good discussion questions for small groups

150+ Icebreaker Questions for Amazing Group Discussion (2023)

Small Group Discussion Topics are our specialty at Aristotle’s Cafe.

The biggest reason is because of the way we facilitate these conversations!

They are all generated from the participants themselves.

That’s right, we let the users decide, if you want to our tried and test techniques for these discussions check out our courses here.

Many Facilitators struggle with coming up with the best group discussion topics to inspire their participants to engage with one another. But not with this technique…

When you allow the individual participants to write their own group discussion question and then vote on which one to start with you’ll soon have an endless supply of great discussion topics that you can use anywhere.

If you’re looking for the very best icebreaker questions, what if questions, questions for small groups, group questions, and funny conversation topics look no further.

There are over 150+ Great Icebreakers Questions right here for you.

Share this resource and write a comment to let me know the great icebreaker questions you have.

All of the following icebreaker questions come from participants of our weekly small group discussions that have been running for 14 years with over 10,000+ people!

Want to skip the article? That’s okay, go straight to the Amazing Icebreaker Question Cheat Sheet (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Virtual Icebreaker Questions

Icebreaker questions on art.

Icebreaker Questions for Youth

Travel Icebreaker Questions

Icebreaker Questions for Girls

Icebreaker Questions on Culture

Icebreaker questions on choice, icebreaker questions on empathy.

Icebreaker Questions Education

Icebreaker Questions on Fear

Icebreaker questions on happiness, what would you do icebreaker questions.

Icebreaker Questions on Past, Present, and Future
Icebreaker Questions on Perspective
Icebreaker Questions on Personal Development and Mindfulness

Icebreaker Questions on Success

Icebreaker Questions Technology

Icebreaker Questions on Opinions

Icebreaker questions on favorites, icebreaker questions for couples, funny conversation topics, what if questions.

Questions for Small Groups on Government or Politics
Questions for Small Groups on Good and Bad
Questions for Small Groups on Love and Relationships

Questions for Small Groups on Ethics

Questions for Small Groups on Religion
Questions for Small Groups on Society
Questions for Small Groups on the World

Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups

Not every group question is appropriate for an icebreaker question.

The very WORST thing you can do when getting a group to warm up to each other is to ask the group questions that make people feel uncomfortable.

“How much is your yearly salary?”

Is an example of a group question that will stop anyone from answering and puts people on the defensive.

The secret to great icebreaker questions…

It should be a combination of an interesting conversation topic and also one that isn’t extremely personal or revealing.

Here is a roundup of the best icebreaker questions for small groups that participants have submitted over the past year of discussions.

Can everyone point up, point to the left, point to the right?
Can everyone point to me? (This will make a cool visual effect because many times as a video host you will not be in the same place for everyone, so you will see everyone pointing in a different direction than you would think)
Can everyone choose one thing in your room that you would like to share that represents something about you?
What is your favorite way to connect online?
What’s the best online meeting story that you have?
If you want some great inspiration, check out playmeo.com and their database of virtual icebreakers.
Does art have the power to cure?
What is art?
Is art still valuable in the world?
Do you find a painting changes as you step forward or backward to view it?
Can art influence your attitude?
Do you favor certain colors in a painting?
What art forms are you familiar with?
What art forms have you yourself tried?
Do you think the arts should be supported?
Do you think art has an important place in our schools?
Would you be willing to try your hand at something new?
Can you see art in your daily surroundings?
Do you think art has medicinal value?
Do you think anyone can learn an art form?
Do you think there is enough appreciation for the arts?
Is it okay for a museum to have a controversial art exhibit?
What are the benefits of art in your life?

Icebreaker Questions For Youth

Do you feel like you have all the time in the world to do what you want?
From your childhood, are there experiences that stand out?
Did you have a favorite holiday and why?
Are you responsible for your own life?
Do you have a plan?
Can we still have a good life like our parents or grandparents?
Does your success depend on if you have a degree from a university ?
Do you feel pressure to take a certain path in life?
Have your friends been good or bad influencers in your life?
Are their times you felt you had to stand up against authority?
Are you anxious to grow up or not?
Can you accept advice or do you need to experience it yourself?
Can you stand up against peer pressure?
Are there any adults that you respect and confide in?
Is home a safe place for you to ask questions?
Do you have opinions that differ from your family?
Where have you traveled?
What places would you like to revisit?
Where would you jump at the chance to visit?
What’s important to know before you choose your destination?
What factors are involved in your trip destination?
Would it appeal to you to travel at the last minute to an unknown destination?
What is the longest trip you would be willing to take if you had the time and money?
Are there places that you would be afraid to venture?
Have you ever traveled alone?
Does a tour group appeal to you?
Which is your favorite mode of transportation?
Would you consider a volunteering vacation?
What do you desire to accomplish by your trip?
What kind of traveler are you?
What do you try to see or do in a new place?

Icebreaker Questions For Girls

As a special note, we actually asked a girl to write these. That’s really the best way to get the best icebreaker questions for girls. Would you agree?

Also, just in case it wasn’t obvious – any of the questions throughout this entire article would be great icebreaker questions to ask a girl.

Do you have a plan for your future?
Are you comfortable with meeting new people?
Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others?
Do you find yourself restricted to what society expects of you?
Are you confident when you walk into a room?
Are you able to hold your own in a discussion?
Do you feel peer pressure when it comes to your appearance?
Do you feel sisterhood with others?
Have you felt pressure from boys?
Are there any males in your life that make you feel safe?
Do you feel you can become whatever you want in your life?
Can you envision yourself in the future as a grownup?
Do you feel safe in your daily life?
Can you discuss freely ideas with family or friends?
Do you feel like there are double standards when it comes to rules for boys and girls?
Does your family have certain expectations of you?
In some cultures they wear black for 1 year when someone they love dies, do you think this is a good ritual? What do you do to show respect for those who have passed away?
Globalization is inevitable – how can we make sure people who don’t want to participate can preserve their culture?
How do you know if something is “normal”?
It’s a very different culture. What do people need to know when they move to Thailand?
I am a mixed-raced child. Will any country ever accept me as one of their own?
Have you ever encountered a food that was hard to swallow but you didn’t want to offend someone?
What’s the best way to experience a new culture for you?
What would be disrespectful in one culture but okay in another?
As a woman, would you be willing to wear traditional Moslem clothing and withstand the restrictions on women while traveling in a Moslem country?
What elements of a culture do you look forward to when traveling?
Do you think cultures can learn from each other?
How do you blend in when you are trying to experience a new culture?
What makes up a culture?
What makes a culture better than another culture?
Is it fair to judge someone’s culture good or bad?
If you could be anyone in this world, other than yourself, who would you be?
If you could create one life, what would it be?
When does free will end and fate begin?
If you were mayor of your town, what would you do?
What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t got around to doing?
What is the best advice you were given but did not take?
Is there such thing as a “wrong” choice?
Have you ever made what you thought was a wrong choice, but it turned out to be the right choice?
Have you ever felt you had no choice?
Have you ever felt there were too many choices?
Does freedom mean more choices?
Do more choices mean more opportunities?
What does choose wisely mean to you?
What are the important choices you have had to make in your life?
What do you think is the disadvantage of having too much empathy?
What careers require some empathy in order to be successful?
Are their certain people you have trouble feeling empathy towards?
Could too much empathy cause problems?
How do you show empathy?
How do you teach empathy?
Do you think your government is empathetic towards citizens?
When does empathy interfere with your job?
What does “walking in someone’s shoes” mean to you?
Can you learn or be taught empathy?
How can I best help someone who is battling with depression?
How far can excuses like trauma and psychological issues go? When do you put the responsibility on the person?

