From Icebreakers to Ice Melters: Build Real Connection in Workshops ft. Jan Keck | #ADAW Ep. 07

🎥 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:In this episode, I sit down with Jan Keck, facilitator, TEDx speaker, and creator of Ask Deep Questions, to explore how to design workshops that go beyond small talk and build real connection.Jan shares his journey from “recovering shy guy” to becoming a leading voice on creating safe, meaningful group experiences. We dive into why he prefers the term ice melters over icebreakers, how to use connection activities to read the room from the very start, and why the right activity for the right group matters more than checking a box.You’ll learn how to create environments where people feel safe to take risks — whether it’s a group of strangers or a room full of C-suite execs. Expect Jan’s favorite activities, thoughtful metaphors (they make everything easy to visualize and remember), and actionable tips you can bring into your next workshop.📌 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Why You Should Melt the Ice, not Break It06:30 – Making connection safe, not awkward10:55 – Picking the right activity for the right group14:48 – Spark Activities: Starting strong before the “official” start18:50 – Warm-up examples for virtual & in-person22:50 – Jan’s go-to 3-round connection activity28:50 – Improv, “yes and,” and co-creation31:00 – The power of optionality in engagement33:59 – Should deep questions come early?35:08 – How to prep when you don’t know the group39:03 – Tools Jan uses before the session even begins43:00 – Why Two Truths & A Lie might be doing more harm than good47:16 – High-stakes facilitation: Practicing for real tension49:18 – Trojan horses & connecting with execs51:13 – Why the best facilitators improvise53:04 – Holding yourself accountable (yes, Jan’s book is coming!)✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:• Why you should melt the ice, not break it.• The campfire metaphor for building trust gradually• How to design activities for different risk levels• What to do before a session even begins to build connection• When (and how) to adapt your plan in real time• Tips for engaging C-level leaders and skeptics• Ways to turn your session into a safe space for real sharing🛠️ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:👉 Connect with Jan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/👉 Jan's website: https://www.jankeck.com/👉 Jan’s Ice Melters Book Newsletter: https://www.jankeck.com/book/👉 Jan’s Card Deck: https://www.askdeepquestions.com/🗣️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁:I’m a workshop facilitator and designer working with NGOs, startups, and global brands to make collaboration more creative and productive. From strategy sprints to big-team events, I bring energy, clarity, and a touch of unexpected magic to every session.📬 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱:Subscribe to my newsletter: https://facilitatorscorner.substack.comFollow me on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/49clGjh👍 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲!Enjoyed the conversation? Hit like, drop a comment with your favorite metaphor or moment, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on facilitation, connection, and workshop design.