Have you ever noticed how, in any given training session, there are always a few people who seem to have their hand permanently raised, while others would rather do anything than volunteer an answer? It’s not just you, it’s a universal phenomenon. Some learners thrive on speaking up, whilst others do their best impression of a houseplant, hoping not to be noticed.

Ah, online training. The marvel of modern technology that allows us to teach, connect, and share knowledge across the world…until something goes horribly wrong. We’ve all been there. You’re confidently delivering your session when suddenly, your PowerPoint refuses to share, someone’s microphone picks up their dog’s enthusiastic barking, or your internet decides that now is the perfect time for a nap.

If there’s one thing that strikes fear into the hearts of online training attendees, it’s this phrase: “I’m going to pop you into some breakout rooms now!” At that moment, you can practically feel the resistance through the screen. Some people audibly groan. Others go silent. A few mysteriously disappear altogether.

Ah, icebreakers, the Marmite of the training world. Some people love them, eagerly jumping in to share their most embarrassing Zoom moments, while others sit there, arms folded, silently resenting you for making them talk. But whether they fill you with joy or dread, icebreakers have been a staple of training sessions for decades.