Icebreaker Questions on Education

How can we revolutionize education for the 21st century and beyond?
What is the point of formal education?
What do you think about your country’s education system?
Should philosophy be taught earlier in school to inspire children to question more?
What kind of effects are dire warnings about nationalism, global warming, terrorism, and more having on today’s youth?
How does “knowing too much” benefit or harm you?
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Do you think there are benefits to educating boys and girls in separate schools?
What would you like to see included in the curriculum in high school?
How early would job shadowing be beneficial in the school system?
Should schools change their schedules based upon the research that shows children will benefit?
What foreign languages do you think should be required by the high schools?
How early do students need to choose what route they will follow after high school graduation?
Should education be free for all?
Do you think wearing uniforms in school is beneficial?
What characteristics are important in a teacher?
How much responsibility should parents take for the education of their children?
Should school curriculums include sex education?
How can a school involve the community?
What does a good education mean to you?
What are the elements of a good education?
Is it true that an educated person less judgemental?
Is homeschooling a valuable way to receive an education?
How could education become more relevant?
What courses in high schools would you like to be required for a good education?
Is it possible at all to live your life without fear?
Do you admire people who have no fear?
Why is the concept of “no fear” becoming popular?
Do we let fear drive our choices?
Is it unusual to have no fear in being jobless?
What does fear feel like?
When has fear got in your way?
How do you fight fear?
Is fear learned?
Are their basic fears?
Scary movies, scary rides, haunted houses…….what are the attractions?
Can you conquer fear?
Do your fears change as you age?
Are there people who control others by fear?
Can you think of places where people live in fear?
What would you do differently without fear?
Can you agree there are times having fear is a healthy emotion?
Would owning a gun calm your fears?
Do you think fear can be contagious?
Is fear about certain things inherited?
What are examples of irrational fear?
What are examples of spreading fear?
How do you contain fear?
How do you feed fear?
What techniques do you use to hide your fear?
What are some circumstances that require you to hide your fear?
Do you think males more than females are required to act fearless?
Do you believe in God that you need not fear?
Why is there fear of the unknown?
Why is there fear of the stranger?
Why is there fear to take the next step?
Why should there be fear for what’s around the corner?
Would we be happier if we were living closer to nature?
What defines happiness?
What is happiness?
Does happiness mean the same thing to everyone?
Is there a key to happiness?
How does happiness feel?
Can you look for happiness?
Would you recognize happiness if you had it?
Do you need sadness to know happiness?
Is happiness learned?
Do you think happiness is an illusion?
Would you like to be in a state of constant happiness?
Are you afraid of too much happiness?
Do you sabotage your happiness for others?
Do you let others take away your happiness?
Can you find happiness in the moments?
Is happiness found in a pill?
What do you need to feel happiness?
Is happiness a lost cause?
Do you need to feel happiness every day?
Do you think happiness equals good health?
Can you buy happiness?
What area of your life brings you the most happiness?
What area of your life do you need to find happiness?
What do you do when you find yourself stuck?
When you have to make a tough decision, do you make your decision based on what is right OR what feels right?
What will you do when you feel empty?
Not including deadlines, how do you motivate yourself to get stuff done?
How would you deal with the hurt of betrayal?
How do you deal with people who disagree with you?
Do you usually say what you mean? Why?
How should we deal with frustrations?
What drives you crazy (about a friend, colleague, or family member)? How do you deal with it?
How can you be self-compassionate without being self-biased?
Peoples’ attention spans are shorter now – how can we catch them?
How can I come up with an interesting question?
What does it mean to “be yourself”? Do you think you are these days? How can you be more yourself?
How can we think outside the box?

Icebreaker Questions on Past, Present, and Future

Will the future of humanity rely more on innovation, or more on mindfulness?
Is the present better than the past?
What should self-driving cars should factor in when it comes to decision making?
Do you believe in fate?
What direction is modern society headed towards?
What is the biggest challenge facing the next generation?
Are farming techniques of the past better than modern techniques?
Is there a time period or era that appeals to you?
Do you think your past determines your present or future?
What advice would you give your past-self for your present or future?
What can you do about the past to make your present or future easier?
What benefits are there to reliving the past?
Is it better to forget the past?
Can your planning for the future have you missing out on the present?
How do you rewrite your past?
What figures into determining your future?
Can you break free of the past?
Is the future bright?
What advice would you give someone planning for the future?
What positive characteristics do you carry that will see you through successfully in the future?
Are there negative characteristics that could hinder your future?
What items are important to possess to build a stable present and bright future?
Is your future already determined?

Icebreaker Questions on Perspective

Some of the world’s most important people have many negative traits. What is the best way to deal with these people?
What are some examples of justified violence that you can accept?
If I love someone and they don’t love me back, how can I turn that into a positive?
What are the three best things about you?
If life for you were to end now would you be happy with what you’ve done until now?
Are we taking things too seriously?
What is cute?
How much has childhood shaped who we are today?
What is healthy?
Have we become too connected?
How often during your week do you stop to look around in awe of natural beauty?
Are you a cat person?
Anger, jealousy, hate. How should we deal with negative emotions?
Should we respect all the opinions and ideas even if they are harmful?
Is shutting down your brain by watching TV or doing something “not productive” that reduces your stress – negative or positive?
Should people try to be non-judgemental or should we judge others on their actions and thoughts?
Do morals restrict or benefit humanity?
Is racism or prejudice a natural survival instinct or a choice?
How much money does a person need to survive from birth to death?
When do you think that a lie is a better option than honesty?
Why do you think some people lie about things, even when it’s not needed?
How positive is the impact of readily available information for youth in developing countries?
Given a limited amount of time on Earth, what impact do you want to leave?
What are your views on people who try to contrive, manipulate, and control circumstances in their environment but then try to evade the natural consequences that arise from it?
What is depression and why does it exist?
Is it selfish to have children?
Is it important to be a risk taker?
Do you think that to give with an intention is equal to giving with no intention?
How do you feel about leaving your comfort zone?
What are your thoughts on shifting from a reactive mindset to a more proactive mindset?
When does a victim become a victim?
Are our wedding expectations unrealistic?
Is there any difference between thinking, feeling, or talking from the heart or from the mind?
What separates man from beast?
Why do people have so much trouble accepting differences?
Why do manipulators succeed in gaining control?
What are we doing here?
How to make the most from listening?
What are you looking for?
Where does music come from?
How to preserve one’s integrity?

