In a world of back-to-back virtual and hybrid meetings, the first five minutes often determine an entire session's energy and effectiveness. Stale opening questions like "How was your weekend?" frequently result in disengaged silence or polite, surface-level answers that fail to connect anyone. This guide is designed to break that unproductive cycle.
We have gathered a definitive list of genuinely great icebreakers for meetings, moving beyond the mundane to strategically build rapport, ignite creativity, and establish a positive, collaborative atmosphere from the start. These aren't just time-fillers; they are structured activities that encourage meaningful interaction and psychological safety.
Each icebreaker is presented with clear, actionable steps for both in-person and remote teams. You’ll find specific guidance on how to use virtual meeting tools like AONMeetings' interactive polling, collaborative whiteboards, and focused breakout rooms to boost participation. For those looking to elevate engagement even further, exploring a broader range of activities, such as these unforgettable corporate event entertainment ideas, can offer additional inspiration. Prepare to transform your meeting kick-offs into valuable moments that ensure every participant feels included, energized, and ready to contribute.
1. Two Truths and a Lie
A reliable classic for a reason, "Two Truths and a Lie" is one of the most effective and great icebreakers for meetings. Each person shares three "facts" about themselves: two that are true and one that is false. The rest of the group then votes or discusses which statement they believe is the lie, revealing surprising personal histories and sparking genuine curiosity among team members.
This activity is perfect for building rapport in new teams or helping established colleagues connect on a more personal level. It works exceptionally well in a virtual setting because it requires no special equipment, just creative thinking and a willingness to share.
Best For
- Group Size: 5–15 people
- Time: 10–20 minutes
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Explain the Rules: Clearly state that each person will share three statements and others will guess the lie. The facilitator should go first to provide a clear example.
- Gather Guesses with a Poll: After a participant shares their three statements, launch a quick AONMeetings poll. List the statements as options A, B, and C, and ask everyone to vote for the one they think is the lie.
- The Big Reveal: Once voting closes, the person reveals the lie. This moment often leads to fun follow-up questions and stories.
- Keep it Moving: Use a timer to ensure each person's turn stays within a 1-2 minute window, respecting the meeting's agenda.
Pro Tip: Encourage statements that are unexpected but plausible. "I've never eaten pizza" is a better lie than "I've wrestled a bear," as it generates more debate and engagement.
2. Speed Networking Rounds
To connect participants in a large group quickly, "Speed Networking Rounds" is one of the most great icebreakers for meetings. This activity uses timed, one-on-one conversations to foster introductions in a structured format. Participants are paired up for a few minutes, have a brief chat, and then rotate to meet someone new, ensuring everyone interacts beyond their usual circle.
This method is highly effective for large corporate events, virtual conferences, or departmental cross-training where building a broad network is key. It breaks down the intimidating task of meeting dozens of new people into a series of manageable, low-pressure conversations, making it ideal for both introverts and extroverts.
Best For
- Group Size: 20+ people
- Time: 30–60 minutes
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Prepare Participants: Before starting, post a list of conversation starter questions in the main chat. Also, share a list of participant names and roles for context.
- Use Automatic Breakout Rooms: Use the AONMeetings breakout room feature to automatically and randomly assign participants into pairs. Set the room timer for 4-5 minutes.
- Broadcast Prompts: During the rounds, use the "Broadcast Message to All" feature to send a discussion prompt or a one-minute warning to keep conversations on track.
- Rotate and Repeat: Once the timer expires, automatically close the rooms and shuffle the participants into new pairs for the next round. Repeat this process for the allotted time.
Pro Tip: For hybrid events, create a mix of virtual-only, in-person-only, and mixed breakout rooms. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their location, gets a chance to connect with new colleagues.
3. Would You Rather
A classic question game, "Would You Rather" is one of the most versatile and great icebreakers for meetings. The facilitator poses a series of questions, each presenting two distinct choices. Participants then share their preference, sparking immediate conversation and revealing personality traits in a low-pressure, engaging way.
