Icebreakers · FREE FIELD KIT

Virtual icebreaker kit

Six low-pressure prompts for online workshops, with an exact 15-minute opening and a printable participant prompt sheet.

15 minutes4–20 participantsOnline + adaptable in person

What you’ll leave with

Participants make an initial contribution and find a useful connection to the session topic without having to share personal information.

Before the session

  • Choose one prompt that relates to the session purpose. Read it aloud and paste it into chat. Avoid surprise personal disclosure.
  • Explain that people can answer aloud, type, use a fictional example or pass. Keep cameras optional.
  • Use pairs or groups of three above eight participants. Prepare a prompt sheet and announce a clear return time.

The run of show

01 / 2 MINUTES

Explain the invitation

Say: “We will take a few minutes to arrive and hear each other. Pick a work-related example, type if you prefer, or pass. There are no clever answers to find.” Show the chosen prompt and model a short, ordinary answer.

02 / 2 MINUTES

Give quiet thinking time

Invite participants to write a few words before anyone speaks. Tell them they can keep those notes private. This prevents the fastest speaker from setting the direction for everyone.

03 / 6 MINUTES

Share in pairs or trios

Give each person up to two minutes. Ask listeners to hear the whole answer before asking one curious question. With a pair, use the remaining two minutes to find a connection. Avoid making someone report a partner’s story without permission.

04 / 3 MINUTES

Connect to the workshop

Back together, invite three brief contributions about what would help people work well today. Ask for a theme or request, not a report on another person. Write any practical requests where the group can see them.

05 / 2 MINUTES

Make a small agreement

Choose one request the group can act on now, such as putting instructions in writing. Say how you will use it. Move into the workshop with a clear connection to its purpose.

Inside the participant worksheet

  • Prompt 1 | A small win: What recent work moment became easier, and what helped?
  • Prompt 2 | Useful conditions: What helps you contribute when a group is thinking together?
  • Prompt 3 | A question to keep: What question would make today worth your time?
  • Prompt 4 | Notice a strength: Think of a helpful team habit you have seen. What did people actually do?
  • Prompt 5 | Choose a metaphor: If today’s work were a journey, what would help you get started? A literal answer is welcome.
  • Prompt 6 | One helpful instruction: What should someone know to make it easier to collaborate with you today?
  • My chosen prompt and brief answer
  • One request I am comfortable sharing with the group

Debrief questions

  • Did everyone have a usable way to contribute?
  • What did we learn about how to work together today?
  • Which request can we put into practice immediately?

Adapt it for your group

  • For 4–8 people, share in the main room with a one-minute limit per person; shorten the reflection to fit.
  • For 20 people, use trios and invite only three voluntary reflections in plenary. Do not extend the activity to hear every pair report.
  • For a group with tension, use the question-to-keep prompt. Avoid forced compliments, rankings, personal histories or competitive scoring.

After the session

Revisit the group’s practical request at the first break. Ask if the adjustment is helping. Rotate prompts across repeat meetings instead of requiring the same disclosure each time.

How to use the files

Print the PDF, edit the Word file in Word or Google Docs, or open the CSV agenda in a spreadsheet.

Can I use this with paying clients?

Yes. Use and adapt this original Superglue kit in your own training, including paid client sessions. Please share this page rather than redistributing the unmodified kit. Read the full usage terms.

Created by Superglue · Original facilitation material · Updated 2026-09-19. Adapt timings and prompts to your participants; this resource has not been independently evaluated.
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