10 Creative icebreakers to start your meeting with AhaSlides

Starting a meeting can often feel like trying to open a frozen lake, it’s quiet, awkward, and tense. But with the right icebreaker, that silence can turn into conversation, laughter, and shared energy. Icebreakers are more than just a warm-up; they’re the key to creating an engaging and collaborative atmosphere. With AhaSlides, the leading interactive presentation software, you can easily deploy creative icebreakers that bring people together and set the tone for a productive meeting.

One of the most effective ways to break the ice is through a word cloud activity. Imagine asking your team, “What’s one word to describe how you’re feeling today?” As responses flood in, a colorful display of words forms on the screen, with the most common ones standing out boldly. This activity isn’t just visually appealing; it creates a shared space where everyone feels seen and heard. Whether your team shares similar thoughts or surprises each other with unique perspectives, the word cloud is a simple yet powerful way to kick off any meeting.

For those who enjoy a little competition, a trivia quiz is always a crowd-pleaser. With AhaSlides, you can craft a quick and engaging quiz that caters to your group’s interests. A marketing team might enjoy questions about iconic ad campaigns, while a remote team could test their knowledge of global trivia. The real-time leaderboard adds excitement, as participants eagerly await to see who takes the top spot. This activity not only energizes the group but also stimulates a bit of friendly rivalry, making the meeting start on a high note.

Another creative option is an emoji mood check-in. Emojis, with their universal appeal, provide a playful way for participants to express themselves. By asking everyone to pick an emoji that best represents their current mood and submit it through AhaSlides, you create an instant snapshot of the room’s energy. Seeing a mix of smiling faces, coffee cups, or even the occasional sleepy emoji sparks laughter and fosters connection.

If your goal is to get people talking about themselves, Two Truths and a Lie is an excellent choice. This classic icebreaker gets a modern upgrade with AhaSlides, allowing participants to submit their responses anonymously if they prefer. As the group guesses which statement is the lie, the activity sparks curiosity and often leads to hilarious discoveries. It’s a fantastic way to break down barriers and learn quirky facts about colleagues or classmates.

Polls are another versatile tool for starting conversations. A quick “Would You Rather” poll can add an element of fun while revealing surprising preferences. Questions like, “Would you rather time travel to the past or the future?” or “Would you rather always have to sing instead of talk or dance instead of walk?” never fail to get people laughing and debating. AhaSlides makes it easy to set up and display the results in real time, adding an interactive touch to this lighthearted activity.

For teams that value creativity, a photo caption contest can be an entertaining way to kick off a meeting. Upload a quirky team photo or an amusing image, and ask participants to submit captions through AhaSlides. Once everyone votes for their favorite, the winning caption is revealed, often amidst laughter and applause. It’s a playful activity that encourages out-of-the-box thinking while lightening the mood.

A gratitude wall, on the other hand, brings a heartfelt and uplifting start to your session. Ask participants to share something they’re grateful for, and watch as AhaSlides transforms their responses into a beautiful word cloud. This activity not only spreads positivity but also fosters a sense of connection and appreciation within the group.

AhaSlides simplifies implementing all these icebreakers and more. Its user-friendly interface allows you to set up interactiv