40 Great Virtual Icebreakers for Remote Meetings 🧊

Want to unlock meaningful connections? Encourage engagement and get to know your team with these fun icebreaker questions for virtual meetings.

There’s no better way to kick off virtual meetings like a pro than by employing the art of the icebreaker.

Virtual meetings often lack the natural flow of in-person interactions, leading to a stagnant atmosphere. This is where icebreakers come into play. 

An icebreaker isn't just a casual conversation starter; it's a foundational tool for fostering relationships. Various types of icebreakers exist, from thought-provoking questions and energizing activities to playful games and quickfire responses — each uniquely designed to bring energy and engagement to virtual meetings. 

Armed with icebreakers, you can foster an environment where professionalism intertwines seamlessly with camaraderie and authenticity.



Icebreakers for virtual meetings 🫶

Virtual meetings provide a crucial spark for productive interactions among remote colleagues. Although digital platforms facilitate smooth communication, they can sometimes strip away the personal touch.

Icebreaker questions address this gap, adding a touch of fellowship and warmth to virtual interactions. An effective icebreaker can also pave the way for a successful initial client call, creating a memorable positive impact.

Here are 18 icebreaker questions that deftly balance friendliness with professionalism:

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• Share a fun fact about yourself that others might find surprising.
• If you could have a conversation with anyone, modern or historical, who would it be?
• Describe your ideal weekend getaway.
• If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
• If you could master a new skill instantly, what would it be?
• What’s the last great book you’ve read or movie you’ve watched?
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
• What is a memorable travel experience you’d like to share?
• What’s the most inspiring quote that resonates with you?
• What’s a professional or personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
• What was your greatest achievement this year?
• What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
• What’s your go-to comfort food after a long day?
• If you were a character in a book or a movie, who would you be?
• What’s the most exciting thing you’ve learned recently?
• Who would be your first guest if you were to host a talk show?
• If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?

Virtual team-building icebreaker questions 💪

Team-building icebreaker prompts foster a sense of unity and collaboration among participants, setting the tone for a productive and engaging session. Try these conversation starters to help your group find common ground:

• Share a story of how you overcame a challenging situation, personally or professionally.
• Describe a mentor or role model who has influenced your professional journey.
• Describe a positive change in your work habits since starting remote work.
• What's the most exciting project you've worked on as part of a team?
• Share a mantra or motto that guides your approach to teamwork and collaboration.
• Share a memory of a team celebration or bonding experience that stood out to you.
• If you had to describe your work style in three words, what would they be?
• Describe a team project you've been a part of that you're particularly proud of.
• If you were to create a new company tradition, what would it be and why?
• What's your go-to source of motivation when facing a challenging task?
• Share a creative idea you've implemented recently to enhance your workflow.
• If you could swap jobs with anyone on the team for a day, who would it be and why?
• What new skill have you learned recently, and how has it impacted your work?
• What's your favorite way to unwind after a challenging workday?
• What would each member's superpower be if your team were a superhero squad?

Funny icebreaker questions 🤣

Use humorous icebreaker questions to melt tensions and create a relaxed atmosphere, unlocking your public speaking potential. Here are 10 light-hearted and funny icebreaker questions to bring amusement to your virtual interactions:

• Describe a weird food combination that you secretly enjoy.
• If your life was a sitcom, what would its title be, and who would play you?
• Share a hilarious meme or GIF that perfectly captures your current mood.
• What would be your power and catchy name if you were a superhero?
• Share a quirky talent or party trick that never fails to impress.
• Describe your dream vacation using only emojis — we'll try to guess the destination!
• If you could have any animal's ability, but only while at work, what would you choose and why?

Tips on using icebreaker questions for meetings 🧠

Virtual interactions bring forth unique challenges, but fear not; icebreaker questions are a powerful tool to bridge the digital gap and create a vibrant online atmosphere.

Here are five tips to make the most of these engaging conversation starters in your virtual meetings:

1. Align with meeting goals. Tailor your icebreaker questions to the meeting’s purpose. Whether it’s team building, brainstorming, or problem-solving, ensure the questions set the tone for the discussions to follow.
2. Keep it relevant. Choose icebreaker questions that resonate with your team’s interests and backgrounds. This encourages participation.
3. Time it right. Introduce icebreakers strategically. Consider placing them at the beginning to set a positive tone or during a lull to re-energize participants. Ensure they don’t overshadow the meeting’s main objectives.
4. Mix up the format. Cycle between different types of icebreakers (e.g., questions, activities, and games) to cater to various preferences and retain engagement.
5. Share the spotlight. Encourage participation from all attendees by creating an environment where everyone’s voice is valued. Use icebreakers to ensure quieter team members have an opportunity to share.

Icebreaker activities for virtual meetings 🏃

A set of random icebreaker questions or activities prompts individuals to share unique aspects of themselves, promoting a deeper understanding and connection within the group. Here are four icebreaker activities designed to forge bonds and boost engagement in virtual meetings:

Would you rather ⚖️

“Would you rather” icebreaker questions inject a touch of fun decision-making into your virtual meeting. Pose scenarios like “Would you rather have superhuman strength or be invisible?”

Participants take turns sharing their preferences and reasoning, sparking light-hearted debates.

Show and tell 🌟

Encourage team members to introduce an item of personal significance during a show-and-tell session. It could be a cherished keepsake, a favorite book, or a quirky trinket. This activity provides insight into each individual’s interests and background.

Two truths and a lie 🤫

For a guessing game that reveals surprising truths, ask each participant to share two truths and one lie about themselves. Their teammates must identify the false statement, fostering intrigue and laughter as team members make their guesses.

Virtual scavenger hunt 🕵️

Transform virtual spaces into an interactive adventure by organizing a virtual scavenger hunt. Provide a list of items for participants to find in their immediate surroundings and share on camera.

Make virtual connections on Contra 🤝

Icebreakers serve a dual purpose; they jumpstart engaging conversations and spark lasting connections. The power of icebreakers lies in their ability to bolster team unity, break down communication barriers, and cultivate an environment where creativity and cooperation thrive.

If you’re seeking a community of like-minded professionals who embrace the remote work lifestyle, we invite you to check out Contra’s Slack community. Connect with others who share your passions, exchange valuable insights, and tap into a wealth of experiences that can transform your career.

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