How you begin and end a training course is vital and shouldn't be left to chance. This manual introduces easy-to-use "openings" and "closings" that can increase the cohesiveness of your group, create a relaxed atmosphere and enhance the learning experience - whether you are new to this type of exercise or not.The book contains 70 icebreakers, energizers and other exercises the authors have tested on the training front lines - including 40 "beginnings" and 30 "endings."Each exercise includes these at-a-glance sections: Content indicates the type of group the exercise is useful for; Purpose clarifies further objectives for the exercise; Materials lists pens, paper and other materials you will need; Method contains your instructions as the trainer; Suggested Explanation, which guides you in what you might say about the exercise to the group; Variations, which describe other ways the basic exercise can be used; and, Pitfalls, which describe dangers to watch out for.Two matrix indexes - one for beginnings and one for endings - make it easy to find just the right exercise for your situation.With "Compendium of Icebreakers", you can be sure to choose appropriate exercises for your desired objective, ask participants to only do things that are reasonable, be clear about the purpose and outcome of each exercise and be sensitive to individual differences.