This blog post suggests that icebreakers are often uncomfortable or awkward. As an alternative to the traditional icebreaker, Stanchfield  recommends beginning with rapport building and reflective dialogue with a partner or small group sharing activities and starting with simple, non-threatening — but relevant, context setting– questions or an object/picture/quote to use as a talking point. This allows participants an opportunity to warm up by interacting with just one or two others at a time before sharing with the larger group.