6 (Actually) Engaging Icebreakers & Energizers

We’ve all been there—kicking off a meeting, workshop, or training session only to be met with blank stares, low energy, or hesitant participation. In another scenario, the day started of great and then lunch happened or a challenging conversation was had and the energy drops. The right icebreaker or energizer can be the key to turning that around, creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable, (re)engaged, and ready to participate.

At HueLife, we specialize in facilitation and training that transforms group dynamics. To help you overcome disengagement, our team has compiled six of our favorite icebreakers and energizers that are actually engaging—each tested and loved by our expert facilitators. We’ll share our go-to activities, explaining why they work and how to use them effectively.

Whether you’re leading a team meeting, a training session, or a community event, these activities will help you spark connection, boost energy, and get participants engaged. Let’s dive in!

Megan Jacobson’s Go-To Icebreaker & Energizer

Megan Jacobson is a trainer, facilitator, and our Insights Coordinator. If we ever need ideas on how to energize a group and build a sense of team, she’s the one we turn to. Here are her favorite activities for getting people engaged and connected.

Icebreaker: Share a Recent Picture from Your Phone

This activity helps participants connect on a personal level by sharing a glimpse of their lives outside of work or the training room. It’s a simple yet effective way to encourage storytelling and build rapport.

How to Facilitate:

Ask participants to take out their phones and find a recent photo that they’re comfortable sharing.
In large groups, participants share their photo and a quick 30-second story about it with others at their table.
In smaller groups, have everyone stand in a circle and take turns sharing their photo and story with the whole group.
Virtual adaptation: Participants can hold their phone up to their webcam, but for better visibility, encourage them to blur their background (pro tip: virtual backgrounds can make the phone screen hard to see).

Why It Works:

Encourages personal connection beyond work-related topics.
Easy and low-pressure, making it great for groups unfamiliar with each other.
Works in both in-person and virtual settings.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

Give participants a moment to find a photo so no one feels rushed.
If people are hesitant, offer light prompts like “Something that made you smile” or “A recent moment that stood out to you.”
Consider breakout rooms in a virtual setting or small clusters in person if the group is very large.

Energizer: Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament

This high-energy game builds excitement and a sense of team spirit while adding a fun competitive edge.

How to Facilitate:

Have everyone find a partner. If there’s an odd number, the facilitator joins in.
Each pair plays one round of Rock-Paper-Scissors.
The loser becomes the cheerleader for the person they lost to.
The winners find a new opponent and play again.
Each round, those who lose join the cheering squad of the person they lost to, creating growing groups of enthusiastic supporters.
The game continues until two final players face off, with the entire group cheering for them.

Why It Works:

Quickly raises energy levels.
Creates a positive atmosphere with playful competition.
Fosters teamwork as people cheer for their new champions.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

Encourage big, enthusiastic cheering to build energy and excitement.
Keep it fast-paced—no need for best-of-three rounds, just one quick match each time.
If space is limited, use hand gestures only instead of full-body movements.
Adapt for virtual sessions by using a “rock-paper-scissors” emoji in chat or breakout rooms for each match.

Irina Fursman’s Go-To Icebreaker & Energizer

Irina Fursman, our Co-Founder and CEO, knows that a great facilitator brings people together through meaningful connection and engaging activities. Here are two of her favorite ways to break the ice and energize a group.

Icebreaker: Pin Your Place on the Map

This activity sparks curiosity and conversation by visually mapping out participants’ experiences and travel histories. It’s a great way to build connections through shared or unique locations.

How to Facilitate:

Display a map of the world, country, state, or region—whichever is most relevant to the group. This can be a physical map on a wall or a digital version for virtual sessions.
Ask participants to place a pin or mark where they have been. You can frame it based on the session’s theme:
- The two or three places they’ve visited most often.
- The most recent place they traveled to.
- The place where they’ve stayed the longest outside of home.
Once the pins are placed, invite people to share a quick story or fun fact about one of their locations.

Why It Works:

Encourages storytelling and personal sharing in a way that feels natural.
Visually engaging and interactive, making it great for in-person and virtual groups.
Works with any group size—smaller groups can discuss locations together, while larger groups can share highlights.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

If using a physical map, provide stickers or colored pins for easy marking.
For virtual settings, use an online tool like Google Maps, Miro, or a shared Google Slide where participants can drop pins.
Keep sharing time brief to maintain energy and include as many voices as possible.

