The Best Confidence Icebreakers for Girls’ Empowerment Workshops

Start Strong, Get Girls Smiling, and Set the Tone for a Fearlessly Fun Session

You know that slightly awkward moment at the start of a girls’ workshop—when everyone’s looking around, unsure what to say, maybe a little nervous? That’s where the magic of a good icebreaker comes in. ✨

The right confidence icebreaker does more than just “break the ice.” It helps girls feel safe, connected, and ready to be themselves. It sends the message: You belong here. You don’t have to be perfect. We’re in this together.

Whether you’re running a one-day event, a weekly girls’ group, or your first-ever empowerment circle, these icebreakers will help you kick things off with joy, energy, and heart.

💡 Key Takeaways

• A great icebreaker is simple, low-pressure, and builds connection

• Confidence grows when girls feel safe to express themselves without judgment

• Starting with lighthearted fun sets the tone for deeper sharing later

• These ideas are easy to lead, inclusive, and perfect for tween and teen girls

1. Would You Rather: Brave Edition

Pose fun, empowering “Would You Rather” questions like:

• Would you rather speak in front of your class or try a brand-new sport?

• Would you rather lead a team project or start your own club?

• Would you rather dance in public or ask a question in class?

This playful format gets girls talking while subtly exploring confidence and courage.

🎤 Bonus: Let girls make up their own “Would You Rather” questions!

2. Compliment Toss

Grab a soft ball or plush toy. When a girl catches it, she shares one compliment—either for herself (“I’m proud of my creativity”) or for someone else in the circle. Then tosses it to the next girl.

It’s simple, silly, and builds a culture of kindness right from the start.

💗 Tip: Start by modeling a compliment that’s not about appearance—like “You’re a great listener.”

3. Confidence Bingo

Create a fun bingo card with squares like:

• I tried something new this week

• I helped a friend

• I said something kind to myself

• I danced like nobody was watching

Girls walk around the room finding people who can sign a square. Instant connection and a confidence boost? Yes, please!

📥 Want a printable Confidence Bingo card? I can help with that—just say the word!

4. Emoji Check-In

Ask each girl to share how she’s feeling using an emoji—and why. For example:
😊 “Excited to be here!”
😬 “A little nervous—I don’t know anyone yet.”

This simple activity invites honesty and builds empathy. Plus, it helps you gauge the energy in the room.

📱 You can even write emoji faces on index cards or use stickers if tech isn’t available.

5. Confidence Charades (Mini Edition)

Write quick, brave scenarios on slips of paper—like “introducing yourself,” “asking for help,” or “sharing your idea.” Girls act it out silently, and the group guesses what it is.

It’s lighthearted, confidence-boosting, and perfect for loosening up nerves.

🎭 Real talk: A little laughter goes a long way when building connection.

6. Stand Up If…

This one’s a crowd favorite. Say things like:

• “Stand up if you’ve ever felt nervous speaking in front of people.”

• “Stand up if you’ve ever done something brave even when you were scared.”

• “Stand up if you want to grow your confidence.”

It normalizes common feelings and shows girls they’re not alone—while getting them moving!

🌟 Tip: End with something joyful like “Stand up if you’re excited to be here!”

7. My Superpower Is...

Ask each girl to share a “superpower” they have—something unique about themselves. It could be:

• “I make people laugh”

• “I can stay calm under pressure”

• “I’m a really loyal friend”

This invites self-celebration and helps girls see their own gifts right away.

🦸‍♀️ Consider making name tags like “Hi, I’m Sophia and my superpower is kindness.”

8. The Compliment Web

You’ll need a ball of yarn or string. Start by holding the yarn, giving a compliment to someone in the circle, then tossing the yarn to them while holding onto your piece. That girl gives a compliment to someone else and tosses again.

By the end, you’ve created a beautiful web of connection—and a visible reminder of how everyone is linked by kindness.

🧶 It's a beautiful metaphor to return to later in your workshop.

🌟 Want More Tools to Kickstart Confidence?

Check out our Shine From Within Workshop Kit—it’s packed with confidence-building activities, journaling prompts, reflection questions, and printable tools you can use to run a powerful, girl-centered workshop (without the stress).

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your girls’ program, this kit gives you the structure and heart to lead with confidence.

You’ve got this—and the girls in your group are so lucky to have you 💛

Which icebreaker are you excited to try first? I’d love to hear what lights up your group!