It's the first day back at classes for many, and if you're anything like me, you may be dreading one particular phrase uttered by most in-class instructors: "Okay, time for an icebreaker to get to know each other better." I completely understand the intention of icebreakers. I've had to participate in them throughout the years in class and especially in the volunteer organization I'm a part of, Circle K, at national and international conventions. Here's a few reasons why icebreakers can be especially cringe-worthy.
1. How should I present myself?
Usually while the instructor is in the middle of explaining icebreakers I'm either a) thinking on how I should present myself to those around me or b) how I am supposed to memorize 20+ peoples' name and favorite animal? It's not as if when I went into work for the first time I was expected to know everyone's favorite color, favorite vacation spot and other miscellaneous information.
2. When you have nothing to say...
Sometimes I struggle to just answer basic questions! My favorite place to visit? Something about me no one else knows? I mean, how do you answer some of these questions?? What am I going to be asked next?
My favorite is when I'm simply asked to repeat my name and major. Those two things I can answer.
3. When you have to touch other people...
Many of you have probably played the game where you line two equal sets of people facing each other and you interlock your hands to someone on the opposite side and try to de-tangle yourselves without breaking. Let me just say...no. I do not want to hold your hand.
4. Some people are just jerks.
Although icebreakers can be unpleasant, I still participate. Then there are those people that completely make the process more drawn-out and painful than it has to be. While they've watched eight people go before them, they still ask what we're supposed to do, act completely disinterested in everything anyone else has said or talk during someone else's introduction. I don't care to be introduced to these individuals.
5. When it take for....ever....
Icebreakers can be fun when it's entertaining, short and casual. They're not fun when there's three separate activities we need to complete before we're able to leave. Listen, if all we have on the agenda for the day is icebreakers, let us leave on a good note and not after the third icebreaker in a row when we're ready to leave.
6. When there's literally more names than you can remember
I struggle to remember the name of one person recently introduced to me directly. Let alone twenty or more people at once and the animal that best describes them. You know what animal best describes me? A chimpanzee, because I cannot remember what you said more than 30 seconds ago.
7. When the instructor makes no attempt to make it fun
There's a classification between instructors that a) successfully make icebreakers bearable, b) try their hardest to make icebreakers bearable but don't quite succeed and c) those that just do not care. If we're going to have to do them, at least make them worthwhile. We came into class because it's required, but we're here to learn, not suffer through the first-day necessities.
This was all in good fun...but in a "laughing-but-serious" way...how do you feel about icebreakers and what's the best or worst one you've had to do?
