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156 Icebreaker Questions For Work That Are Perfect For Any Office Event In 2022

By November 2, 2022 One Comment

The 131 Best Icebreaker Questions For Work In 2020

Icebreaker questions for work launch conversations. Some of them inspire enriching discussions. We all use icebreaker questions every day, even if we don’t realize it. 

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Don’t roll your eyes.

  • How are you today?
  • How was your weekend?
  • How ’bout this crazy weather?

You’ve gotta admit, even these super-generic questions get conversations flowing far better than one-word greetings. Online games like Water Cooler Trivia also make it really fun & easy for teams to bond with one another over icebreaker questions & answers. Lots of teams that work remotely (including folks at Nike & Lyft) love using Water Cooler Trivia as an automated way of running icebreaker quizzes to do some team bonding week by week.

Virtual-Trivia-Water-Cooler-Trivia

Want to improve your employee appreciation program this year?

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Benefits Of Icebreaker Questions 

As you may have guessed, icebreakers help people warm up to other people. The idea that people occasionally need a little warm-up has been around for ages. Even Shakespeare used the term “break the ice” in The Taming of the Shrew to capture how a few social niceties can melt even difficult individuals.

“And if you carry it off and break the ice—win the older and make the younger accessible to us—whoever winds up with her will not be such a boor as to be ungrateful, I’m sure.”

Icebreaker questions for work get people talking, sharing information, relating to each other, and collaborating.

Think about the best conversationalists you know. It may seem like these people always have the right thing to say, but even they will admit that’s not the case; they’ll tell you they always have the right thing to say to get other people talking. They have the best icebreakers.

Why do you even want to use icebreakers to get people talking? Because magic happens when you engage people in discussions. 

Icebreaker-generated group discussions have the ability to…

We created the list below to make sure you always have the perfect icebreakers for work. Save them, steal them, share them, make them your own, and most importantly, try some of them out as soon as possible.

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1) Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

Icebreaker-Questions-For-Small-Groups

Icebreaker questions for small groups should be scalable. You can use them as quick starters or as launching pads for deeper discussions. Use these questions to make the most of the small-group setting and start some in-depth conversations.

Funny Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

1. How’d you do on the office trivia contest last week?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It brings up a shared experience between members of the team and allows them to talk about a specific trivia question they got right or wrong. There’s lots of easy ways to set up a weekly office trivia contest that sparks conversations and ice breakers like these.

Pro-Tip: We recommend trying QuizBreaker as an easy option to start your online trivia contest in winning fashion!

quizbreaker

2. What would be the perfect caption for this meme/cartoon/awkward photo?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This open-ended icebreaker lets everyone share their comedic side in a low-pressure environment. The images provide inspiration for those who can’t usually come up with jokes on the spot.

Props required: You’ll need a photo, a blank meme, or an uncaptioned cartoon

3. What movie made you laugh the hardest? (Try to tell us through charades.)

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It gets the energy flowing with plenty of movement. Plus, even people who are terrible at charades will still get their audience laughing, and that’s really the important part. 

4. What is the craziest request you’ve ever gotten in your career? (You can keep it anonymous to get the juiciest answers.)

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Shared with us by The Assist, this icebreaker question will have your teammates dropping jaws and sharing laughs.

Pro-Tip: Get more icebreaker ideas like this one by signing up for The Assist — a free weekly email for professionals full of actionable workplace culture, productivity, and leadership inspo.

5. Who is this supposed to be?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This icebreaker adds a personal touch to a classic party game. Everyone will laugh when they find out that a tangle of pencil marks is supposed to be…Mark.

Additional instruction: Have everyone in the group draw a sketch of a coworker. 

Props required: You’ll need drawing materials or a whiteboard. 

6. What does [insert coworker]’s laugh sound like to you? (Tell us by imitating it.)

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Fake laughter. Real laughter. We love it all, and this icebreaker produces it all. 

Weird Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

1. What if no one had the ability to get angry?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Perfect for small, tight-knit groups, this icebreaker will inspire a rousing discussion that could last for hours if you want it to.