Icebreaker Questions Personal Development and Mindfulness

How can I find passion?
How can you balance life? And what is balance?
How have you gained dignity following a crisis?
Is it possible to “know thyself”?
How important is it for you to be able to define yourself?
What’s the difference between a good boss and a good leader?
How do you determine if someone’s successful in life?
What is your thought on keeping “work life” and “personal life” separate?
Is motivation important? How do you motivate yourself?
I love helping people with their communication skills, but how do I get paid for my trainings?
Is it natural to be happy then sad in your career? Or is there such thing as work nirvana?
Where do you want to be five years from now?
How do you deal with pressure from your boss, co-workers, or customers?
What do you think of opening a business with passion but without market research?
Is willpower a skill that can be learned and improved, or do you think individuals have natural limits?

Icebreaker Questions on Technology

Will artificial intelligence eventually become a God?
What could be the next scientific discovery to disprove current thinking?
Thinking of the idea of humans possibly living in a virtual reality – does that affect our morals?
Is technology something to appreciate or fear?
What is the difference between augmented reality and personal perspective?
Do you think regrets can be a good thing?
Is a good deed that goes unappreciated worthless?
They say “curiosity killed the cat” how much curiosity is healthy?
Is life just a game?
What is your favorite question to ask a stranger?
What are your favorite books to read right now?
What is your favorite question to ask someone you just met?

Icebreaker Questions for couples are really about diving deep into a relationship between two people. They’re different than our standard icebreaker questions for small groups. (We also have an article devoted to deep questions about life if you want even more of these)

These questions should be asked when you have privacy and time to get more personal.

Do you remember what caught your eye about her/him?
What do you like about her/him?
What do you like to do together the most?
What would you both like to try to do together that you haven’t yet?
Is there a city or country you could see being together and starting a new life?
Are there differences of opinions that impact your relationship?
Is it ok to go to bed angry with each other?
When is compromise not okay?
Can you support your partner in spite of family pressure?
Is love the glue to a relationship?
What does love look like to you?
Can you forgive and forget?
Are there good fights?
Is it better to walk away and discuss another day?
Do you know what buttons to push
Do you know what subjects to avoid?
Can you grow old together?
What are the benefits of a long relationship?
Is it worthwhile to keep working on a relationship?
What is most important for you in a partner?
What do you need from your partner?

Funny conversation topics are a category all on their own because they don’t have to just be used as icebreaker questions.

These questions can be asked in a variety of different situations.

Everyone needs a good laugh every now and then.

So mixing it up a bit with a little silliness is sometimes called for. Of course, choose the situation and timing – be careful what you ask your boss, mother-in-law, or professor.

Would you want to live forever as a machine in human body form like Battlestar Galactica?
If you could, would you move to Mars?
Is B.o.B. right, is the Earth Flat?
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Would you rather be raised by wolfs until the age of 18 or thrown into a pack of coyotes at age 35?
Why do 24-hour stores have locks on the doors?
What’s the most outlandish fact that you know?
What’s your most embarrassing favorite song?

What if questions are a lot of fun. Typically you would ask something like:

“ What if hundred dollar bills magically came into your pocket…”

Then there’s always a consequence of that action…

“…but every time you pulled the hundred dollar bill out someone in the world died.”

What if questions are great for humorous conversations or to see where people’s choices lie. I don’t want to limit your creativity so I’ll leave it up to you to fill in the other part of the questions listed here.

What if aliens exist?
What if you woke up as your favorite celebrity?
What if you could live anywhere on the planet?
What if you only had 1 hour left to live?
What if in the future people have to pay for privacy?
What if money was never an issue?
What if you could be President for 1 week, what would you change?

Questions for Small Groups – Danger Zone

Proceed with CAUTION!!!

Not all questions for small groups are created equal. When’s the last time you had a casual conversation with someone about politics…

I thought so.

Tread lightly with these icebreaker questions – they are only to be used by the experienced facilitator, teacher, or host.

The reason why…

These questions are POLARIZING, meaning there is normally very little grey are when it comes to people’s opinions. They are either strongly for or against something.

When that happens you can bet that emotions will run high . Make sure to pay special attention to body language and be prepared to be a calming force if you want the discussion to continue.

Questions for Small Groups on Government or Politics

To what degree should the government help people affected by a hurricane?
Can community-based, grassroots movements take place with no funding and money involved?
What is the best way to build bridges between political parties?
Does the United States have the best form of government?
Should there be any limit to freedom of expression? If so, what should be limited?
How does the travel ban make you feel?
Should everyone have the right to vote?
What do you think about Communism?
It’s easy to say “borders shouldn’t exist”, but do borders have a purpose?
When immigrants move to a new country should they keep their culture, adapt to the new culture, or should the country change?
How do you feel about the increase in mass surveillance?
Are we living in a disguised dictatorship?
How is it possible that in the US, Heroin deaths increased 533% since 2002?

Questions for Small Groups on Good and Bad

Is charity bad?
Should we express all of our feelings, or should we keep bad feelings inside?
Are you a good person? What is it that makes you a good or bad person?
Why do many cultures think that tattoos are dirty or bad?
Do victims sometimes support bad things to happen?
When is Nuclear war good?
What makes a good mentor?

Questions for Small Groups on Love and Relationships

Do you believe in a real friendship between a woman and a man?
Do we need love to be happy?
What should you do when your partner is completely opposite?
Is it okay for foreign, young people to be busking or begging for money in Southeast Asia?
What’s wrong with “not changing” and “staying the same”?
How do you change from “no one” to be “someone” – and from “someone” to be the “only one”?
Why do we care so much about being judged?
What are we really looking for?

Questions for Small Groups on Religion

Does religion do more harm than good?
Why did many major world religions develop around the same time?
Do we need religion?
Are we making a mistake by ignoring religion and faith?

Questions for Small Groups on Society

Does society need a real crisis to get itself back together?
What is society for?
Are we as divided and fragmented as a society as we’re being told?
Is a jobless person considered a burden to society? What about Monks?
1 in 10 older people experience abuse every month – why?

