Ice Breaker

Ice Breaker Interview with a Twist (30 to 40 minutes. Groups of 12 to 24)

'''Abstract''': A multilevel ice breaker that helps start interactivity as it gets participants working in pairs to think about their practice and determine what parts they would like to do better. It also focuses attention on what aspects of a conversation facilitated exchange.

'''Overview''': This exercise may be particularly helpful with groups who are not accustomed to working in an interactive way, or may be reluctant to do so. The participants are asked to pair up and given a few minutes to interview each other in order to introduce each other to the group. The trainer also makes use of this exercise to begin discussion of what makes people more comfortable and disclosing during a conversation.

'''Guidelines''': After initial introductions, introduce this exercise as a way to learning more about each other. Ask the group to pair off, and in case they already know some of the other participants to pair with someone they know less or don’t know at all. In case of odd numbers their can be one triad. If the total is a multiple of three the exercise also works with triads. In order to keep conversations relatively brief, provide the following rules: Each is to interview the other for three minutes asking the following questions:
1. What would you like the others to know about you and your practice?
2. What are some of the things you are really comfortable with or good at in your practice?
3. What tasks are you less comfortable with in your practice?
4. What would you hope to be doing better after this training?

Tell participants that they will each make a 30-60 second introduction of their partner, summarizing what seem the most relevant pieces of information, being factual without adding interpretations.

After three minutes, tell the partners to switch roles. When triads are used, a third round of 3 minutes is included. During the exercise keep an eye on the participants to see if anyone seems uncomfortable or may not be doing the exercise.

Announce when time is up, and tell the group: “Before starting the summaries I want to ask how you felt when you were the person being interviewed.” Most responses will be positive, though some may have felt a bit uncomfortable. Ask what it was about the conversation, or what the partner did, that helped them feel comfortable in sharing information about themselves. Reflect aspects that will connect later to the spirit of MI. Make a list of these conditions that make it easier to talk.

Then proceed with introductions. If the group is too large to take time for all individual introductions, you can ask for examples of answers to each question.

'''Example(s)''': Some of the usual answers are: it felt safe, I trusted my partner, I came here freely, I know we share the same concerns, I know I won’t be judged badly, I want to learn and get better, we are on the same level, there is nothing at stake.

'''Notes''': Sometimes a trainee will say they have felt uncomfortable yet went on with the exercise. Ask what became of the discomfort once into the exercise. Usually they will say it diminished. Ask what helped bring it down. Note that a lot can be said in three minutes and important essentials summarized in 30-60 seconds. It can also be interesting to ask how the introducers decided what to include and not include in their partner introductions.

Contributed by: Guy Azoulaï