2. What song do you guys want to sing?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Research suggests that singing together actually makes us feel more connected.

Additional instruction: Yes, the next step is actually singing it.

3. What business idea do you think would be super-profitable but that you would never want to pursue?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It generates ideas and inspiration. Maybe someone’s unwanted business idea could be someone else’s true calling.

4. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say “slug”?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This icebreaker question has the element of surprise. If you’re not surprised by what comes out of your own mouth, then your coworkers are sure to surprise you.

Additional instruction: Tell everyone to shout their answers as fast as possible. 

5. What’s the silliest walk you’ve ever seen?

Additional instruction: Yes, the next step is mimicking it. 

Personal Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

1. Would you rather be a tiger or a hummingbird?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This icebreaker question helps people express new dimensions of their personalities in a weirdly unforgettable way. 

Pro-Tip: Check out our curated list of hilarious would you rather questions for even more zany ways to break the ice!

2. Will you tell us a story about something you’re wearing?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Given a prop and a little nudge, most people have no problem talking. This icebreaker leverages what everyone has readily available (their clothes) to launch a conversation. 

3. What would you choose as your top 5 songs of all time?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone loves music, and focusing on something everyone has in common is a guaranteed way to break the ice. 

4. Would you be willing to tell me how you ____________ ?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: People love receiving compliments and sharing knowledge about what they’re good at. This icebreaker fills the room with feel-good vibes.

Additional instruction: Fill in the blank with something a coworker does or knows how to do that always impresses you.

5. You’re forming a team of treasure hunters. Which job do you assign to everyone in the room?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone will be delighted to hear what non-office skills their coworkers admire them for. (Cole can be scout because he’s super stealthy.)

Unique Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

1. Universal basic income. What are the pros and cons?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It gets people thinking critically and articulating their opinions, both activities that enhance group discussions. 

2. What’s something you’d like to talk about that no one has asked you about recently?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone will love the chance to have an open platform and a room full of sympathetic listeners. 

3. What’s something that always confuses you about the work we do here?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question leads to intriguing discussions, and some people may just get the answers they’ve been seeking for months.

4. What make-believe world would you want to live in?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Pure whimsy always puts people in a good mood. 

5. Which American Founding Father (or other historical figure) would you want to hang out with and what would you choose to do with them?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: There’s nothing quite as exciting as putting those elementary school history lessons to practical use.

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups 

1. Where would you travel if you knew there was a chance you would have to stay there for up to a year?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone loves talking about travel. Adding the twist of a potential long-term stay will make everyone’s answers more strategic and personally enlightening. 

2. What would your superhero costume look like?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question will inspire some vivid and hilarious visuals of coworkers wearing green capes and rocket shoes.

3. If you had to choose one car to drive forever, what would you pick?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Adding “forever” to the stakes of this question gets people to dig deep, making their answers delightfully revealing. 

4. If you could keep only one appliance in your house, which one would you choose and why?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Most of us take technology for granted, so it’s always good to reflect on the benefits. Plus, it’s just fascinating to hear what appliances other people choose and why. 

5. What was the strangest non-scary dream you ever had? 

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Dreams are fantastic stories everyone has inside them, just waiting to be told. Relaying dreams helps even reluctant speakers become brilliant storytellers.

Pro-Tip: Have questions about how to get your event started? The employee care experts at Caroo have curated the Icebreaker Box dedicated to breaking the ice, bonding with your team or celebrating big milestones the right way!

Caroo-Icebreaker-Box- 500

To get more details about setting up this icebreaker — talk to Caroo.

 

2) Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

Icebreaker-Questions-for-Large-Groups

Icebreaker questions for large groups have to deliver information and spark interest quickly. These questions give people in a large group a chance to provide one-line answers that speak volumes about their individual personalities.

Funny Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

1. How much money would you give me right now if I asked?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Nothing is more hilarious than leaning into the taboo topic of money. 

2. Break up with yourself. How do you let yourself down easy?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Even people who can’t deliver a joke to save their lives have a solid streak of self-deprecating humor. 

