Creative Icebreaker Game For Shy Or Logical Groups | IF…THEN Activity

Aug 24, 2021

The Power of Connection Before Content

I’ve stumbled on a new activity that you’re going to love. This activity is perfect for groups that tend to be a little bit more shy or logical. Instead of just describing the activity, I’m going to show you what it looks like with a lovely group of people in the video above. Afterward, we’ll debrief on how I ramp it up and make it even better. We’ll also discuss some thoughts to consider that will help make it fit really well with your group, as well as the context and origin for how the activity came to be.

Note: For this article specifically, I highly recommend viewing the video above as it is much easier to see this group conversation starter activity play out with a live group instead of trying to understand just a written version of it.

The group that you see in the video is a non-profit client called “REsource,” which focuses on, well, re-sourcing things. They work with blind and visually impaired students, in partial collaboration with the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They initially hired me to help train and ramp up their engagement. One of my favorite ways to work with groups is to join up alongside them as their coach and mentor. We take all the techniques, ideas, and strategies that I practice and teach as I guide them through how to apply them specifically in their context.

The Importance of Connection Before Content

Let me first emphasize the importance of connection before content. Creating a connection with your group before diving into this activity is essential, as it helps establish a rapport between the facilitator and participants. This connection helps build trust, respect, and a sense of community among the group members. When you create a safe and supportive environment, participants are more likely to engage, share, and learn from one another.

The “If…Then” Activity

So, let’s get into the activity. We’re going to call it the “If…Then” activity. It was initially inspired by coding bootcamps where logic is an essential skill, but it can be adapted to fit any context. The idea behind this activity is to connect to the purpose of your gathering, which can be a general “getting to know you” style of meeting, or a very specific connection.

The way this activity works is: you pick two people from the group, where the first person will fill in the “if” statement, and the second person will fill in the “then” statement. For example, “If…I lost my keys…then I would be locked out of my house.” This activity helps spark laughter, smiles, creativity and possibly a pinch of confusion. It is an excellent way to connect with your group before diving into the content because it is simple, filled with choice, and has a high chance of creating “a moment” that will be worth remembering for the group. 

To be clear, as the facilitator, I might start off with the first few “If statements”, but I’m quickly turning it over to the group once they understand the format and structure. 

Dialing In the Activity

To make the activity more accessible, especially for shy or introverted groups, you can dial down the seriousness or silliness of the statements. You can start with conditional logic, where the statements are literal and straightforward. For example, “If I woke up and had no clean socks, then I would wear my dirty socks.” Then, as the group gets more comfortable, you can ramp it up with more abstract or unexpected statements. “If it turns out that unicorns existed…then Harry Potter probably will as well…” 

What Nuances are Possible with the “If…Then” Activity?

The “If…Then” activity has many nuances that you can explore, depending on your group’s dynamics and needs. For example, you can use the activity to build cultural values and understanding by creating “if” statements related to your group’s values. You can also create a deck of cards with pre-written “if” statements that relate to cultural values or any other theme that is relevant to your group.

What This Simple, Creative Activity Does for the Group

Creating a connection before diving into the content has several benefits for your group. It helps establish a sense of community, builds trust and respect among the members, and creates a safe place for your participants to share their thoughts and maybe even get a little silly.

Remember, the key to effective group engagement is building connections before diving into content. Using exercises like the “If…Then” activity can be a great way to break the ice and create a sense of camaraderie among participants.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to apply these principles to your own context or would like to work with me as a coach or mentor, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help!

Thanks for reading, and have an awesome day!