My Dream Emoji - Ice Breaker Game
🎯 Quick Summary
Participants create imaginary emojis they wish existed, then the group guesses who invented each one, revealing personalities through creative choices.
✅ Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- •This ice breaker has been used by 2,130 teams worldwide
- •Rated 4.4/5.0 by 95 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- •Perfect ice breaker for: Creative, Fun
📝 How to Play My Dream Emoji Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup & Submission
5 min💬 Say This:
"Welcome! Today we're inventing emojis we wish existed. Think about situations where you want to express something but there's no perfect emoji. Maybe it's a 'gingerbread cookie,' or a face that says 'JUST NO!' You can describe it in words or draw it. I'll collect everyone's ideas privately, then we'll guess who created each one. You have 3 minutes—be creative!"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Explain the concept: invent an emoji that doesn't exist but should
- 2.Provide submission method: paper slips for in-person, private messages/form for virtual
- 3.Give participants 3-4 minutes to think and submit their dream emoji
- 4.Collect all submissions without revealing who submitted what
- 5.Compile the emojis into a list or slideshow for presentation
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Encourage both funny and practical emoji ideas
- •Clarify they can describe the emoji or draw it (simple sketches work)
- •For virtual: use Google Forms, Slido, or private Slack/Teams messages
- •Keep submissions anonymous during collection to preserve the guessing game
Step 2: Main Activity - Guessing
18 min💬 Say This:
"Great! I've got all your dream emojis. Now let's see if you can guess who created each one. First emoji: [describe/show emoji]. Take a moment to think... who do you think invented this? On the count of three, point to the person you think it is. Ready? One, two, three!"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Present the first emoji (read description or show drawing)
- 2.Give the group 15-20 seconds to think about who might have created it
- 3.Have everyone simultaneously point to or name who they think it is
- 4.Reveal the actual creator
- 5.Ask the creator: 'Why did you want this emoji to exist?'
- 6.Allow brief discussion (30-45 seconds)
- 7.Move to the next emoji and repeat
- 8.Continue through all submissions
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Encourage people to explain their guesses: 'Why do you think that's Sarah's?'
- •If the creator is guessed immediately, celebrate: 'Wow, that's so you!'
- •If no one guesses correctly, ask: 'What made this surprising?'
- •Keep the pace moving—about 1-2 minutes per emoji
Step 3: Closing
2 min💬 Say This:
"These emoji ideas were fantastic! My favorites were [mention 2-3]. It's interesting what we learned about each other through the emojis you wished for. If you could make just one of these real, which would you vote for?"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Recap the most creative, funny, or relatable emoji ideas
- 2.Optional: Take a quick poll for 'which emoji should actually exist'
- 3.Thank participants for their creativity
- 4.Highlight any surprising reveals or perfect matches
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Connect it to knowing each other better: 'These emojis revealed personality!'
- •If time allows, discuss: 'What do our emoji wishes say about modern communication?'
- •Save the emoji ideas for future reference—they're great conversation starters
⚠️ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone's emoji idea is too similar to an existing one?
A: That's totally fine! They might not know all existing emojis, or their version might have a specific twist. Focus on the intent behind it. You can say, 'That's close to [existing emoji], but what makes yours different?' This often leads to funny or insightful discussions.
Q: What are some good example dream emojis to inspire participants?
A: Great examples: 'A cup of coffee that's actually the right temperature,' 'A face for when you're happy but exhausted,' 'NOPE in all caps,' 'A pizza slice with exactly your favorite toppings,' 'An 'I'm sorry I forgot to respond' emoji,' 'A plant that's thriving (not dying),' or 'A gesture for 'let's reschedule.'
Q: How do I handle inappropriate emoji suggestions?
A: Screen submissions quickly before presenting them. If something is borderline, you can skip it or describe it in a more appropriate way. Set ground rules at the start: 'Keep it work/group appropriate.' If you're concerned, review submissions during the collection phase and have a backup plan to substitute.
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PDF Handout
Print-ready participant guide + host notes
✓ Professional layout
✓ Branded (optional)
✓ Instant download
PPT Deck
Editable slides with rules & examples
✓ Fully customizable
✓ Add your branding
✓ Save as template
Smart Timer
Auto-paced with sound alerts
✓ Step-by-step timing
✓ Visual countdown
✓ Share screen ready
Adapt this game to your team culture, industry, or goals
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