Dear Meeting Guru, Do you have any icebreaker ideas? Anonymous

Blessed Meeter,

What follows is a popular icebreaker that can be used in a number of ways and for any number of people. It helps to introduce people and uses physical movement to energize a meeting. Here's how it works:

Prepare six to ten descriptive statements to complete the phrase, "Find someone who...." Include statements that identify personal information and/or meeting topics. Here are some ideas:

Find someone who...
	likes/enjoys...			believes that...
	knows what a...			has recently read a book about...
	thinks that...			dislikes...
	specializes in...			has a great idea for...
	has already...			owns...
	is motivated by...			wants...

Hand out the statements and give the following instructions: "This is like a scavenger hunt, except you're looking for people instead of objects. When I say START, go around the room looking for people who match the statements I've handed out. You can use each person for only one statement, even if he or she matches more than one. When you've found a match, write down the person's first name on the appropriate blank."

When most people have finished, stop the hunt and gather the group.

You may want to offer a prize to the person who finishes first. More importantly, survey the full group about each of the items. Promote small discussions around the responses. This is a nice way for the group to get to know one another, generate fun, stimulate conversation and feel more comfortable with a new group of people.

Your interest in learning icebreaking techniques is admirable because it shows you care about making others feel at ease.

As Confucius once said, "There may be those who act without knowing why. I do not do so. Hearing much and selecting what is good and following it; seeing much and keeping it in memory: this is the second style of knowledge." Good luck, and I hope this newfound technique will help you at your next meeting.

Until next time… may good meeting karma always be with you.