| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 6:39:00 AM | Following on from the hugely successful Roydon meet some of us got thinking as to how meets could be made even more fun by some form of icebreaker activity to get people mingling and talking. The question is what???
So let's throw it open to the collective wisdom of the forum... what have you seen work at parties or events? Got any brilliant ideas for something that could be tried?
e.g. One that works quite well for getting people up on the dance floor is the "snowball" track. Starting with just one or two people on the dance floor the DJ shouts "SNOWBALL!", those on the dance floor must then dash off and find a new partner (who isn't yet dancing) to dance with. After just four or five "snowballs" you've got sixty or so people dancing.
More ideas? | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 7:31:02 AM | The trouble with icebreakers is, they are toe curlingly embarassing to most folk, me included. I've seen hosts at 2 meets "encouraging" folk who were happy to stand cuddling a beer to join in, it was hard work for them, and not very sucessful either.
It may work for some, but I would shy away from a meet where I knew there would be party games.
Whey you get right down to it, the hosts job is to provide the venue. If folk don't put themselves about it's their lost opertunity, maybe they will at the second or third meet, I've seen that happen. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 10:04:14 AM | the problem with most meets I have been to where there has been a DJ is that the music is so loud no one can hear a word anyone is saying so how can you chat and get to know each other?
Just provide a venue, good food, a bar and somewhere people can break out to relax and have a chat away from the dance floor and I'm sure people will soon start mingling :) | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 11:14:12 AM | I have been on 3 meets on another date site and they were all good in different ways, I am hopeing there will be another Liverpool meet on here as that is the closest and easiest for me.
An Icebreaker is good but generally all people are different.. me myself I find that I am not a natural dancer but if I have had a few beers and there is a good 80's song and the floor is half full I can be persuaded (forced to dance away). | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 11:28:50 AM | How about at a POF event if you go up to someone and ask them the following....
Do you know how much a polar bear weighs?....to which they will reply no sorry..
Then you say me neither but I thought it might break the ice!.....Ok I'll get my coat again. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 1:16:25 PM | I was terrified about going to my first meet...and I figured other people would be too.
I was basically going alone though I knew of a few folk just from the forums (never met them before though).
I decided to arrange pre-meet drinkies in a pub near the venue.
I added it to the party thread..and it worked brilliantly..there was about 8 or 10 of us that night for teh pre-meet.
I've done this twice now..last time was more hard work as there were about 15-20 altogether..though some couldn't make it and a few didn't show.
I get people chatting to each other..at least a hello so folk know who they are going to meet..as well as me. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 1:19:02 PM | I thought Hams had the best reply so far  BD on #3 I haven't got a clue what you're talking about but some of what you're on would probably make things go well 
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by the tide of negativity, after all the forums are by their very nature self selecting in that only the more forward people post to them. But I disagree that icebreakers are a complete waste of time, to some people they are the excuse that they need to get things moving. We're talking about optional fun things here, not anything heavy, nothing that you have to join in with.
Have any hosts tried things? Are there things that definitely don't work and aren't worth the effort? | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 1:28:17 PM | At our last meet in Edinburgh we decided beforehand to play a game kind of like the one they used in Eastenders recently. Everyone who wanted to take part got a sticker on their back which was one half of a famous couple. They then had to ask questions of other people to find out who they were and to try to find their other half. I didnt personally take part as their was none left by the time I got there but would happilly have joined in as im lucky in that im not shy but I know it wouldnt be for everyone.
The ones who did take part enjoyed it and it seemed to do the trick, got people chatting and mingling etc so it might be a suggestion for your next meet or something similar.
As long as its made clear that people dont have to join in if they dont want to as it might put people off attending a meet 
Forgot to say, good one Hams lol | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 1:38:06 PM | Just found this on google.............
Shoe Pile
A good way to have new people meet everybody. Everyone takes off one of their shoes and throw it into a big pile. Then each person picks up a different shoe from the pile and finds the person it belongs to. Works well for large groups.
Personally though I would hate the idea of some fooker pushing me to mingle , as my old mum says " you will do it in your own time when your good 'n' ready"!!
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by the tide of negativity, after all the forums are by their very nature self selecting in that only the more forward people post to them.
I beg to differ , there are many posters that started out quite shy on the forums and have come out of their shells in time "naturally" .
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 1:40:53 PM | Mmmmm
Firstly Pirates never sailed in Antarctica
Shacklton did in HMS Endurance it was a the three-masted barquentine in which Sir Ernest Shackleton sailed for the Antarctic on the 1914 on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. She was launched in 1912 from Sandefjord in Norway and was crushed by ice, causing her to sink.
Polar bears
The average weight of a Polar bear..
Male 900lbs
Female 500 lbs
DJ's Play loud music
Cum on people, how old are U??
U sound like Victor M, plz don't be too old before ya time, shouting in an ear is fun.
I love music from the 80's
Move on, yes its was and still is good, but move on, FGTH, TFF, PSB, DM, SB, H100, YZ, TT, RA.
Name them if u can??
Walk in alone...
