top of page
iSpeaktu

Lesson 30

Ice-breakers in Informal Meetings
Daily Office Basics.png

B1

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​​

    Participate in informal ice-breaker activities to connect with colleagues naturally.
Exercise 1
Situation

Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson 

Alex joins a weekly team meeting with Mr. Miller, Sarah, and Omar. Before starting the main agenda, the team spends a few minutes on a light ice-breaker activity. Alex wants to engage in the activity comfortably, using casual and friendly language, while making a positive impression and connecting with his coworkers. He learns how to join informal conversations, share a little about himself, and respond to others naturally.

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your tutor

Rapport

noun

/ræˈpɔːr/
Meaning:

A friendly, trusting relationship between people.

    Alex built good rapport with Sarah during the ice-breaker.

Break the ice

idiom

/breɪk ði aɪs/
Meaning:

To start a conversation in a friendly way.

    The game helped Alex break the ice with Omar.

Join in

phrasal verb

/dʒɔɪn ɪn/
Meaning:

To participate in an activity.

    Alex joined in the fun quiz with enthusiasm.

Light-hearted

phrase

/ˈlaɪtˌhɑːrtɪd/
Meaning:

Friendly and not serious; cheerful.

    The ice-breaker activity was light-hearted and enjoyable.
Exercise 3

Office Conversation 

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.

Situation:

Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.

Mr Miller.png

Alex, would you like to join in our ice-breaker quiz?

Sarah

Mr Miller.png

Sure! I love light-hearted activities.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

This helps us break the ice before the meeting.

Omar

Mr Miller.png

That’s great. I want to build rapport with everyone.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

Exactly. It’s fun and easy.

Sarah

Mr Miller.png

I’m glad I joined in; I already feel more comfortable.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

Me too! These activities make team meetings more engaging.

Omar

Mr Miller.png

I think we should do this regularly—it’s a good way to connect.

Alex

Check Understanding

Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation. 

1. What does 'break the ice' mean in the dialogue?
2. How does Alex feel about the activity?
3. What is the purpose of light-hearted activities in meetings?

Exercise 4

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud. 

Ice-breakers are short, friendly activities designed to make team members feel comfortable and build connections before starting formal discussions. Participating in ice-breakers helps you create rapport, establish trust, and improve communication with colleagues. Examples include quick quizzes, sharing fun facts, or simple “two truths and a lie” games.

The key is to keep your approach light-hearted, positive, and inclusive. Avoid dominating the conversation or making jokes at others’ expense. Engaging in these activities also allows you to observe team dynamics and understand coworkers’ personalities.

Regular ice-breakers can make meetings more enjoyable, reduce stress, and encourage collaboration. Joining in shows initiative and a willingness to be part of the team. By practicing small talk and friendly participation, you develop social skills that strengthen workplace relationships while creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer

Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.


    1. Ice-breakers are usually held ___

    A. at the start of a meeting
    B. after lunch
    C. at the end of the day

    2. Rapport means ___

    A. a friendly relationship
    B. a formal email
    C. a technical task

    3. “Break the ice” is used to ___

    A. start a conversation
    B. finish work
    C. ask for a report

    4. Alex joined in ___

    A. the ice-breaker activity
    B. the lunch break
    C. a conference call

    5. Light-hearted activities are ___

    A. cheerful and friendly
    B. stressful and serious
    C. complicated

    6. Participating in ice-breakers helps you ___

    A. build relationships
    B. ignore colleagues
    C. delay work

    7. “Join in” means ___

    A. participate
    B. leave
    C. explain

    8. Ice-breakers can make meetings ___

    A. more engaging
    B. boring
    C. longer
Exercise 6
Discussion

Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.


    1. How do you feel when joining a team ice-breaker?

    2. When is it appropriate to use ice-breakers in meetings?

    3. What types of light-hearted activities work best in your office?

    4. How can ice-breakers improve communication with colleagues?

    5. Where else can you use ice-breakers besides meetings?

    6. How do you politely join in if you feel shy?

    7. What is the difference between formal introductions and ice-breakers?

    8. How often should teams use ice-breakers to stay connected?
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
bottom of page