Brief Encounters

Have you ever needed to run a workshop where you just knew delegates would be turning up over a period of five or so minutes and you want to get over that embarrassing silence where everyone waits to begin.

Well this ice breaker let's you begin immediately.

Since the delegates are likely to arrive in the room over a period of a few minutes we need an ice-breaker that allows for a gradual entrance. Brief encounter allows them to mix with strangers and feel involved immediately and this version also allows for lots of positive stroking. And we like that don't we?

As delegates arrive in the room they are given a card with instructions on one side and a unique question on the other. The instructions will tell them to find someone in the room who is on their own and who ideally they don’t know, and ask them the question on the card. They give the person 30 seconds to answer the question, and then answer the question on their card. After one minute participants swap cards, and each goes to find another partner and repeat the same process.

After 10 minutes call the ice-breaker to an end.

The following questions can be used on the cards:

What is one of the most mouth-watering meals you have ever cooked?
As a consumer, what's the most successful complaint you have made?
If you were awarded a medal for bravery, what would it be for?
What is one of the best things about your job?
When have you had to improvise and were delighted with the results?
When has working to a plan really paid off for you?
Can you describe a success you are proud of outside work?
What things really motivate you?
What is one of the best presentations you have given?
When have you stuck your neck out and were really pleased you did?
When have you really surprised yourself and impressed others?
When were you pleased that you went out of your way to help someone?
What is your claim to fame?
Have you ever stood up against group pressure and were pleased you did?
What is one of your most physical achievements?
In what ways do you think of yourself as a creative person?

There's a PDF file you can download by clicking here which has all these questions in larger type ideal for your cards.

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