Stick ya chest out, count to 3 and think "Zero defect" (name the film) and walk in the door. You can do it. Its 2008 dont worry, u can do it.......
Sorry, I have drunk 3 bottles of red...................... LOL
Some 80's music questions
What band held number 1 and number 2 in the same week?
In that week who was number 3?
Name the link with number 1 and number 3?
What band had a xmas number 1 and the vid did not show the band at all
What bands front man was Smash Hits editor?
What solo male singer was a tea boy at the record company?
What band member left a top 30 band to join a girl and became a world wide number 1 duo, the band he left is still one of the biggest bands in the world.
Name the band who featured on Ashes to Ashes on TV and also cuts hair
More trivia later
Party on............... | |
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Keefys
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Joined: 6/12/2008
Msg: 11 | |
| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 2:14:24 PM | Far from it Blueskies, I think you've found a great idea there, the only reason I didn't comment on it was that I cross posted with you  Maybe the idea could be extend to solos tables? A lot of people seem to come with a friend or two, for those of us who do travel solo it immediately creates a small friendly group of people chatting.
The one Kissey came up with was lurking around my brain from years ago, I've done that one as well, can be quite a giggle. M40 I agree with you totally in that a pushy host would be the very last thing needed, as I've said earlier it's fun take-it-or-leave it things that are needed.
I beg to differ with your forum analogy  You've proved my point really... what is it that makes people join in the forums, something that interests them? being prompted to reply to something? What they need is that little incentive, let's call it an icebreaker shall we  | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 2:17:35 PM | Solos tables is what it is..it's for newies, those coming alone, those who are nervous..but also for those who might brng a friend..not strictly solos but that was how it started as I didn't want to be on my own either.
Once we went in to the meet we had a crowd who mostly stuck together...like a fall back..as it would be with a crowd of your own mates.
This has now been done 3 times successfully for the London Corks meet..and no doubt I'll do it again for the August meet too..I have a sidekick in mind to help for that one.. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 2:31:29 PM | The trouble with icebreakers is, they are toe curlingly embarassing to most folk, me included. I've seen hosts at 2 meets "encouraging" folk who were happy to stand cuddling a beer to join in, it was hard work for them, and not very sucessful either.
Yes and lots of disgruntled event attendees and a myriad of complaints about the type of games and about attitude of hosts and hosts overstepping their hosting boundaries appear in my inbox.
It is a fine line with these games in ensuring people do not feel awkward for not taking part and hosts not cajoling, forcing, insisting guests take part.
The best events are ones that happen naturally with the most hands off hosts, they draw the least complaints and the most positive feedback from attendees.
Ice breakers - are like marmite.
the problem with most meets I have been to where there has been a DJ is that the music is so loud no one can hear a word anyone is saying so how can you chat and get to know each other?
The most common complaint I receive, again, if you are attending an event where it says DJ, Disco, Karaoke, Nightclub, Club. Band etc it is pretty much a given that it will be loud.
Want to be able to talk, go to one without such things it is common sense really, or you could arrange your own, pick a time, date, pub with no music or other such quieter venue and I am sure there will be like minded people that will want to attend.
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Keefys
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Joined: 6/12/2008
Msg: 14 | |
| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 3:01:48 PM |
Yes and lots of disgruntled event attendees and a myriad of complaints about the type of games and about attitude of hosts and hosts overstepping their hosting boundaries appear in my inbox. ... the problem with most meets I have been to where there has been a DJ is that the music is so loud no one can hear a word anyone is saying so how can you chat and get to know each other? The most common complaint I receive, again, if you are attending an event where it says DJ, Disco, Karaoke, Nightclub, Club. Band etc it is pretty much a given that it will be loud.
A couple of VERY interesting points from Puddles there who sees things from the sharp end  You maybe only hear about it when it goes wrong (? hope I'm wrong on that) but it is a point we've all been saying - if you are going to do anything then keep it light, fun and optional.
A couple of good points have come out in making meets/venues conducive to talk and mingling. Blueskies solos tables idea is something that I've seen used very successfully in several places where you get solo travellers. Unfortunately some DJ's do need educating, what they lack in skill they try to make up for in volume, I've also been to (non POF) events where they have totally destroyed any hope of conversation. But it doesn't have to be like that, a professional DJ will walk the room and check sound levels and balance, tell them if it's too loud and if they are any good they will adjust the levels.
I agree totally with the point that you can't force people to mingle, but with just a small bit of prompting and the right conditions you can certainly be active in promoting it. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 3:22:11 PM | Post 23
I wasn't being negative either, was just pointing out it's not to everyones taste.
Mac pointed out that folk will do it in their own good time too.
IF you can persuade folk gently to join in, in a no pressure sort of way, go for it.
In my experience, the ones who are up for it and take part enjoy it. The ones who are watching and thinking "I'm glad it's not me up there" are bored and just want to get on as if the floor show/party game/ice breaker wasn't happening.
But as the Lady Puddles said, maybe in not so few words, forget it. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 3:28:30 PM | Well the "snowball" idea wouldn't work on me. I can't dance, and I mean at all. If you saw me try you would think that I had a iPod on and was listening to a completely different tune
Yes have games and a disco and all that sort of thing. But do very different games that may appeal to all different types of people. That way there should be one that everyone will play. And do games that can take place with only 3-4 people if that's all you get.