Questions for Small Groups on the World

Is right now a better world than the past?
How can you find truth in a “post-fact” or “alternative-fact” world?
Can empathy save the world?
How can I be myself in a world full of excessive consumerism?
With so much turmoil now, will World War III bring peace?
Are people currently upset by the worlds political climate actually suffering or just having identity issues?
Can hope change the world?
How is the world going to end?
What is the most effective way to help health, life, and the environment?

Share, Share, Share

Questions are the beginning of a path towards understanding.

They won’t do any good if only kept to yourself.

Share this resource and start a great conversation with someone that you care about, or maybe that you want to learn more about.

These are great icebreaker questions, which include funny conversation topics, perfect group questions, and if you really want to reveal someone’s creativity, offer up a “what if icebreaker question.”

“Icebreaker Questions, How Can I Use This For my Next Group Discussion?”

I created a FREE icebreaker question cheat sheet and easy-to-clip question page so you can quickly use the information from this post at your next group.

Click below to download it.

If you liked this, you’ll love these…

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Toastmasters Table Topics: The Definitive Guide
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Our Online Courses

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210+ Icebreaker Questions For Small Groups

Breathe some life into your next conversation with our list of over 210 icebreaker questions designed for small groups.

good discussion questions for small groups

There’s no better way to get a conversation started than with icebreakers! While some icebreakers get a bad rep for being boring or cliché, we can’t deny that they’re a great way to get to know your group.

When it comes to virtual meetings, icebreakers are even more important because they break awkward silences. This is why we’ve put together a fun list of 210+ icebreakers for your next team meeting. Our handpicked icebreaker questions for small groups include wholesome, funny, and workplace-themed questions so that there’s something for everyone!

Icebreaker Games in a Virtual Team Builder

While icebreakers are engaging and fun, there’s a lot more to hosting a successful virtual meeting, be it for small teams or large. Video chatting platforms like Zoom or Skype help you stay connected with your remote team, but they don’t do anything more than that. Let’s Roam does!

Not only does Let’s Roam offer seamlessly embedded video chatting, but it also has a wealth of activities and events to engage your remote team. You can play games, answer trivia questions, and bond with your team in out-of-the-box ways. In addition, you can customize every activity to include your company’s team-building goals and objectives.

Planning your event is easy and hassle-free. Each event is one hour long, giving your team ample time to bond and make friends without getting bored. You don’t need to install any software or apps to take part in the fun. All you need is an internet connection, a webcam, and some adventurous spirit. A dedicated event planner organizes the entire event for you so you can relax and enjoy the fun. Additionally, a hilarious host ties the entire event together and makes sure no one feels left out. If you have a large team, you can break them up into smaller groups, so everyone has the chance to speak out!

Get ready to have the best team-building event ever!

Wholesome Icebreaker Questions For Small Groups

What is a wholesome childhood memory that you have?
What is your cutest pet story?
Tell us your most heartwarming Christmas story.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
What is the most thoughtful thing someone has done for you?

Funny Icebreaker Questions For Small Groups

What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in high school?
What was your funniest Halloween costume?
If you could listen to only one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What would your autobiography be called?
Tell us about one of your pet peeves.
What’s the best knock-knock joke you know?
Who is your craziest/most interesting relative?
What’s your funniest talent? Or un-talent?
Which celebrity do you shamelessly follow in the news?
What’s a funny (appropriate) pick-up line that works for you?
Have you ever lied about an interest/talent to impress someone? What happened next?
What commercial jingle gets stuck in your head all the time?
What dance move are you secretly awesome at?
What’s a weird fact you happen to know?

In a pinch and need more funny icebreaker questions? Check out these funny icebreakers .

Work-Related Questions For The Team

Which colleague do you think would survive a zombie apocalypse?
If you could give a million dollars to any of your colleagues, who would you pick?
Have you ever pretended to be doing something busy to get out of work?
Are you a morning person or a night person?
What’s the best thing about working from home?

Want to explore over 250+ more icebreakers for work? Check out our ultimate list of work icebreakers .

This-or-That Icebreaker Questions

Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?
Wearing pajamas to work or wearing a suit to bed?
Ice cream on a cold winter day, or hot chocolate on a hot summer day?
Working at the beach or partying in the conference hall?
The latest iPhone but you can use it only for calls, or an old phone 5G?

Personal Icebreakers

If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would change?
If you could live in one place for the rest of your life, where would you go?
What would your superpower be?
If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on?
If you could get any pet in the world, what animal would you want to bring home?

Weird Icebreaker Questions

Would you rather be chocolate or vanilla ice cream and what does that say about your personality?
Would you rather be a hero but have no one notice or a zero but have everyone think you’re a hero?
Would you rather be the best at everything but have everyone dislike you, or the worst at everything but have everyone like you?
Would you rather be a fruit or a vegetable?
Do you think aliens exist?
What is your favorite sandwich, and why?
If you get super-rich, would you still like to work?
Can you live without your smartphone or any other gadget for 48 hours?
Which book have you read recently that you would like to recommend? Why?

Not weird enough for you? We’ve compiled over 140 more weird icebreaker questions for your enjoyment .

Icebreaker Jokes

What’s not a good icebreaker? Global warming
What do you call a Jewish icebreaker? An iceberg
What does one ice cube say to another to complement it? You are so cool.
Why did the new ice hockey player not perform well? Because he got cold feet.
Why did the strangers walk out onto the frozen pond? They thought it was the best way to break the ice.
Why is a polar bear a cheap pet to have? Because it lives on ice.
What happens when an ice cube gets angry? It boils with anger and then lets off some steam.
What is the difference between an iceberg and a clothes brush? One crushes boats the other brushes coats!

Explore more than 120 additional icebreaker jokes here !

Icebreaker Riddles

Why is it so easy for an elephant to get a job? Answer: Because it will work for peanuts
Why did the invisible man turn down a job offer? Answer: He just couldn’t see himself doing it.
What does nobody want, yet nobody wants to lose? Answer: Work
Why did the spider get a job in I.T.? Answer: He was a great web designer.
An electric train is headed east. Where does the smoke go? Answer: Electric trains don’t produce any smoke!
There are two monkeys on a tree and one jumps off. Why does the other monkey jump too? Answer: Monkey see monkey do
What tastes better than it smells? Answer: A tongue
What goes up and never comes down? Answer: Your age

Interested in more riddles? Check out over 130+ icebreaker riddles here .

Dating Icebreakers

Describe an argument you had with a previous boyfriend/girlfriend. Who was at fault? Who won?
What are your pet peeves?
What aspect of yourself are you currently trying to improve?
What is the most fun thing you’ve done in the last week? Month? Year?

Dating is hard, but breaking the ice doesn’t have to be. Check out these icebreakers designed specifically for dating.