3. What excuse do you use all the time?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This icebreaker will make people laugh and also examine some of their worst habits. 

4. What’s something your mom or dad does that you always find yourself doing?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Some of us fear turning into Mom and Dad more than anything. Somehow, realizing we have done just that  despite our best intentions can be a hilarious moment. 

5. Which character from a kids’ book or movie reminds you of yourself?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question lets people pinpoint a funny aspect of themselves they never would have considered otherwise.

Weird Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

1. If you had to pick a new part of your body to sit on, what would you choose? 

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question gets people thinking out of the box, or really, off the butt. 

2. What does an elephant sound like? (We call this the “elephant in the room.”)

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Collective embarrassment brings people together. Egos melt when people start discussions by making animal sounds. 

3. How would you say your name if you were an alien?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s always delightful to see who has a secret talent for voice acting.

4. If you were a condiment, what would you be, and why?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Picturing a room full of ketchup and mustard bottles really sets a light-hearted tone. 

5. What’s something you wish you could stop people from assuming about you?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It helps you get to know your coworkers a little bit better, even if they say something silly like, “I wish people would stop assuming I want the last cookie.” 

Personal Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

1. What would your historical nickname be? (Think: Ivan the Terrible, William the Conqueror, Alfred the Great.) 

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This simple question could generate some fabulous new nicknames. 

2. Would you rather be an Olympic gold medallist or an astronaut?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You get to learn if your coworkers’ heads are in the stars or at the gymnasium. 

3. If you could go back in time and pay more attention to any class in high school, what would you choose?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question gets people thinking and reminiscing. What was I even doing during Calculus…

4. What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question provides major-points for self reflection. Most people will probably be surprised by their own answers during this large group icebreaker

5. Would you be willing to fight in one of the past wars?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This hypothetical question gets people seriously thinking about a situation previous generations had to face. 

Pro Tip: A virtual ice cream making party is an unbeatable way to break the ice (cream). Check out the Ice Cream Float Experience from Unboxed Experiences.

This hybrid virtual event delivers kits to everyone in your group that include everything needed to make ice cream at home, and every event is led by an energetic live event host that keeps your party rocking.

Unique Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

1. What makes you feel excited to be alive right now?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This prompt produces honest, thoughtful answers, and it helps reluctant speakers avoid that awful feeling of being called out in front of a group. 

Additional instruction: Have people write down their answers. When everyone’s finished, post the answers on the board. 

Props required: You’ll need pens, pencils, and index cards. 

2. What was the last thing you put 100% into?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This introspective question might just motivate people to put 100% into more things.

3. If you could have credit for any invention in history, what would you choose?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s always entertaining to learn what other people find important. 

4. If you were a refrigerator, what item would you hate holding?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Thinking with the feelings of a refrigerator will surely lead to other out-of-the-box thoughts and ideas. 

5. What does your aura look like?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Many people have probably considered this at least once. Now they get the chance to share their true colors with a group.

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for Large Groups

1. If you could say one thing to the whole world right now, what would you say?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This serious question gets people thinking about what truly matters to them. 

2. Why do you love or hate classical music?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Since this question has no wrong answer, people are bound to respond with some interesting answers and justifications. 

3. Do you care about your zodiac sign?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Who doesn’t love getting a little mystical every now and then? 

4. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever been asked to do during a meeting?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This way-meta question will make everyone thankful they’re not in that meeting. 

5. What did your 5th grade teacher say about you during your parent-teacher conference?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Nostalgia and humor is a winning recipe for warming up any group at any time of day.

 

3) Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

Icebreakers-Meetings

Icebreaker questions for meetings should get everyone thinking creatively and also critically. You want to cultivate an open-minded, strategic tone for your meeting, and you can get there with the right icebreakers.

Funny Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

1. Imitate your own professional meeting voice.

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This is the perfect way to start a meeting certain that no one is taking themselves too seriously. 

2. What was the silliest thing you or someone else has ever said during a meeting?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question shows people they have nothing to be shy about. We’ve all seen worse before. 

