Kickstart Connection and Creativity with the Zombie Apocalypse Warm-up

A Fun Warm-up Exercise to Breaks Barriers, Discover Hidden Talents, and Fosters Collaboration.

A Simple Zombie Apocalypse Scenario Gets People Talking, Laughing, and Collaborating

How do we break the ice and get strangers to connect in a fun way—without boring each other to tears?

Introducing the *Zombie Apocalypse Warm-up*, a quick, interactive exercise that shifts people from polite conversation to creative collaboration. It’s an easy way to spark meaningful connections while bringing out the unexpected skills everyone brings to the table. Here’s how to run it:

1. The Story of Your Name

First, ask everyone to pair up with someone they don’t know. Then, prompt them to share the story behind their name. It could be:

• A childhood nickname,

• How their parents came up with their name,

• The history of their last name,

• A funny mix-up with someone who shares their name,

• Or even why they decided to change their name.

This gives participants an easy, personal entry point into the conversation and helps create an early connection.

2. Apocalypse Alarm

Next, have each pair team up with another duo to form a group of four.

Here’s the twist: tell them to imagine that a zombie apocalypse is just hours away. 

Ask each person to share one unique skill they bring to the group that would help ensure their survival. It could be something surprising—a hidden talent, a hobby, or even a quirky skill they don’t usually discuss. Maybe one of them is a bread baker; another’s a winemaker, or perhaps someone’s secretly a Kung Fu master!

This exercise helps people move past titles and professional roles, connecting on a deeper, more human level. It encourages everyone to tap into their creativity and let their personality shine.

3. Share and Celebrate

Finally, invite a few groups to share the surprising skills they discovered in each other. You’ll find that this moment often leads to laughter, connection, and “I had no idea!”

By the end of the warm-up, participants will feel more comfortable, energized, and ready to collaborate. As a facilitator, you’ve successfully set the tone for a creative and engaging workshop.