This is a question that I am hoping you will make a comment about because it is certainly up to personal preferences as to how you run your icebreakers and whether you want your group rolling around the floor laughing or not.
They do say that laughing is the best medicine and it has many benefits to the individual, such as; helping to release enzymes and hormones, helps reduce stress, increases the blood flow, I even read somewhere it helps to burn calories and improve weight loss.
Not only does laughing have its health benefits it also enhances our ability to interact with others, brings people closer together, boosts self confidence and energizes us and increases our interest in daily activities.
Icebreakers can be used for so many different situations and occasions it is so important that you establish what you want your outcome to be when you are running your icebreakers. In my opinion, Icebreakers are all about encouraging your group to interact and build rapport with others, to relax and feel comfortable in the surroundings and learn something about themselves, others and possibly the topic that they are learning. So making the Icebreakers funny and encouraging your trainees to have a laugh can only create an even greater positive impact on the results that are achieved.
The definite big MUST for all your icebreakers and your training is that your trainees ENJOY what you are delivering, if they don’t then you will find that not only you will be bored yourself and end up hating what you do but also your trainees energy will be seriously low, they will learn anything and you will lose trust, respect and credibility as a trainer.
So make it fun, pick your icebreakers carefully and make sure that you are having fun too. You do all that they you can only create positive results!! :-)
Happy Training!
P.S Enter your comments below, do you think Icebreakers should be funny?
One good possession every blogger has to have is the power of engagement and you've got it. Solid!
Posted by: HCG Drops | 27 June 2011 at 09:59 AM
Funny is how one perceives something. Ice breakers should be fun, not necessarily funny. But if one wants the icebreaker to be funny, it must obviously suit the occasion.
There is a time and place for everything.
Posted by: Shariefa Darries | 24 January 2011 at 07:28 AM
I like your emphasis on ice breakers being "enjoyable." I agree that is the number one goal. If they have fun in the process; great. Fun then becomes an individual's natural choice as they react to both enjoyment and connecting with the purpose of the ice breaker.
Posted by: Jeff Brunson | 21 January 2011 at 03:41 PM
Most participants prefer there to be a point to the ice breaker -- it is related to the topic. If it is funny it is more enjoyable. But just to be funny, the grumps in the room will complain if it is not related to the topic. A fun, related icebreaker is what I try to use. Laughter opens feelings. And the grumps then do not begrudge others' laughter if their time was not wasted on meaningless unrelated activity.
Posted by: Shannon | 21 January 2011 at 01:58 PM