tape a sheet of paper on everyone's back.
Then, each person writes something positive about the person whose back they're facing. After that, let them stick it to the person's back.
You'll be surprised by how well this game works since everyone will end up getting to know each other pretty well. Plus, everyone feels good and confident after playing this game!
10. Bad Stock images caption contest
This contest is great for getting introverts to open up, making it an excellent icebreaker. To play it, make a slideshow of some bad stock images. Each person has to come up with their own caption for each image and then vote on the best ones.
10 Icebreaking questions for introverts
And now for the questions!
- Do you lean toward cats or dogs?
- Do you prefer to get up early or stay up late?
- What did you want to be when you were a kid?
- Do you prefer working from home or working in an office?
- Do you have any brothers or sisters?
- Winter or summer?
- Which superhero would you want to be if you had the ability?
- What would you choose if you had a chance to master any superpower and why?
- What skill would you want to be able to master instantly?
- Tell us five things you keep in your bag on a regular basis!
These are just examples of icebreaker questions, but feel free to choose other ones or even make up your own! The idea is just to ask questions that get people talking comfortably.
Give these games & questions a try!
Now that you know what games and questions work best for introverts, give it a shot! Possibly at your next team-building event or work retreat? The more you try, the better you'll get at creating an instant rapport with even the quietest of teammates! And remember, Surf Office is here to help you plan the perfect gathering!