This icebreaker is excellent for its simplicity and adaptability. You can tailor the questions to be fun and lighthearted (e.g., "Would you rather have the ability to fly or to be invisible?") or more aligned with professional scenarios. Marketing teams, for example, might use it to warm up for a brainstorming session, while legal teams could customize questions related to career choices.
Best For
- Group Size: 5–30+ people
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Prepare Your Questions: Create a list of 5-10 "Would you rather" questions that are appropriate for your audience. Mix in fun, imaginative scenarios with a few that are gently thought-provoking.
- Launch a Live Poll: For each question, use AONMeetings' live polling feature. Present the two choices and give everyone 30 seconds to vote. Displaying the results in real-time adds a great visual element.
- Spark a Brief Discussion: After revealing the poll results, ask one or two people from each side to briefly explain their choice. This turns a simple vote into a genuine connection point.
- Use the Chat for More Voices: Encourage participants to drop their reasoning into the chat to keep the energy high and ensure everyone gets to contribute without interrupting the flow.
Pro Tip: Avoid controversial or divisive topics. The goal is to create a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Keep questions focused on hypothetical situations that encourage creativity and light debate.
4. Collaborative Whiteboard Challenge
A perfect way to get creative juices flowing, the Collaborative Whiteboard Challenge turns a digital tool into a playground for ideas. Participants work together in real-time on a shared canvas to complete a fun, visual task. This could be anything from trying to draw the company logo from memory to creating a team mascot or solving a visual puzzle, making it one of the most interactive and great icebreakers for meetings.
This activity is especially powerful for remote and hybrid teams, as it encourages direct, simultaneous participation and breaks down the passive nature of some video calls. Tech startups, design agencies, and educational groups often use this method to foster a hands-on, collaborative culture right from the start of a session.
Best For
- Group Size: 4–20 people
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Format: Remote or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Set Up the Whiteboard: Before the meeting, open the AONMeetings Whiteboard. You can learn more about its features on the AONMeetings collaborative online whiteboard page.
- Explain the Challenge: Clearly state the goal and the time limit. Use simple, engaging prompts like, "Draw what this project feels like" or "Design a flag for our team."
- Encourage Simultaneous Drawing: Instruct everyone to jump in and start drawing at the same time rather than taking turns. This creates a fun, slightly chaotic energy that sparks laughter and creativity.
- Celebrate the Result: Once the timer is up, take a moment to appreciate the final creation. Screenshot the whiteboard to share in a team channel later, preserving the fun memory.
Pro Tip: Keep the challenges simple and focused on creativity, not artistic skill. The goal is to collaborate and have fun, not to produce a masterpiece. This ensures everyone feels comfortable participating.
5. Personal Background Spotlight
This method moves beyond simple facts to foster deep, authentic connections. The Personal Background Spotlight gives a team member two to three minutes to share a brief personal story about their background, career journey, or a unique skill they possess. This structured storytelling reveals the human side of colleagues, building empathy and understanding across roles and departments.
As one of the most meaningful and great icebreakers for meetings, it’s highly effective for onboarding new hires or bridging gaps between different teams, like clinical and administrative staff in a hospital. It works wonderfully in a virtual format, where participants can use screen sharing to show photos or personal projects, adding a rich visual layer to their story.
Best For
- Group Size: Any size (spotlight one person per meeting)
- Time: 5–7 minutes per person
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Prepare the Speaker: Send the designated person a few prompt questions 24 hours in advance so they can prepare. Examples include: "What led you to your current role?" or "Share a story about a hobby you're passionate about."
- Facilitate the Share: Introduce the person and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. Encourage them to use AONMeetings' Screen Share feature to display relevant photos, a portfolio, or slides.
- Encourage Engagement: After the story, open the floor for a brief 2-minute Q&A. Use the "Raise Hand" feature to manage questions in an orderly fashion.
- Preserve the Story: Use the Recording feature to capture the spotlight. This allows team members who missed the meeting to watch it later and feel connected.
Pro Tip: As the facilitator, go first to model the desired tone and level of openness. This helps set a comfortable and appropriate standard for what others should share.
