5 minute ice breakers

Here are some fun and engaging 5-minute icebreaker activities that can help your team or group get to know each other better:

  1. Two Truths and a Lie: Each person tells two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The others have to guess which one is the lie. (5 minutes)
  2. Human Bingo: Create bingo cards with different traits, characteristics, or interests (e.g. "has traveled to another country", "speaks more than one language", etc.). Each person needs to find someone who fits each of the characteristics and get them to sign the corresponding square. (5 minutes)
  3. The Name Game: Have each person introduce themselves and share a unique fact about themselves that starts with the same letter as their name (e.g. "I'm Sarah and I love sailing"). Then, go around the circle and try to remember everyone's name and fact. (5 minutes)
  4. Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items or challenges that people need to complete (e.g. "find someone wearing the same color shirt as you", "take a photo with someone who has the same birthday as you", etc.). Give them 5 minutes to complete as many items on the list as they can. (5 minutes)
  5. Word Association Game: Have each person write down a word that describes themselves (e.g. "adventurous", "creative", etc.). Then, go around the circle and have each person explain why they chose that word. (5 minutes)
  6. Would You Rather: Present two difficult choices and ask each person which one they would prefer (e.g. "would you rather be able to fly or be able to breathe underwater?", etc.). This can lead to some interesting conversations and insights into people's values and priorities. (5 minutes)
  7. Show and Tell: Ask each person to bring an object that represents something about themselves (e.g. a favorite book, a memento from a trip, etc.). Have them explain the significance of the object and why they chose to bring it. (5 minutes)
  8. The One-Word Game: Ask each person to come up with a word that describes their personality, strengths, or values. Then, go around the circle and have each person explain why they chose that word. (5 minutes)
  9. Guess the Object: Have each person bring an object that is not easily recognizable (e.g. a small toy, a piece of jewelry, etc.). The others have to guess what the object is and why the person brought it. (5 minutes)
  10. Speed Friending: Inspired by speed dating, have each person talk to someone for 1-2 minutes, then ring a bell and have them move on to talk to someone else. This can be a fun way to get people mingling and talking to each other. (5 minutes)

Remember to keep the activities light-hearted and fun, and make sure they're inclusive and respectful of everyone's differences.