3. What is your first memory speaking in front of a group?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: People who love public speaking will enjoy remembering how they got their start. People who hate public speaking will enjoy seeing how far they’ve come. 

4. When was the last time you felt like you were “in trouble”?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s always entertaining to realize that many of us never grow out of that feeling of being in trouble. 

5. What would your name be if your first name was your father’s middle name and your last name was your childhood favorite food?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The answers are purely entertaining. Some of the combinations sound totally normal, and some sound outrageous and hilarious.

Weird Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

1. If you had to replace your legs with the legs of an animal, what would you choose?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Outrageous questions expand our creative thinking capacity, and that’s perfect for productive meetings. 

2. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever forgotten?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It will demonstrate the impressive capacity we humans have for forgetfulness. 

3. If you had to eat a crayon, what color would you choose?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The best meetings happen when participants can think up an answer to anything on the spot. 

4. What do you think this meeting is about?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It introduces an opportunity for some light humor, but it’s also a reminder to reflect on the goal of the meeting you’re about to start. 

5. What’s something you would change if you ran the world?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Giving people even hypothetical responsibility prepares them for making and owning decisions, which they might have to do during your upcoming meeting.

Personal Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

1. Why is this meeting important?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It gives you a chance to take everyone’s temperature about the meeting you’re about to start. 

2. What talent would you show off in a talent show?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Who doesn’t love a chance to learn that Jeff is a marionette master? 

3. What three hashtags describe your work persona? What three hashtags describe your social persona?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: People learn if they truly know their coworkers or if they only think they know them. 

4. Can I see your browser history?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It generates fantastic amounts of curiosity. What are all the people who said “no” looking at? 

5. What book do you own but have never cracked open?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It gets everyone focused on their reading list. There’s something motivating about admitting these things out loud.

Unique Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

1. Are you an Introvert or an extrovert?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: We all tend to put people into boxes. This question gives us a chance to check our assumptions about others. 

2. What’s your campaign slogan if you’re running for public office?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question captures how people see themselves and also reveals what they think needs to be done in the world. 

3. What is your most used emoji?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Experts say emojis count as a language. The emojis we favor convey as much insight about our personalities as much as the words we say. 

4. What is one place you never ever want to go?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: We usually ask people where they want to go, but finding out places people want to avoid helps us understand how our colleagues think in new ways. 

5. If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: When we understand what makes the people around us tick, we develop a deeper understanding of them.

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for Meetings

1. What is the most embarrassing thing you accidentally messaged to someone?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone can bond over this humiliating faux pas. Most of us have committed it at least once. 

2. How many things can you remember at once?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: All our brains work differently. It’s fascinating to hear those differences spoken out loud. 

3. What internet quiz have you taken recently?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone’s ears perk up when they hear about a new internet quiz.  

4. In one word, what is the greatest challenge you have faced this month?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This icebreaker gives everyone a chance to vent and maybe even suggest solutions to help each other out. 

5. What world problem do you think you have the solution to?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Sometimes, just talking about these things can inspire actual positive action.

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Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Meetings 

Pro-Tip: Avoid the first few minutes of stiffness or awkwardness we’ve all experienced at the start of virtual meetings. Use any of these online icebreakers to set the right mood for effective meetings with your remote team. We also recommend Nextiva if you are in the market for a reliable video conferencing solution. 

1. Do you find time passing differently when you work from home vs. when you work in the office?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s always interesting to hear how we align or differ from our coworkers.

2. What are you wearing?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question isn’t meant to embarrass anyone; it’s just genuinely interesting to hear who gets dressed up and who stays in workout clothes. 

3. What was the best part about working from home today?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question helps distant teams feel like they’re part of one another’s lives. 

4. What did you do with the time you didn’t spend commuting today?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone will get inspired as they learn what other people are doing. 

5. What are you going to have for lunch and dinner?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Your food choices can get quite interesting when you don’t have to worry about packing it, transporting it, or whipping it up in ten minutes. 

 

4) Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

Icebreakers-for-Interviews

Icebreaker questions for interviews show off your unique personality. The questions you choose to ask reveal a lot about your personality, and a lot about your promise as a job candidate. Deliver these icebreakers with confidence to impress your interviewer.

