What are some effective icebreakers or warm-ups for creative meetings?

1 Use a check-in question

A check-in question is an effective way to get everyone to share something personal, relevant, or fun. It can help break the ice, build rapport, and stimulate curiosity. For instance, you could ask: What is something you learned or discovered recently? Or, What is a creative project you are working on or inspired by? You can also use a check-in question to relate to the topic or goal of the meeting. Examples include: What is a question you have about the project or problem we are working on? Or, What is a skill or strength you can contribute to the team or solution? Additionally, you can pose a creative risk or experiment that you want to try or suggest.

2 Play a quick game

A quick game can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing and cultivate a playful atmosphere. Depending on the size, time, and mood of your group, you can select a game that suits your needs. For example, word association is a simple game where one person says a word and the next person says the first word that comes to mind. Two truths and a lie is another option, where each person shares three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is false. Lastly, draw something is an activity where each person gets a piece of paper and pen and draws something related to the meeting theme or objective. Then, they show their drawing to the group and explain what it is and why they chose it.

3 Use a creative prompt

A creative prompt is an invitation to think differently and come up with new ideas or perspectives. You can use a creative prompt to stimulate curiosity, imagination, and divergent thinking. For instance, ask how someone would solve a problem with unlimited resources, time, or talent? Or, how would they explain a concept to a five-year-old, an alien, or a celebrity? Additionally, you can challenge them to improve a situation or process if they could change one rule, assumption, or constraint. Alternatively, you can relate the prompt to the topic or goal of the meeting. For example, ask how they would approach a project or task from a different angle, role, or industry? Or how they would design a prototype, experiment, or test for an idea? Lastly, they could be asked to pitch an idea to a potential customer, partner, or investor.

4 Use a brainstorming technique

Brainstorming techniques are methods or tools that aid in generating, organizing, and evaluating ideas in a structured and collaborative way. These techniques can be used to promote creativity, participation, and feedback. For example, brainwriting involves each person writing down their ideas on a piece of paper and passing it to the next person, who adds their own ideas or comments. The SCAMPER technique provides seven ways to modify or improve an existing idea: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse. The Six Thinking Hats technique assigns different roles or perspectives to each person or group: White (facts and data), Red (emotions and intuition), Black (criticism and risks), Yellow (optimism and benefits), Green (creativity and alternatives), Blue (management and overview).

5 Use a visual aid

A visual aid can be a powerful tool to enhance learning, memory, and expression. For instance, a mind map is a visual representation of the main topic and its subtopics, connections, and details which can help organize, summarize, and expand information or ideas. A collage is a collection of images, words, or symbols that represent a theme, concept, or mood which can help inspire, illustrate, or evoke emotions or associations. Additionally, a storyboard is a sequence of sketches or photos that show the steps, scenes, or actions of a story, process, or solution which can help plan, visualize, or demonstrate a narrative or outcome.

6 Use a physical activity

Physical activities are movements, exercises, or gestures that can help participants relax, energize, or connect with their bodies and senses. Such activities can reduce stress, increase blood flow, and stimulate creativity. For instance, stretching is a great way to loosen muscles, joints, and posture; dancing is a fun way to express yourself and move to the rhythm; and mime is a creative way to act out something without words, sounds, or props. All of these activities can help boost mood, confidence, sharpen observation, imagination, and communication skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?