Energizer: Pattern Toss

This dynamic game enhances group coordination, focus, and adaptability while injecting energy into the room.

How to Facilitate:

Start with one ball: Have participants form a circle. The facilitator tosses a ball to someone, who then tosses it to another person, creating a pattern.
Establish the pattern: Each person must remember who they received the ball from and who they passed it to, as they will repeat this same order throughout the game.
Add more balls: Once the pattern is clear, introduce a second, then a third ball, keeping the same tossing order.
Introduce a random disruptor: Add an unexpected object (like a stuffed animal or random item) to the mix, which forces participants to adapt and stay alert.

Why It Works:

Builds energy and focus while keeping people on their toes.
Encourages teamwork and adaptability.
Fun and slightly chaotic, making it a great reset during a long session.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

Make sure participants say the name of the person they are tossing to, so the pattern is easier to follow.
Gradually increase complexity—start slow and build up speed.
Works for virtual settings by using a sequence-based challenge, such as passing an imaginary object via Zoom gallery order or a quick-response word association game.

Flower Krutina’s Go-To Icebreaker & Energizer

As our Director of Community Engagement, Flower Krutina knows the power of storytelling and connection. Her go-to activities encourage personal reflection, vulnerability, and a fresh perspective—perfect for creating meaningful engagement.

Icebreaker: Name, Place, and Intention

This activity invites participants to share a bit about themselves in a way that feels natural and authentic, fostering connection and setting a shared intention for the session.

How to Facilitate:

Place colored pieces of cardstock in the center of each table.
Have each participant pick one and fold it in half (hotdog-style).
Instruct them to write their name on the front in marker and think about the story behind their name.
On the back, they should write:
- Their “place” (this could be where they are from, where they currently live, or a place that holds meaning to them).
- Their intention for the time together.
Have participants share their at their tables. If time allows, get everyone’s voice in the space and have each person share one of the elements—name, place, or intention. For smaller groups, do a go around.

Why It Works:

Encourages personal storytelling without being too intrusive.
Creates a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
Works well for groups of any size and can be adjusted based on available time.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

Some people may feel that their isn’t much of a story to their name – that’s ok! They can also search for the definition on their phone and share if that resonates with them.
Emphasize that there’s no right or wrong story—everyone’s experience is valid.
If participants seem hesitant, offer examples to get them started.
For virtual sessions, participants can write their responses in a shared document or chat and then discuss them in breakout rooms.

Energizer: Step Outside for a Fresh Reset

When energy dips, a change of scenery and fresh air can do wonders for focus and re-engagement. This activity taps into the science-backed benefits of nature and movement. Spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels and increases dopamine and serotonin—the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Exposure to fresh air and natural surroundings also enhances cognitive function and creativity by giving the brain a break from constant stimulation, allowing for better problem-solving and renewed energy.

How to Facilitate:

Invite participants to step outside for 10 minutes. They can walk, find a quiet spot to breathe, or simply take in their surroundings.
Frame it as a purposeful break, not just a pause—encourage participants to be mindful of their surroundings.
If going outside isn’t an option, encourage movement within the building—walking a hallway, stretching, or simply stepping away from their usual spot.
After 10 minutes, reconvene and ask participants how they feel, or have them share one thing they noticed outside.

Why It Works:

Boosts energy and focus by giving the brain a reset.
Encourages mindfulness, helping participants return more present and engaged.
Works in any setting—if outdoor space is unavailable, simple movement can still be effective.

Tips for Success & Adaptation:

Offer prompts like:
- “Find one thing outside that surprises you.”
- “Take five deep breaths and notice how you feel.”
For virtual groups, encourage stepping away from screens, opening a window, or even stretching in place.
Encourage people to use the time and partner up with someone if that would help them.

If you are interested in learning more techniques, our interactive courses are the place to be! We are also happy to come in as facilitators and collaborate with you on the best activities for your team, so that you can participate with them which allows you to stay present and engaged throughout the process. Simply email us at info@hue.life – Let’s get started!