Funny Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

1. So how many people have you interviewed today?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Your interviewer is free to take this question seriously or as a joke. If you do get an honest answer, that’s good intel. If you get a laugh, that’s good rapport. 

2. I’m sorry, I fidget when I’m nervous. What’s your tell?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s okay to admit that you’re nervous. This humanizing question could help you bond with your interviewer. 

3. What can I do to impress you today?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The interviewer may just laugh the question off, but if you get a real answer, you’ll get an actual tip for acing the interview. 

4. What’s the strangest thing anyone has said to you during an interview?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question will get some laughs, and it will also (hopefully) make you look like a gem compared to some past interviewees. 

5. When was the last time you laughed at work?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question reveals a ton of solid information about company culture.

Weird Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

1. What’s one question you would ask  if you were me?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You can use the answer to really get into the mind of the interviewer. What they think you should ask reflects where they think your priorities should be. 

2. How long does it feel like you’ve been at this company?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It helps you gauge the interviewer’s outlook on the company. 

3. If this company had a mascot, what would it be?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The answer provides an interesting way of evaluating the overall personality of a company. 

4. What is your cellphone wallpaper?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: With the right audience, this question could lead to a nice session of show-and-tell. 

5. If you could conduct this interview as anyone else, who would it be and why?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You can use the answer to determine what kind of interview you’re about to get into. If they answer with someone tough, you know you should be on your toes.

Personal Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

1. So what did you like about my resume?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Experts say soliciting an opinion is a great way to get conversations flowing with anyone. 

2. What’s been the highlight of your day so far?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This gratitude-inducing question will associate you with the positive feeling in your interviewer’s mind. 

3. What do you think your company needs?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question is interesting and relevant, and it gives you a chance to deliver a stand-out answer that sells your value. 

4. Tell me something about yourself that people sometimes forget?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Psychologists say variations of this question never fail to start conversations because people can choose to talk about whatever they want. 

5. How did you get here?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Most people light up when they’re asked to tell their personal stories. Listening to the answer will tell you what this person values and reveal how you might cater your answers to your audience.

Unique Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

1. What would the CEO ask me if they were here right now?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question is a shortcut to getting an honest answer about company values, probably in words you won’t find on the website. 

2. What song do you wish were playing in the background right now?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Your interviewer might be inspired to put the music on and create a light-hearted mood. 

3. What is your favorite workplace snack?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It helps you get to know your interviewer. After all, you are what you eat. 

4. What problem have you been trying to solve lately?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question gives you an opportunity to position yourself as what everyone wants: a problem-solver. 

5. What was the last book you quit reading and why?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This question gives you clues about your interviewer’s interests and also how busy they are. Both clues will be useful as you determine how to answer the questions.

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for Interviews

1. I’m really interested in ____________. Do you think that’s something I could pursue at this company?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It showcases your ambitions and tells you if the company supports passions. 

2. Would you be able to draw my potential career path if I asked you?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The answer might be the next best thing to seeing your future in a crystal ball. 

3. Do you identify more with coffee or tea? Why?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This fun question provides a nice break in the midst of more substantive questions. 

4. Who’s someone you really admire at this company?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It provides a perfect chance to learn about some of your potential future coworkers. 

5. What is the best thing this company does?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: How you feel about the answer is a pretty good indicator of how well you would fit at the company.

 

5) Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself

Icebreaker-Introduce-Yourself

First impressions matter. We know you’ve heard this before, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Instead of delivering a monologue to introduce yourself, take a more engaging approach by using one of these icebreaker questions

Funny Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself

1. Can you help me come up with a new nickname?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It provides immediate bonding. It also tells you how the people you’re meeting perceive you. 

2. I’m a little confused. Can you tell me the meaning of life?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You may or may not get some laughs. You will always get an interesting answer. 

3. Do you ever just feel like dancing when you shouldn’t?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: If the people you’re meeting say “no,” then you know it’s time to walk away. 

