Whether you’re leading a virtual meeting, onboarding new employees, or just want to keep things light during team-building, humorous icebreakers are a fantastic way to kick things off with a smile (and maybe even a snort). Laughter is contagious, and starting a meeting with it can create a laid-back atmosphere where everyone feels more at ease. Check out these 30 laugh-out-loud icebreakers guaranteed to make your next virtual meeting or team event unforgettable!
Need even more options? Don’t miss our guide on 40+ Icebreakers for Large Groups for a treasure trove of team-building ideas!
Why Humorous Icebreakers Matter (Hint: They Keep You Sane)
Let’s be honest. Kicking off a meeting with “Let’s dive into today’s agenda” is about as exciting as soggy toast. Humor, on the other hand, brings the energy up and helps people connect in ways bullet points just can’t. When team members laugh together, awkward silences disappear, nerves settle, and creativity flows. Plus, a good laugh can turn even the grumpiest Monday morning into something bearable (yes, even Mondays).
The Science Behind the Smiles
Research backs up the benefits of humor in the workplace:
- Stress Reduction: Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins, creating a more relaxed work environment.
- Improved Creativity: A positive mood enhances problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.
- Stronger Team Bonds: Shared laughter creates a sense of unity and belonging among team members.
- Increased Productivity: Happy employees are up to 20% more productive than their unhappy counterparts.
30 Hilarious Icebreakers for Virtual Meetings and In-Person Gatherings
For a deep dive into virtual team-building, check out our Ultimate Guide to Virtual Icebreakers. It’s packed with tips to make your online meetings pop!
- Two Truths and a Ridiculous Lie
Make the “lie” as absurd as possible. Think, “I once wrestled an alligator in my pajamas.” It’s fun to see how crazy these can get.
- Guess That Movie… Terribly Explained
Describe a movie plot in the worst way possible. Example: “A guy with a Ph.D. tries to catch a big fish” (Jaws).
- If You Were a Meme…
Ask each person what meme describes them best and have them share it. Memes always bring a smile.
- Name That Sound
Play a random or weird sound and have people guess what it is. The weirder the sound, the better the laughs!
- Emoji Storytime
Challenge participants to tell a short story using only emojis. The rest of the group has to guess the plot.
- The Worst Advice You’ve Ever Gotten
Ask your team to share the worst advice they’ve ever received. Expect hilarious and ridiculous stories.
- “Wrong Answers Only” Trivia
Ask trivia questions, but only accept wrong answers. Example: “Who invented the lightbulb?” Wrong answers like “Elon Musk’s pet cat” make it funnier.
- Virtual Background Fails
Ask participants to change their virtual background to the funniest image they can find. Vote for the most ridiculous one!
- Weird Talent Show
Each person has 30 seconds to show off their most useless or funny talent (e.g., balancing a spoon on their nose).
- Awkward Family Photos
Share an awkward or embarrassing family photo. These always get a good laugh and lead to fun stories.
- Would You Rather
Ridiculous Edition Ask absurd “Would You Rather” questions, like “Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or maple syrup for sweat?”
- Emoji Mood Check
Ask everyone to drop an emoji that represents their current mood in the chat. See who’s feeling like a “🤪” versus a “😴.”
- Ridiculous Superpowers
Ask everyone to share the most useless superpower they can think of. Example: “I can make ice melt slightly faster than normal.”
- Desert Island But With a Twist
Ask: “If you were stranded on a desert island but could only bring one office supply item, what would it be?”
- Office Jeopardy: Funny Edition
Create an office Jeopardy game with categories like “Most likely to respond to emails at 3 AM” or “Best Zoom background.”
- Virtual Pet Show
Let your team introduce their pets to the group and give them funny titles, like “Most Likely to Bark During a Meeting.”
- Reverse Charades
One person guesses while the rest of the team acts out a word. This twist adds chaos and laughter!
- The Movie Line Game
One person mutes their mic and says a famous movie line. The others must lip-read and guess the quote.
- Guess the Lie: Food Edition
Everyone shares two foods they love and one they hate. The group guesses which one is the lie.
- Cartoon Character Introductions
Ask each person to introduce themselves as a cartoon character. The sillier the voice, the funnier it gets.
- Name Your Alter Ego
Have each person come up with a superhero or villain alter ego. They’ll explain their powers and backstory.
- Awkward Interview Question
Ask your team a weird interview question like, “If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?”
- Invent a New Holiday
Let everyone invent a new holiday. Include funny traditions and activities, like “National Nap Day” or “Eat Cake for Breakfast Day.”
- Pet or Baby?
Show close-up pictures of baby animals or babies and ask the group to guess which is which. Surprisingly tricky—and hilarious!
- What’s in the Box?
One person hides an object in a box and describes it without naming it. The rest of the team guesses what it is.
- The Roommate Game
Each person describes the most annoying habit of their imaginary roommate (e.g., “My roommate only eats cereal using chopsticks”).
- The Office Survival Kit
Ask everyone to name one office item they’d want if they were lost in the wilderness. Expect staplers to become survival weapons!
- Extreme Zoom Close-Up
Ask team members to take a close-up photo of something in their home. The group guesses what the object is.
- Mystery Sound Challenge
Play a sound on mute (e.g., someone typing, stirring coffee), and the team must guess what action is being mimed.
- The Last Thing You Googled
Ask everyone to share the last thing they Googled, no matter how odd or random it is. You’ll be surprised—and entertained—by the results.
Short on time? Check out our guide to 70+ Lightning-Fast Icebreakers for Remote Teams: Boost Engagement in 5 Minutes or Less for quick and easy team-building ideas!
Tips for Successful Implementation
- Know Your Audience: Tailor the icebreakers to your team’s personality and comfort level.
- Keep It Brief: Aim for 5-10 minutes to maintain energy and focus.
- Lead by Example: Be the first to participate and show enthusiasm.
- Be Inclusive: Ensure everyone has a chance to participate, but don’t force anyone uncomfortable.
- Have a Backup Plan: Technology can be unpredictable, so have a low-tech alternative ready.
Wrapping It Up (With a Smile)
Incorporating these hilarious icebreakers into your team meetings does more than just provide a good laugh. It creates an environment where creativity flourishes, team bonds strengthen, and even the most mundane Monday feels a bit brighter. Remember, a team that laughs together, works better together.
So, the next time you’re tempted to dive straight into that agenda, why not take a detour through Giggleton first? Your team’s productivity (and sanity) will thank you.
Your Turn!
We’d love to hear from you! What’s the funniest icebreaker you’ve experienced or created? Share your stories in the comments below and keep the laughter rolling!
Remember, in the world of remote work, we might be distant, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be hilariously close.
Need more quick laughs? Check out our guide to 5-minute icebreakers for remote teams.
For more in-depth team-building strategies and virtual collaboration tips, explore our comprehensive guide on Boosting Employee Engagement in Remote and Hybrid Teams.