Three Improv Name Games for Effective Meeting Icebreakers

When you’re kicking off a meeting where folks are just getting to know each other, why not dial up the fun from the get-go? Enter: improv name games. They’re not only a blast but also a genius way to remember names, spark some engagement, and melt away those first-meeting jitters. Ideal for groups still on the “hello” stage, these games inject a dose of enthusiasm, setting the stage for a meeting that’s more about collaboration and less about formality. Ready to shake things up? Here are three cool activities that’ll turn your next meeting into a lively get-together.

1. “Bumpity Bump Bump”

In the “Bumpity Bump Bump” game, participants must quickly recall names in a circle

Everyone stands in a circle and introduces themselves (pay special attention to the people on your immediate left and right). A random person then stands inside the cirle. Initiating the game involves the central player (Person A) approaching another (Person B) within the circle, and saying “left” or “right”, followed by “bumpity bump bump”. In the time it takes person A to say “left bumpitity bump bump,” person B must say the name of the person on their left (or right). If this succeeds, person A choses another person from the circles and repeats the procedure. If they fail, person B takes their place in the center and person A goes in their place.

2. Name Volley

Name Volley is a lively and physical icebreaker that combines elements of mimed volleyball with learning participants’ names.

At the beginning, ask the participants to introduce themselves. Then divide your group into two teams, each on opposite sides of an imaginary net. Players mimic the actions of volleyball, such as serving and spiking, in an exaggerated manner to add humor and energy. When a player “hits” the imaginary ball across the net, they must call out the name of a person on the opposite team they aim to “serve” to. This encourages active engagement, memorization of names, and physical activity, making it an excellent way to warm up both the mind and body while breaking the ice in a fun, interactive manner.

Here’s a youtube video with explanation from Expert Village:

3. Name Signals

“Names Signals” involves team members standing in a circle, each creating a unique gesture linked to their name.

Participants stand in the circle and go one after another. Each participact has to say their name outloud and in addition perform a gesture or a move. After this is done, everybody in the group says the name and mimic the gesture. Move on to the next participant, and repeat for each.

This exercise enhances memory, wams you up physically and helps build a fun, interactive atmosphere.

Here’s a video with explanation:

Starting your meeting with these improv name games can transform the energy of any gathering. They encourage openness, foster a sense of community, and activate the brain. Give them a try and watch your team’s dynamics improve with each meeting. Good luck!