BONUS: Even More Icebreaker Questions For Small Groups

Are there any interesting things your name spells with the letters rearranged?
If you were a potato, what way would you like to be cooked?
Would you go to space if you knew that you could never come back to earth?
What is the strangest gift you have ever received?
Where did you grow up?
If you could have any superhuman power, what would it be?
If you could audition for a talent TV show, what song would you pick and why?
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If you could be a kitchen appliance, what one would you be and why?
If you could take 3 things to a desert island what would they be?
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Looking back at when you were younger, what was your silliest fear?
What was your first concert? What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Are you a dog person, a cat person, or both?
What’s the last thing you got in “trouble” for?
What is your favorite movie and why?
If you suddenly lost your eyesight, what would be the thing you missed seeing the most?
What does your name mean? Why were you named that?
If your house were on fire, what three items (not people) would you try to save?
What was the best gift you ever received as a child?
What’s the highlight of your week?
What are your passions and how have you been fueling them lately?
If you had to leave this city or country for good, where would you go?
What’s your favorite movie you watched recently?
What are you looking forward to this week or weekend?
Rainy weekend and you are home alone. How do you spend your time?
Science fiction? Romantic comedy? What’s your favorite movie genre?
Who is the fictional character that you have the most in common with?
What is something — a food or activity — that you tried reluctantly, and it turns out you like it?
What is your favorite local restaurant?
What day of your life would you most like to relive? Why?
Who is the most famous person you’ve known or met? How did it happen?
What’s the story behind the longest time you’ve gone without sleep?
What is one of the most memorable dreams you have ever had?
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
What’s the best/worst thing about your work/school?
Are you usually early or late?
What do you wish you knew more about?
What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?
What’s been on your mind lately?
What’s the last text you sent?
What was something you’ve done that made you feel extreme happiness?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you did not have to sleep, how would you spend the extra 8 hours?
What simple thing still blows your mind?
What’s the most important thing to remember daily that you haven’t been able to?
Show us something in your space that you really like
What are you nostalgic about recently?
What’s something on your bucket list?
Would you rather listen to country or classical music?
What’s your cellphone wallpaper?
If you had your own talk show, who would your first guest be?
What’s one thing you’re really bad at?
What is your favorite theme park?
What is your favorite weekend trip?
Do you enjoy the outdoors? What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
What famous animal movie character do you like the most?
Are there any specific animals you are afraid of? Why?
What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?
You have your own late-night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you?
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be?
If aliens landed on earth tomorrow and offered to take you home with them, would you go?
What was your least favorite food as a child? Do you still hate it or do you love it now?
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
Teleportation or flying?
What breed of dog would you be?
What is your go-to karaoke song?
What’s your favorite thing about ducks?
Would you rather live in the ocean or on the moon?
Camping. Love it or hate it?
Favorite Pizza Topping?
What’s something you’re looking forward to, and why?
What’s something you’re worried about?
What was your favorite recent meal, and why?
If you could have one superpower today, what would it be, and for what purpose?
Show us something in your space that you really like.
What’s your favorite item you’ve bought this year?
If money weren’t an object, what would you do with your life?
What’s the best meal you can remember eating?
Who is your ultimate female role model?
What’s your favorite thing about quarantine?
What Disney character would you be, and why?
What’s your favorite emoji to use?
Do you say LOL or LMFAO when you send text messages?
If you could do anything in the world as a career, what would it be?
If you could change places with any person in the world, where would you want to go?
Where is the White House located?
What is the name of the first song heard in The Lion King?
Who was the first African American president of the United States?
Which dwarf from Snow White mixes up his words?
What do you call a baby goat?
Where in the world would you live if money wasn’t an issue?
What type of music do you listen to?
Who had the most influence on you while growing up?
What’s your favorite season in the year?
Best book you’ve ever read?
If there is a heaven, who would you most like to call there?
What do you do when you feel fear?
Who is your hero and why?
Share a personal fact no one would ever guess about you.
Which childhood book did you never forget?
Favorite breakfast food?
Red or White wine?
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Best sandwich ever, what’s on it?
Pool or beach?
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
What is the one thing that people would find surprising about you?
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Are you a dog or a cat person? Why?
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? Or a mixture of both?
What was your favorite childhood bedtime story that you can still quote?
If you could tour with any band, which band would you choose?
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Would you rather spend a year in space or living on a submarine?
You’re at a make-your-own sundae bar. Which toppings do you choose?
If you reincarnated as an animal, what animal would you be?
What’s your favorite vacation?
Where is one place you would like to travel to?
What’s your favorite thing to do right when you wake up?
If someone texted you right now, who would you want it to be?
Hit the treadmill or become a couch potato?
If you presume to be a different species for a day, which one could you be? Why?
How would you fix your Monday Blues?
Among your senior colleagues, who do you admire the most? Why?
Which animal are you and why?
What’s the weirdest/craziest fashion trend you tried?
What’s your favorite emoji?
What is one thing that you couldn’t live without (that’s not technology)?
If you had as much money as you wanted for one day only, what would you do?
Who has been your favorite teacher and why?
What’s your dream vacation?
What incredibly common thing have you never done?
What was your best cartoon as a child?
Do you enjoy cooking or baking?
What is one thing you love?
Do you hate loud laughs?
How many Facebook friends do you have, and how many of them are really important to you?
What kind of clothing material do you like and why?
What would you make up if you had to use a fake name?
What book do you pretend is your favorite in order to appear intelligent?
Which team members of your remote teams are the most likely to go wild without any kind of human interactions?
What is the best compliment that you’ve received from someone in the office?
Altogether, what is the best advice you’ve received from anyone in this office?
Particularly, what’s the worst thing about working from home?
Would you rather be invisible or always visible?

Using these icebreaker questions for small groups is a surefire way to get the conversation started.

Which of these icebreakers do you think you’ll use at your next meeting? Do you have funny icebreaker game ideas? Share them in the comments section!

221 best icebreaker questions for creating genuine connections

two professional women talking across a table

When a group of people comes together for the first time, it can take a little time for them to get to know one another and feel comfortable in each other’s presence. Icebreaker questions and games are an effective way to speed up the process and create a safe space for people to start working together.

In this post, we’ll share the best icebreaker questions for work and any other scenarios where you might want to help people get to know each other. We’ll also share some tips for ensuring your icebreakers are productive and help the group bring themselves to the table without anxiety or frustration. Let’s jump in!

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What Makes a Good Icebreaker Question?