6. Live Poll-Based Personality Quiz
A fast-paced and insightful activity, a Live Poll-Based Personality Quiz uses real-time polling to reveal team dynamics and communication styles. The facilitator asks a series of rapid-fire questions related to work preferences or personality traits, and participants answer instantly. The aggregated results are then displayed, offering a visual snapshot of the team's composition.
This method is one of the most engaging and great icebreakers for meetings because it provides immediate, data-driven conversation starters. It's excellent for helping teams understand their collective strengths and appreciate the diversity of perspectives within the group, turning a simple quiz into a meaningful team-building moment.
Best For
- Group Size: 8–30 people
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Prepare the Quiz: Create a short quiz of 5–7 multiple-choice questions based on a simplified framework like DISC or a work-style assessment. Each question should explore a different preference (e.g., "How do you prefer to receive feedback?").
- Launch Polls Sequentially: Run each question as a separate poll to keep the pace brisk and engaging. As you launch each poll, read the question aloud and give participants 15-20 seconds to respond. You can learn how to create a poll in AONMeetings to get started.
- Share and Discuss Results: After each poll closes, share the results with the group. Use the visual breakdown to spark a brief discussion about the team's preferences and what the results might mean for collaboration.
- Summarize Key Takeaways: Conclude by highlighting how different styles complement one another, reinforcing the value of the team's diverse approaches to work.
Pro Tip: Frame the quiz as a tool for understanding, not labeling. Emphasize that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers, which encourages honest participation and prevents anyone from feeling stereotyped by their results.
7. Themed Show and Tell
A modern twist on a childhood favorite, "Themed Show and Tell" invites participants to share an object from their personal space that holds meaning. Each person briefly presents an item related to a pre-selected theme, like a favorite hobby, a cherished memory, or something that represents their professional role. This is one of the most personal and great icebreakers for meetings because it bridges the gap between digital and physical worlds.
This activity is excellent for humanizing remote colleagues, offering a tangible glimpse into their lives and personalities beyond the screen. It builds empathy and encourages storytelling, making it ideal for teams looking to foster deeper, more authentic connections.
Best For
- Group Size: 5–20 people
- Time: 15–25 minutes
- Format: Remote or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Announce in Advance: Send out the theme at least a few days before the meeting so people have time to choose an item. Offer a few options, such as "Something that makes you smile" or "An object from your desk," to ensure everyone can participate comfortably.
- Set Clear Time Limits: Establish a strict 1-2 minute time limit per person to keep the activity on track. The facilitator should gently enforce the time to respect the overall meeting agenda.
- Spotlight the Speaker: Use AONMeetings' Spotlight feature to make the speaker's video feed the main view for all participants. This helps everyone focus on the person and see their object clearly.
- Encourage Questions: After each share, allow one or two brief questions from the group to promote interaction and conversation.
Pro Tip: Make participation optional. This removes any pressure for those who might be uncomfortable sharing or who couldn't find an item in time, ensuring the activity remains a positive experience for everyone.
8. Quick-Fire Rapid-Response Questions
To inject a burst of energy into any meeting, Quick-Fire Rapid-Response Questions are a fantastic choice. The facilitator poses a series of fast-paced questions, and participants either shout out their one-word answers or type them into the chat. The goal is speed and spontaneity, not deep reflection, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.
This method is one of the great icebreakers for meetings because its fast tempo breaks down inhibitions and generates laughter. It's especially effective for sales teams needing a jolt of energy before presentations or for daily standups to get everyone engaged from the start. The rapid exchange reveals fun tidbits about colleagues and gets everyone thinking and participating simultaneously.
Best For
- Group Size: 8–30+ people
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Format: In-person, Remote, or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Prepare Your Questions: Create a list of 25-30 short questions in advance. Mix silly prompts ("What's your spirit animal?") with work-related ones ("What's your superpower on our team?").
- Set the Pace: Explain that the goal is to answer as quickly as possible without overthinking. Announce that you will not pause between questions to maintain momentum.
