Icebreakers
Icebreakers are a useful tool in any group. They save precious time at all kinds of meetings - not just training events - by helping people find common ground and overcome shyness. Spend a few minutes on an icebreaker at your next meeting; it pays off.
Here are some tried and tested icebreakers that are simple and quick to run:
#1 Nostalgia
Ask each person to produce a coin and find its date. Give them 3 minutes to come up with a memory about something that happened in that year. Depending on the time you have, you can ask each person to talk for a few minutes, or restrict them to three sentences as they share the memory with the group. People will reveal funny and fascinating facts about themselves: one of my favourites was a fellow Roxy Music fan who (almost!) had a fling with Bryan Ferry! It's a great ice breaker because it helps people to express something about them that is unrelated to work and everyone gets to know each other better.
The only downside is - you may find yourself, as I just did, giving your age away!
#2 Sexy Sadie
This icebreaker allows people to say something about themselves at the start of an event or meeting; it always makes people laugh and relax. It can be used in groups with people who do, or don't already know one another.
Ask each participant to choose an adjective that begins with the first letter of their first name, and one that they think matches their personality (Sensuous Sam, Energetic Elizabeth, etc.) Let them introduce themselves by this name, and allow a minute for laughter, comment and questions.