4. Do you mind if I try out a new joke on you?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s less cheesy than just leading with an icebreaker joke, and it gives your audience a chance to help you out with some constructive feedback. 

5. What accent should I try to talk to you in?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You don’t have to be funny to be funny when you’re trying to speak in a Scottish accent.

Weird Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself 

1. Have you ever forgotten how to spell your name?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This quirky question lightens anyone’s mood instantly.

2. Have you ever pretended you don’t know something?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The expressions (sheepish vs. mischievous) people make as they answer tell you a lot about them. 

3. What would the world be like if we didn’t have cars?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Speculating about alternative realities provides a shortcut to true friendship. 

4. Do you collect anything?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: People who collect usually have passion, and you won’t have to wonder what to ask them about next. 

5. If you could kill any fashion trend forever what would it be?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Hearing about everyone’s irrational issues with certain fashion trends will spark lively debates. 

Pro-Tip: For more ideas to introduce yourself to others in a group setting, try out the “Never Have I Ever” Icebreaker where each person introduces themselves with something they have never done. The rest of the group has to raise their hand if they have done whatever has been proposed to the group. For more ideas, check out SnackNation’s list of the best Never Have I Ever Questions!

Personal Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself

1. Sometimes I pretend to know how to [insert skill.] Do you ever do that?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Admitting faults to new friends might make them feel more comfortable around you. 

2. My secret passion is ______________. What’s yours?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: If passion isn’t a recipe for good conversations then we don’t what is.

3. Are there any shows you pretend you don’t watch when people ask you?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s just a hilarious sign of the times. Too much to watch; so little time. 

4. Do you ever think your parents gave you the wrong name?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The follow-up question possibilities are endless. 

5. Can I get your honest opinion on [insert an item you’re wearing]?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Experts suggest using an object to launch conversations that don’t seem nosey or self-centered. 

Unique Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself 

1. What activity makes you lose track of time?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The time-bending state of flow is a magical experience. Hearing what gets other people there is fascinating conversation fodder. 

2. Do you support any charities or causes?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It tells you what this person cares about. 

3. When you get a call from an unknown number, do you answer it?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s always entertaining to hear how some people have no problem answering unknown calls while others see them as absolutely sinister. 

4. Agree or disagree: butter makes everything more delicious.

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Low-stakes, low-pressure debates always produce the most interesting arguments. 

5. Are there any easy chores you procrastinate on?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: We all do this, and we can all inspire each other to just do the thing the next time.

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for Introducing Yourself

1. What’s the secret to your success?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Everyone will grin from ear to ear when they hear this question.

2. What do you think about when you’re driving?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It takes us to the fascinating world of the subconscious. 

3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Spreading good advice is always a good idea. 

4. What do you think about [insert current event]?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: This go-to question will be appropriate in any time and any place. 

5. What’s the last thing you did or made that you’re proud of?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: With this question, you’re basically asking: What’s something you want to talk even more about?

 

6) Icebreaker Questions for the Office 

Icebreaker questions for the office are a great way to build relationships and improve communication among team members.

Funny Icebreaker Questions for the Office

1. Who’s most likely to make a cup of tea for themselves without asking anybody else?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Probably more people than you would expect.

2. Who’s most likely to arrive late at the office?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You might get a unanimous answer to this one.

3. Who’s most likely to get too drunk at the staff party?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: The answer might surprise you!

4. Which person comes to work looking the smartest?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s complimentary, positive, and a  great team-building question.

5. Who would scream the loudest on a roller coaster?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You’ll hear loud laughs in the office due to this question!

Weird Icebreaker Questions for the Office

1. Which person comes to work looking the most stylish?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s a chance to show that you notice your coworkers’ positive attributes.

2. Who has the loudest laugh in the office?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s a funny and playful question.

3. Who’s most likely to get into an argument with the manager?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s a chance to see who the feistiest one in the office is.

4. Who’s most likely to become more adventurous when they’re older?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Age is just a number!

5. If you were suddenly shrunk to the size of a grain of rice, what would you do to draw attention to yourself?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Let their imagination run wild…

Personal Icebreaker Questions for the Office

1. Who is the most productive at work?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It shows serious coworker appreciation.

