open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 5–10 min · 5-40 people · medium energy

Mingle - Get Acquainted

This quick icebreaker encourages participants to meet as many people as possible in a short time. It's a simple way to energize the room and foster initial connections.

When to use Mingle - Get Acquainted

Use at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to help participants feel more comfortable and connected to each other.

What it solves

Initial awkwardness and lack of engagement at the start of a session.

How to run Mingle - Get Acquainted, step by step

  1. Define the physical boundaries for the mingle (e.g., within the circle of chairs). (2 minutes)
  2. Instruct participants to stand up and move around within the boundaries. (1 minute)
  3. Explain the task: 'Meet as many people as you can in the next few minutes!' (1 minute)
  4. Start the mingle and encourage participants to briefly introduce themselves to each other. (5 minutes)
  5. Signal the end of the mingle and bring the group back together. (1 minute)

Materials needed

  • None

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to make eye contact and smile.
  • Be mindful of participants who may be less comfortable with physical interaction.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants sticking to people they already know.
  • Encourage mingling with new faces.

Variations

  • Add a specific question for participants to ask each other during the introductions.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for smaller 'mingles' and a shared document for quick introductions.

What it produces

Increased familiarity and comfort among participants.

Origin

Adapted from Training for Change — source

Build a session around Mingle - Get Acquainted

METODIC places Mingle - Get Acquainted inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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