A good icebreaker question possesses certain qualities that contribute to its effectiveness in initiating meaningful conversations. Here are some key attributes:

Relevance: The question should be relevant to the context and purpose of the gathering. Whether it’s a team meeting, a virtual workshop , or a social event, the question should align with the overall objectives.
Inclusivity: An ideal icebreaker question is inclusive, ensuring that everyone in the group feels comfortable participating. Avoid questions that may make individuals feel singled out or uncomfortable.
Versatility: A good icebreaker question is adaptable to various settings and audiences. It should be versatile enough to spark engagement among diverse groups with different interests and backgrounds.
Open-ended: Questions that invite more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer encourage deeper and more meaningful discussions. Open-ended questions provide individuals with the opportunity to share more about themselves.
Positive Tone: Icebreaker questions should set a positive and light-hearted tone for the interaction. Funny icebreaker questions or humor can be a great addition, but it’s crucial to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and preferences.
Icebreaking Potential: The primary goal is to break the ice and create a relaxed environment. A good icebreaker question should help people feel more at ease, paving the way for smoother communication and collaboration.

Often, the best icebreaker is one that sets the stage for the workshop or meeting to come. They typically help a group start thinking about the topic or theme of the session before the facilitator then guides the group to deeper discussions or activities.

In SessionLab, it’s easy to create a structured session flow in minutes. Create your ideal meeting agenda by dragging and dropping blocks into place in the Session Planner . Easily transition from an icebreaker into a group discussion and add additional activities and items as you need them!

Ensure your session stays on time by adding clear timing to your chosen icebreaker and additional activities. And when you’re done, create a beautiful PDF or Powerpoint export to help you facilitate with confidence.

Team Icebreaker Questions

Even established teams can benefit from using icebreakers to get to know each other more deeply and open up a conversation about they’d like to work together.

These questions are especially effective when used alongside team building activities where you might focus on helping align the team or improve collaboration.

If our team was a landscape, what would it be and why?
What would you like the team to look like in one year from now?
What fictional team from a movie or TV show do you think our team resembles the most?
If our team had a theme song, what would it be?
Where in the world would you most like to go with your team and why?
Share a team achievement or project you’re most proud of and why.
What’s one word you would use to describe our team culture?
If our team were a sports team, what sport would we play, and what would be our team name?
Share a team-building activity you’ve enjoyed in the past and why it was memorable.
If our team had a mascot, what would it be, and why?
What’s one skill or talent you bring to the team that others might not know about?
If our team were a superhero squad, what powers would each team member have?
If you were to give your team an alignment score from 1-10, what would it be and why?
What does the rest of the team need to know this week?
What’s the best advice about how to work well with others you’ve received?
How would you prefer to receive feedback from someone else on the team?
What piece of gratitude would you like to express to someone else on the team?

Want to get your team on the same page and align on how you’d like to work together? The Team Canvas Workshop is an effective session where you and your team will co-create your working culture.

You’ll cover your team goals, roles, responsibilities, rituals and more while working towards creating a more cohesive and connected team.

Check-in Icebreaker Questions

Checking in at the beginning of a workshop or meeting is something many teams miss, but it can be an essential element of a productive session.

These check-in icebreaker questions can help set a positive tone for meetings, allowing team members to share their current state of mind and create a supportive atmosphere.

They can be especially helpful for team leaders and facilitators who may want to gauge how the group is feeling before launching into deeper topics.

What are you hoping to get from the session today?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your energy levels today?
Share one thing you’re looking forward to this week.
If today were a weather forecast for your mood, what would it be?
What’s a small victory or accomplishment you’ve had recently?
Share one positive aspect of your day so far.
If your day had a theme song, what would it be?
What’s something that made you smile today?
Is there a goal you’re aiming to achieve by the end of the day?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your work-life balance this week?
Share one thing you’re grateful for right now.

Most effective workshops and meetings start with an icebreaker of some description.

Whether it’s in the form of a question or an experiential icebreaker activity, checking in is an effective way of ritually opening a session. Try Hyper Island’s Check-in/Check-out activity to bring this concept to your next session.

Check-in / Check-out #team #opening #closing #hyperisland #remote-friendly Either checking-in or checking-out is a simple way for a team to open or close a process, symbolically and in a collaborative way. Checking-in/out invites each member in a group to be present, seen and heard, and to express a reflection or a feeling. Checking-in emphasizes presence, focus and group commitment; checking-out emphasizes reflection and symbolic closure.

Fun Icebreaker Questions

For many meetings, the intention of an icebreaker is to loosen people up and help create a lighthearted atmosphere. These funny icebreaker questions are designed to do just that.

You might use these fun icebreaker questions in a round-robin format to kick-off a team meeting or simply to break the ice at a networking event without resorting to talking about your job.

How would your primary school teacher have described you?
What’s the most unusual talent or party trick you have?
If you were a meme, which one would you be?
What’s your plan in the event of a zombie apocalypse?
Share a funny or embarrassing work story that still makes you laugh.
If you could swap lives with a cartoon character for a day, who would it be?
What’s your weirdest food combination that you secretly enjoy?
If aliens visited Earth and you were the first person they met, how would you explain your job?
What’s the worst ice cream flavor you can come up with?
What item of clothing are you wearing that could start a new fashion trend?
Share a joke or funny anecdote related to your profession.
What’s the silliest goal you’ve ever set for yourself?
What actor would play you in a film about your life?
What’s the last TV show or film you hate-watched?

Icebreaker games are a great way to help your team have fun and get energized at the beginning of a session.

If you’d prefer using a more experiential activity to get your team engaged and having fun, try a simple icebreaker activity like Soundball or a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament to generate some laughter while warming up your group.

Rock, Paper, Scissors (Tournament) #energiser #warm up #remote-friendly This is a fun and loud energiser based on the well-known “Rock, Paper, Scissor” game – with a twist: the losing players become the fan of the winners as the winner advances to the next round. This goes on until a final showdown with two large cheering crowds! It can be played with adults of all levels as well as kids and it always works!

This or That Icebreaker Questions

Would you rather and this or that style icebreaker questions are a favourite of many teams who want a quick way to get to know a little more about someone and not get too deep. These are typically fun icebreaker questions that elicit silly answers and can be run in pairs or larger groups.

As with any of the icebreaker questions on this list, be sure to consider your audience with these questions. What might work well for college students might not be right for a group of executives. Even better, tailor your choice of question to start the process of engaging your group in the topic of your session.