I've never been to a "meet" yet and am sure I would feel very nervous. So make sure there is an area where people can drink and chat too, just not too far from the rest of the activities or you'll end up with two separate meets going on. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/24/2008 4:15:04 PM | If you want a quiet place, where you can chat and make yourself heard, come to Wakefield. It works for us, and them that want's to dance go to a club after.
The smokers even have a good time outside, Paul hosts that bit, no tables though, it's a bit naff that way. | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/26/2008 1:03:12 PM | Hi Keefy - as the organiser of the last meet you went to in Roydon i have decided to 'chip in with my two pennath' Having read most of the comments I tend to agree that the party games should be left well alone. At the Roydon do, I did have a girl come up to me and complain that i had not bothered to introduce her to anyone and that she often goes to the Corks events in London and the host always goes round introducing everyone that is on their own. There were 3 of us walking around with a helium balloon attached to us saying 'Welcome' and we all approached as many people as we could - we posted information on the website stating what we would do and that if we did not spot you as being on your own, then come and find us. As the host, according to POF rules, we are only supposed to supply the venue and then leave people to get on with it, to a certain extent. There is a lot of work goes into organising an event and at the end of the day, the organisers are just members, the same as everyone else and do not want to spend the whole evening worrying about what everyone else is doing. Everybody is in the same 'boat' and is quite capable of walking up to someone, smiling, and saying - Hi, are you on your own, so am I, (or similar) I really do not think party games are the answer, you cannot force people to play games anymore than you can force them to talk to each other - infact people are more likely to chat than play games. I think we just need to accept that there will be some awkward moments for some people, but if they attend the next event (which no doubt they will), they will then see faces they recognise, and will find it much easier to mingle.
So lets forget the games and remember what these meets are all about ................to meet new people in relaxed surroundings without any pressures on anyone to participate in anything they dont want to!!! See ya at the next one Keefy - date to be announced soon!!
Terry  | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/26/2008 1:51:18 PM |
Having read most of the comments I tend to agree that the party games should be left well alone.
I would have to say that I too think that party games should be left alone... It is hard enough for some to even come throught the venue door let alone having to take part in games..
The pre meet which we have prior to the main Corks event night works very well and helps ease those nerves of members old and new..
At the Roydon do, I did have a girl come up to me and complain that i had not bothered to introduce her to anyone and that she often goes to the Corks events in London and the host always goes round introducing everyone that is on their own.
That's par for the course ,you will always get members comparing events and hosts ..We had it on Saturday about another event from a member and the reason ...was because they were all younger than her at Corks event .The average age is 35-45...The event she previously attended had more people her age group...+50
When I host at Corks I do try and make sure that people are introduced to each other as it is not nice to be left sat on your own ...All I do is to find a group sitting at a table and ask them to if the other member sitting on their own can join them..This works well. for all at the table....
As the host, according to POF rules, we are only supposed to supply the venue and then leave people to get on with it, to a certain extent. There is a lot of work goes into organising an event and at the end of the day, the organisers are just members, the same as everyone else and do not want to spend the whole evening worrying about what everyone else is doing.
I do what I do because I enjoy it ...I abide by all POF rules and regulations and as an ordinary member at an event I do what I think is right...Not nice going to any event and being left sat alone all night, by one self! Also the plus side for me is I get to talk to lots of new people.. | |
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Keefys
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Joined: 6/12/2008
Msg: 21 | |
| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/26/2008 2:26:59 PM |
So lets forget the games and remember what these meets are all about On balance I think you're right there Terry! It was worth having the thread though, I couldn't find anything in the archives and at least we've talked about it.
Keep up the good work  you and the other hosts do a brilliant job | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/26/2008 2:43:42 PM |
The trouble with icebreakers is, they are toe curlingly embarassing to most folk
What about having a room full of computers, and people can message each other? | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/27/2008 5:56:38 AM | | Actually, that would probably work pretty well - afterall that is how we normally get to know each other via the website, although it is a bit sad if people cant use the old fashioned method of 'talking' any more!!!!! | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 7/23/2008 10:32:24 AM | hi everyone, well i am going to be hosting my first get together in november, in Barnsley, south yorkshire ..but i have spent the last 19 years running a busy fun pub in a holiday resort, I find your comments and feed back very interesting, I am an entertainer so i will do the music for the events myself , but my idea was the first couple of hours more chilled music , then when people start to relax , some party stuff, to get the toes tapping xx my ice breaker idea would be a music quiz... perhaps some fun way of picking teams ... for those who just want to listen no problem.. find it gets people chatting, free drink for best team and nasty shot for booby prize ... usually free drinks gets everyone talking lol .. that always makes people happy  | |
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| UK POF Meets : Icebreaker Ideas?
Posted: 6/9/2009 6:09:41 AM | how about a "pub quiz" type thing?
basically all you wanna do is get people to be themselves when they talk. Give 'em something else to focus on.
Prize could be free membership to POF for a year. :) | |
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