- Use the Chat Feature: Instruct everyone to open the AONMeetings chat panel. As you ask each question, participants type their answers and hit enter. This creates a cascade of responses, ensuring everyone can join in.
- Highlight and Engage: Read some of the most interesting or funny chat answers aloud as they appear. This acknowledges participation and keeps the energy high.
Pro Tip: Keep the questions simple and open-ended, avoiding anything that requires a long explanation. The key is volume and speed, so questions like "Coffee or tea?" or "Favorite season?" work perfectly.
9. Breakout Room Small Group Discussions
For larger meetings where whole-group sharing can be intimidating, breaking out into smaller groups is one of the most effective and great icebreakers for meetings. Participants are divided into small, manageable groups of 3-5 people in virtual breakout rooms to discuss a specific prompt. This approach creates psychological safety for quieter individuals to contribute more freely.
This method is excellent for collecting diverse feedback, fostering collaboration, and ensuring everyone gets a chance to speak. After a set time, groups reconvene to share key insights, making the main discussion richer and more inclusive. Healthcare teams find this useful for sensitive topic discussions, while corporations use it to gather honest feedback without pressure.
Best For
- Group Size: 10–50+ people
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Format: Remote or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Set the Stage: Announce the prompt clearly to the main group. Post the question(s) in the main chat so everyone can refer to them once they are in their breakout rooms.
- Launch Breakout Rooms: Use the AONMeetings breakout room feature to automatically or manually assign participants to small groups. A 5-10 minute timer is ideal to keep the discussion focused. To learn more about setting this up, explore how to use AONMeetings breakout rooms for effective team discussions.
- Appoint a Reporter: Ask each group to designate one person to take notes and report back 1-2 key takeaways when everyone returns to the main session.
- Facilitate the Report-Back: Bring everyone back and ask each group's reporter to briefly share their highlights. This synthesizes the smaller conversations for the benefit of the entire team.
Pro Tip: Strategically assign groups to mix different departments, roles, or seniority levels. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to more creative and well-rounded discussions.
10. Video Background Story Challenge
A fantastic way to add visual flair to virtual gatherings, the Video Background Story Challenge is one of the more creative and great icebreakers for meetings. Each person chooses a custom virtual background that tells a story about them, such as a dream vacation spot, a beloved hobby, or an aspirational workspace. One by one, participants share their screen and explain the significance behind their chosen image.
This activity is perfect for remote and hybrid teams, as it uses built-in video conferencing features to spark conversation. It's a low-pressure way for team members to express their personality and interests, leading to more memorable and authentic connections. The visual component helps keep everyone engaged and provides a simple, shared experience.
Best For
- Group Size: 5–20 people
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Format: Remote or Hybrid
How to Run It in AONMeetings
- Give Advance Notice: Ask participants to select a meaningful AONMeetings virtual background before the meeting. This gives them time to find or create the perfect image and handle any technical setup.
- Facilitator Goes First: Start the activity by sharing your own background and its story. This provides a clear example and sets a comfortable tone for sharing.
- Share in Order: Go around the virtual room, asking each person to take a minute to explain their background. Use a timer to keep the activity on track and ensure everyone gets a turn.
- Capture the Moment: Take a group screenshot of everyone with their unique backgrounds. This creates a great memento that can be shared in a company newsletter or team chat to celebrate the team's personality.
Pro Tip: Create a few company-branded or themed virtual backgrounds as easy options for those who may not have time to find their own. This ensures everyone can participate without feeling unprepared.