Coffee or tea?
Morning person or night owl?
Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
Fiction or non-fiction?
Cat person or dog person?
Sweet or savory?
Phone call or text message?
Introvert or extrovert?
Early bird or night owl?
City living or countryside escape?
Netflix or YouTube?
Reading or watching TV?
Summer or winter?
Indoor or outdoor activities?
Movie theater or streaming at home?
Cake or pie?
Android or iPhone?
Travel by car or plane?
Comedy or drama?
Facebook or Instagram?
Home-cooked meal or takeout?
Fictional or documentary films?
Music or podcasts?
Formal or casual attire?
Pen and paper or digital notes?
Classical or pop music?
Sunrises or sunsets?
Books or e-books?
DIY or hire a professional?
Pizza with pineapple or pizza without cheese?
Sneezing glitter or farting confetti?
Always feeling itchy or always feeling sticky?
Communicate only in GIFs or speak in rhymes for a day?
Only be able to whisper or only be able to shout?
Have a pet dinosaur or a pet unicorn?
Wear socks with sandals or a clown wig to work?
Have a personal theme song that plays everywhere you go or have a laugh track follow you?
Eat chocolate-flavored broccoli or broccoli-flavored chocolate?
Have a third eye or a third arm?
Communicate with interpretive dance or through charades?
Live in a house made of jello or have a floor made of bubble wrap?
Accidentally send a text to your boss that was meant for your friend or to your friend that was meant for your boss?
Have a talking pet fish or a pet parrot that only speaks in movie quotes?
Eat dessert for every meal or never have dessert again?
Be able to teleport but always end up in a random bathroom or fly at a snail’s pace?
Have a conversation with a talking plant or a talking lamp?
Accidentally like a post from your ex on social media or accidentally send a screenshot of your conversation about them to them?
Speak in puns for a day or use emojis instead of words?
Have the ability to mute people in real life or fast forward through awkward situations?
Eat a sandwich with every condiment imaginable or a plain sandwich with no condiments at all?
Sneak into a private VIP party or accidentally photobomb every picture you’re not supposed to be in?
Have a personal theme song that plays loudly every time you enter a room or a drumroll before you speak?
Eat a bowl of cereal with ketchup or a peanut butter and pickle sandwich?
Dance like no one is watching whenever someone says your name or burst into song when you hear a specific word?
Be chased by a swarm of bees or a troop of angry squirrels?
Have a wardrobe that only consists of neon colors or mismatched socks every day?
Always have a piece of food stuck in your teeth or a perpetual bad hair day?
Communicate only through interpretive dance or have your life narrated by Morgan Freeman?
Have a pet rock that tells dad jokes or a pet cloud that makes puns?

Want to go further in this format? Stand up if is an effective icebreaker game that works in a similar manner to this or that icebreaker questions, but can be used to engage entire groups at the same time.

Stand up if #icebreaker #sharing #opening #energiser #online #remote-friendly short, fun, energizing team activity

Icebreaker Questions for Work

Whether you’re running an all-hands meeting or training session at work, there are times when you may want to break the ice in your group and prepare them for the session ahead.

These icebreaker questions for work are especially effective at getting groups to start thinking about workplace culture and their role in an organization. Try bringing them your next culture workshop to get things started on the right foot.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
If you could choose any historical figure to join the company, who would it be?
If you could change the name of the company, what would you change it to?
What’s the first thing you do when you start work in the morning?
What’s the most unexpected skill or experience you’ve brought to your current role?
If you could redesign our office space, what changes would you make?
Share a challenge you’ve overcome at work and the lessons you learned.
If you had a work-related superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?
What’s your favorite aspect of your job, and why?
If you could implement one new workplace policy, what would it be?
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Share a project or accomplishment that exceeded your expectations.
If you were the CEO for a day, what changes would you make?
What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about your role or department?
What’s the hardest thing about your role?
What was your worst ever job?
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Which of your competitors do you most admire and why?

Workshops designed to improve workplace culture or bring a group together to solve key organizational challenges can especially benefit from questions like the above.

Such workshops also benefit from a clear structure and robust planning. Discover how to create and run an effective workshop in our comprehensive guide.

A group of people looking at a poster with notes on it

Unique Icebreaker Questions

When we’re able to reveal something unique about ourselves to the people around us, it can pave the way for deeper connections and bonds. They’re also a great way to get people to think outside of the box and engage the creative part of their brain.

If you’re running an ideation workshop or brainstorming session, these questions a great way to warm up your group and help them to start thinking creatively.

If you could have a conversation with any animal, which one would it be, and what would you talk about?
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What hidden talents or skills do you have that people might not expect from you?
If you could choose any historical era to live in for a week, which one would it be, and why?
Describe your job using only emojis.
If your life was a movie genre, what would it be?
Share a unique fact about your hometown or place of origin.
If you could have a dinner party with three fictional characters, who would they be?
How many countries have you visited and which was your favorite?
Describe your personality using three unrelated objects.
What’s your favorite word in a language other than your native one?
If you could be an expert in any field overnight, what would it be?
If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, but they had to wear a silly hat the entire time, who would it be?
Describe your current mood using only emojis.
If you could live in any fictional world, which would it be and why?
Share a funny childhood nickname or a story related to your nickname.
If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be, and why?
If your life had a theme song that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?
Invent a holiday and describe its traditions and celebrations.
Share a made-up fact about yourself, and let others guess if it’s true or false.
If you could have a conversation with an alien, what’s the first thing you would ask them?
What’s your earliest childhood memory?
If you were a punctuation mark, which one would you be, and why?
Share a talent you have that no one at work knows about.
If you could bring one fictional character to life for a day, who would it be, and what adventures would you have?
Describe your dream job title and what it entails.
If you were a type of transportation, would you be a hot air balloon, a submarine, or a hovercraft?
Share a unique item from your bucket list that others might find surprising.
If you could have a dinner party with any three people, living or dead, who would they be, and what’s on the menu?
Describe your work style using a weather metaphor (e.g., I’m a brainstorm with occasional creative thunderstorms).
If your pet could talk, what do you think they would say about you?
If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a week, who would it be, and why?
Share a strange or interesting fact about your hometown or place of origin.
If you had a magic remote control that could pause, rewind, or fast-forward your day, how would you use it?
Describe your ideal day off without using the words “work” or “responsibilities.”
Share a metaphor for your life using an object commonly found in a kitchen.
If you were a plant, what type of plant would you be, and why?
Invent a new word and provide its definition.
If you could have a conversation with your future self, what advice would you ask for?
Share a fictional scenario: If you were the protagonist in a movie, what would be your mission or quest?
Describe your dream house workspace—include colors, decorations, and any unique features.
If you could have a one-hour conversation with any animal, which one would it be, and what would you discuss?
Share a fun and unexpected use for a common household item.

Running an event with various small groups? Try using the Common and Unique icebreaker to encourage participants to discover what they have in common and what is unique among members of the group. It’s a great way to help create team bonds and get people talking in breakout rooms too.

Common and Unique #get-to-know #teambuilding #icebreaker Create groups of 4-5 people, and let them discover what they have in common, along with interesting characteristics that are unique to a person in the group.

Thought-Provoking Icebreaker Questions

When a team knows each other deeply, they tend to be more connected, resilient and able to support each other in their day to day work.

