Innovating Icebreakers

A selection of Icebreakers and Energisers and the Lessons Learnt

Reviewed by Dr Darren Chua

Close to 50 members and guests of APSS met at the Sheraton Towers Hotel and were entertained and enriched by three of our very best - Bob Mittelsdorf, Sharon Connolly and Kenneth Kwan. They shared some icebreakers and energisers they have used in the past, highlighting lessons learnt and certain pitfalls to avoid. It was a session full of fun and laughter that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!

Bob started the session by telling us a story he used in his training sessions. He kept us on the edge of our seats as he told the story of two lovers, Alan and Abigail, who were kept apart due to a violent, sudden storm. Abigail tried her best to reach Alan and met a few colourful characters along the way. One such character was Sinbad who, with his 'devilish' proposition to Abigail, actually brought the lovers together but made the situation worse between them. Bob's lesson learnt with this story was the typecasting he had inadvertently made by making Sinbad the rogue of the story – when he delivered this in the Middle East, he was accused of being racist. Be aware of audience cultural sensitivities when using stories.

Both Sharon and Kenneth then continued the session with two very engaging table games.

Sharon shared with us a game she had used for a large group that worked well as a table game. Using a slightly modified 'Snakes and Ladders', she shared with us what worked (having a novel idea, having two dice, having plenty of questions) as well as the challenges she faced (length of time for all groups to have a turn, lack of a prize for second place). Her take-home message of always being aware of the time and the pace of the game, and to always have a contingency plan, was certainly something that benefitted all.

Kenneth's game was one without props. In his icebreaker, Kenneth divided the group into three sections and proceeded to 'teach' us different harmonies of various tunes and beats. We then sang all the harmonies as a group and produced a great sound! APSS has potential to go out and do some respectable Christmas caroling later this year - led by our very own Kenneth Kwan, of course!

All in all, we learnt some valuable lessons about how to use energisers and ice breakers to add value to our training. Thanks to Bob, Sharon and Kenneth for sharing.