2. Who procrastinates the most at work?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Who doesn’t?

3. Who is most likely to write a book?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: There might be a future best-selling author in your office!

4. Which person would you rely on most to help you in a crisis?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: An important question to keep in mind in case of an emergency.

5. Who drinks the most coffee?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Because the corporate world is fueled by coffee!

Unique Icebreaker Questions for the Office

1. What’s the simplest thing somebody can do to cheer you up at work when you’re feeling down?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Always good to talk about kind gestures.

2. Who’s most likely to bring home-baked goods to the office?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Yummmm….comfort food!

3. Who would you sing a duet with at karaoke?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: A chance to see who has the best voice in the office.

4. Who wants to be the next CEO of the company?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: It’s a good question to see what colleagues think of each other,

5. Who’s the most likely to win a wellness challenge?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Maybe ask that person to give you self-care tips?

Interesting Icebreaker Questions for the Office

1. Who has influenced you the most when it comes to your work ethic?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: A beautiful question to talk about how colleagues can inspire one another.

2. What’s the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: You’ll get to hear some good stories about life and work experiences.

3. If you were the manager for a day what would you change or do differently?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Great opportunity to flaunt some of those leadership skills.

4. What’s the most useful thing you have learned from a colleague?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: Maybe teach others as well…

5. What hidden talents do you have?

  • Why we love this icebreaker question: And you might be surprised…

 

People Also Ask These Questions About Icebreaker Questions For Work

Q: What are the best icebreaker questions for work?

A: The best icebreaker questions for work pull you out of the day-to-day and help you learn new things about familiar coworkers or new colleagues. For a curated list, check out our 156 Best Icebreaker Questions for Work in 2022

Q: When should I use an icebreaker question?

A: You should use icebreaker questions when you want to build rapport. Use them when you’re starting a meeting, introducing yourself, introducing others, and any other time you want to warm up a crowd. Icebreakers aren’t just for strangers; these conversational warm-ups can also enhance your interactions with people you know well. Whether it be for a small group, large group, virtual meeting, or an interview, we have an expert list for breaking the ice! 

Q: How are icebreaker questions useful?

A: Icebreaker questions are useful for getting people talking, sharing information, and getting to know one another. In the right circumstances, icebreaker questions enhance group bonding, empathy, and even learning. Kick your conversations into high gear with our 156 icebreaker questions for work that are perfect for any office event in 2022!

Q: What are icebreaker questions?

A: Icebreaker questions are simply questions you ask to start conversations. These questions increase feelings of camaraderie and make people, even strangers, feel comfortable around each other. Icebreakers can be about anything you want, as long as they’re interesting enough to get people talking. 

Q: What are some good icebreaker questions?

A: Good icebreaker questions are open-ended, prompting people to provide more than just a yes-or-no answer. Some classic icebreaker questions include: 

      • Who’s your hero? 
      • What always makes you laugh? 
      • What do you love doing? 

Q: Why do icebreaker questions work?

A: Icebreaker questions work because they make groups of strangers feel like old friends. Answering the questions inspires laughter and sharing—both ways to make people feel instantly comfortable with one another. 

Q: How do icebreaker questions help to start a productive meeting?

A: Icebreaker questions help start a productive meeting by warming people up. Before big stand-up comedy shows, someone will come on before the headliner to get the crowd in the mood to laugh. Icebreakers get everyone in the room in the mood to think critically, share their opinions, and think outside the box. 

 

Conclusion

Now that you have a long list of icebreaker questions, we thought it would be nice to close with some tips for using them effectively. 

When you’re selecting an icebreaker…

  • Know what you’re trying to accomplish. Do you want to make people laugh or impress people with your remarkable insight? 
  • Consider your audience. The best icebreakers are relevant to the group you’re talking to. You’ll want to pick different questions for addressing your company’s executive board and your tight-knit team. 

 

Have fun breaking the ice! 

One Comment

  • Tori says:

    This is super helpful with what I was looking for hopefully I can get more “answers” for what I’m looking for.

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