HOW TO BREAK THE ICE: INTRODUCTORY "ICE-BREAKERS"

"ICE-BREAKERS" AND "WARM-UPS"

In the past, most speakers liked easing off the tension by asking people to introduce themselves before the presentation/speech started. But this approach only shifted the tension from the speaker to the audience since audience members would get intimidated by the sudden, unprepared speech they have to deliver.

FREE, CREATIVE, FUN ICE-BREAKERS: EXAMPLES OF ENERGIZING ICEBREAKERS

1. Ask everyone to stand up and take a few deep breaths. This will get them to relax.

2. Ask everyone to introduce the person next to them. This creates relationships between the audience members as people get to know each other's names and start relating at a completely different level; and participating better in the discussions. It is also easier to introduce someone than to introduce your own self.

3. Everyone stand up and greet the person in front of you or behind you. This will initiate humour as everyone turns to find only the backs of the people behind them . Tension is eased as everyone is now relaxed and much more attentive and receptive of the speaker.The speaker is fun and likeable; s/he is human afterall! This is my favourite ice breaker because it creates laughter - a tranquilizer without any side effects.

4. This one is popular in churches: tell the person next to you that "I'm glad you made it (here) today."

ICE-BREAKING GAMES AND EXERCISES THAT INVOLVE AND WARM UP THE AUDIENCE: HOW TO WARM AND ENERGIZE THE AUDIENCE

Let the group write their perceptions of their co-attendees on a piece of paper, as they see them or as they appear to them. What kind of person are they, in one word? This works nicely for small groups that don't know each other. People's perceptions of others can be interesting.

Let your audience write down their goals and expectations of the course/training/presentation on a piece of paper.

Ask the audience a question related to your presentation. Make it fun and/or thought-provoking. Usually a question that would require people to raise their hands would work the best.

Start with a nice, quotable quote. It can be a fun quote; a though-provoking quote or one that's related to your topic. I love the quote below, it gets people thinking and nodding in agreement. It's quite deep and full of truth.

"Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There's each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is" - William James

Go ahead, break and melt that ice - and speak-up, with power, confidence and eloquence!

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