Top 10 Meeting Icebreakers Comparison
| Activity | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Truths and a Lie | Low — simple rules, minimal facilitation | None; optional timer, video | Fast personal rapport, light-hearted engagement | Small teams, onboarding, cross-department meetings | Inclusive, quick, memorable |
| Speed Networking Rounds | Medium–High — requires logistics and timing | Breakout rooms, timers, participant list | Many new connections, efficient networking | Large meetings, conferences, networking events | Scalable, ensures broad contact |
| Would You Rather | Low — easy to run with polling | Live poll or chat, prepared questions | Instant engagement, conversational prompts | Quick openers, large groups, diverse teams | Low-stakes, encourages equal participation |
| Collaborative Whiteboard Challenge | Medium — needs facilitation and coordination | Collaborative whiteboard, stable connection | Creative collaboration, team bonding, artifacts | Creative teams, tech-forward orgs, small groups | Visual, hands-on, showcases platform tools |
| Personal Background Spotlight | Medium — time-managed storytelling | Screen share, strict time limits | Deeper empathy, stronger interpersonal ties | Team building, leadership retreats, onboarding | Meaningful connections, celebrates diversity |
| Live Poll-Based Personality Quiz | Medium — quiz design and moderation | Live polling, validated question set, anonymity option | Team composition insights, discussion starters | Large teams, leadership development, HR programs | Data-driven, visual comparison of traits |
| Themed Show and Tell | Low–Medium — needs advance notice | Camera, physical object, optional props | Warm personal connections, memorable stories | Remote team bonding, virtual retreats | Personal, tangible, encourages storytelling |
| Quick-Fire Rapid-Response Questions | Low — high-energy facilitation | Prepared rapid questions, chat or mic | Immediate energy boost, spontaneous engagement | Pre-meeting energizers, kickoffs, large groups | Fast, entertaining, time-efficient |
| Breakout Room Small Group Discussions | Medium — requires facilitation and prompts | Breakout rooms, prompts, note-taker, timer | Deeper discussion, increased participation from quiet members | Large meetings, feedback sessions, sensitive topics | Psychological safety, richer insights |
| Video Background Story Challenge | Low–Medium — tech setup for backgrounds | Virtual background assets, brief prep time | Visual storytelling, creative talking points | Hybrid meetings, client demos, virtual events | Visually engaging, low personal exposure |
| Live Poll-Based Personality Quiz | Medium — (duplicate entry consolidated) | Live polling, question design | Team insights, discussion topics | Leadership, diversity initiatives | Visual, anonymous, comparative data |
Making Every Meeting an Opportunity for Connection
The activities detailed in this guide are more than just simple warm-ups; they are strategic tools for building a more connected, engaged, and effective team. The core takeaway is that the best icebreakers are never chosen at random. Instead, they are selected with intention, aligning with the meeting's purpose, the team's personality, and the specific goals you aim to achieve. Whether you’re running a quick daily check-in or a major project kickoff, the right opening sets the stage for success.
Moving beyond the basic "fun and games" mindset is critical. A well-executed icebreaker like a Collaborative Whiteboard Challenge can reveal team dynamics and problem-solving styles, while a simple round of Would You Rather can lower barriers and foster a sense of shared humanity. The key is to see these moments not as a delay to the "real work," but as an essential part of it. They build the psychological safety needed for honest feedback, creative brainstorming, and genuine collaboration.
Key Principles for Lasting Impact
As you begin to integrate these ideas, keep these guiding principles in mind:
- Intentionality is Everything: Match the activity to your meeting's objective. A creative brainstorm might benefit from a high-energy starter, while a sensitive review meeting may require a more reflective and calm opening.
- Adapt and Overcome: Don't be afraid to modify an icebreaker to better suit your team. Adjust timings, change questions, or combine elements from different activities to create something uniquely effective for your group.
- Consistency Builds Culture: Making connection a regular part of your meeting rhythm signals that you value your team as people, not just as producers of work. This consistency is fundamental to building a strong and resilient organizational culture. To truly foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, explore practical strategies on how to increase employee engagement within your team.
Ultimately, the power of these great icebreakers for meetings lies in their ability to turn a routine gathering into a genuine opportunity for connection. By thoughtfully applying these techniques and using purpose-built tools, you can ensure every participant feels seen, heard, and ready to contribute their best work. The result is not just better meetings, but a stronger, more cohesive team.
Ready to transform your meetings from mundane to magnetic? AONMeetings provides all the integrated tools you need, from dynamic polling and collaborative whiteboards to seamless breakout rooms, all within a single browser tab. Start building stronger connections today by exploring the powerful, user-friendly platform at AONMeetings.