While fun icebreaker questions have their place for teams getting to know each other for the first time, with established teams, you may want to go further. These thought provoking icebreaker questions are a great method of creating space for deeper sharing, vulnerability and team bonding.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
Share a personal or professional goal you’re currently working towards.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
What’s the most challenging ethical dilemma you’ve faced at work, and how did you handle it?
What mentor figure had the greatest influence on your life? What did they tell you?
If you had to teach a class on any subject, what would it be?
Share a book, TED Talk, or podcast that has had a significant impact on your perspective.
If you could solve one global issue, what would it be and why?
What’s a lesson you learned from a failure or setback in your career?
If you could have a conversation with your role model, what would you ask them?
Share a quote that inspires or motivates you in your professional life.
What is your definition of success?
What is your definition of happiness?
What question would you like other people to ask you?
What’s something you’d like to do in life but don’t know how to start?
What do you most value in a relationship?
What cause or purpose do you deeply believe in?
What do you wish you understood better?

Stories about our lives and who we are as people have long been effective ways to bring people together and deepen the bonds between them .

Use an icebreaker game like Telling our Stories to take this concept further and build relationships and trust among your team members.

Telling Our Stories #hyperisland #team #teambuilding To work effectively together team members need to build relations, show trust, and be open with each other. This method supports those things through a process of structured storytelling. Team members answer questions related to their childhood, young adulthood, and now; then weave them into a story to share with the rest of their team.

Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Meetings

While most of the questions above work equally well in an online setting, it can often be effective for workshop facilitators to use questions that reference the virtual environment or ask people to bring their experiences of working remotely to the table.

Shared experiences are a great way to bring people together . Opening a conversation about how to cope with the ups and downs of remote working can have a positive effect on team culture too!

Share a virtual background that represents your ideal workspace and let us know why you chose it.
If your webcam froze on the last facial expression you made, what would your colleagues see?
What’s your morning routine when working from home?
What’s one positive thing that happened to you this week, even if it’s small?
If you could swap offices with a colleague for a day, whose workspace would you choose?
Share a fun fact about your hometown or current location.
What’s the most interesting thing within arm’s reach of your workspace?
If you could choose a virtual background for the entire team meeting, what would it be?
Share a virtual meeting etiquette tip that you find helpful.
What’s the most unusual item in your home office?
If you had a virtual reality headset for work, how would you use it?
What’s the best thing about working remotely?
Where are you calling from?
What’s the favourite thing on your desk?
What did you last eat and what are you going to eat next?

Running icebreakers and other activities in an online setting can sometimes require bespoke software or engagement tools. Check out our post on online tools for workshops and meetings to explore how you might enrich your tech stack and find the best tool for your needs.

Looking for dynamic games you might run in an online setting? In this post, you’ll find dozens of effective virtual icebreakers you can bring to your next virtual meeting.

Diversity and Inclusion Icebreaker Questions

A diverse and inclusive workplace is one which celebrates and champions every member of the team equally. While creating a diversity and inclusivity conscious organization is often the work of many workshops and changes in policy, bringing such topics into the awareness of your team can be a good way to start.

These questions can be an effective way of opening a diversity workshop or to engage your group in thinking about these important aspects of workplace inclusivity.

With these questions, it’s absolutely essential that you consider the context of your session and the participants of the group. A wider conversation about inclusivity in a diverse group is one thing, but essentially asking people from minority groups to educate the rest of the team on their culture is a no-no. Bring in an expert facilitator where possible and consult people from across the team on topics of diversity and inclusion before jumping into the deep end.

What does diversity mean to you?
What does inclusion mean to you?
What does equity mean to you?
Share a cultural tradition or celebration that is important to you.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about your cultural background?
If you could travel to any country to experience its culture, where would you go?
Share a personal experience where you felt included and valued at work.
What’s one way we can create a more inclusive workplace for everyone?
What’s one thing you appreciate about the diversity in our team?
If you could attend any cultural festival in the world, which one would it be?
What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you believe promotes diversity and inclusion effectively?
Where did you grow up and how do you think it shaped you as a person?

Approaching inclusion in the workplace can be a challenging prospect without a solid knowledge of group dynamics, DEI and facilitation. Brush up on your facilitation skills in order to best lead a group through a productive discussion on DEI principles.

Wellness Icebreaker Questions

A common focus of many organizations is improving the wellbeing and general wellness of people on their team.

A dedicated workshop on various aspects of wellness can be an effective way to get people thinking more consciously about their wellbeing, and these wellness icebreaker questions can be a great way to get those sessions started!

What’s guaranteed to make you smile?
Describe your perfect relaxing day.
Share a self-care ritual or activity that helps you recharge.
What’s your favorite snack or comfort food?
If you could have a wellness day at work, what activities would you include?
Share a mindfulness or meditation technique that works for you.
What’s your go-to method for relieving stress during a busy day?
If you could have any wellness amenity in the office, what would it be?
Share a wellness goal you’re currently working on.
What’s your favorite way to stay active during the workweek?
If you could take a wellness retreat anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What’s one small change you’ve made to improve your overall well-being?
What book or podcast has had a positive impact on your wellbeing and what was a major takeaway?
What’s a wellness technique that doesn’t work for you and why?

Emotional intelligence and our overall wellbeing often go hand in hand. When we are more self aware and able to recongise our emotions, we can then take action, whether that’s taking time to check-in with ourselves or practice self care.

This blog post on emotional intelligence techniques is a trove of effective exercises you can use to help a team build their EQ skills. Want to go further? You might even run a self awareness workshop to help your team practice and build those skills as a group!

Tips for asking Good Icebreaker Questions

Whether you’re asking weird icebreaker questions about plans for the zombie apocalypse or going deeper, there are some best practices for asking effective questions that can help people feel safe, included and able to converse freely. Let’s take a look!

Know Your Audience: Tailor your icebreaker questions to the preferences and demographics of your audience. Consider their professional backgrounds, interests, and cultural diversity.
Balance Fun and Professionalism: Strike a balance between fostering a fun atmosphere and maintaining professionalism. Choose questions that are appropriate for the setting and the nature of the group.
Test the Waters: Start with less personal or intense questions to gauge the comfort level of the group. Gradually progress to deeper or more creative inquiries as the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.
Mix and Match: Incorporate a variety of icebreaker questions into your repertoire. This ensures that you have options suitable for different occasions and preferences.
Be Mindful of Time: Consider the time available and the overall agenda. Icebreaker questions should be engaging but not overly time-consuming, especially in a work-related setting. The icebreaker you run during a week long training course can (and likely should) be more involved than the one you run for a weekly stand-up, for example.
Encourage Active Listening: Emphasize the importance of active listening during icebreaker activities. This fosters a culture of respect and attentiveness within the group. Remember that the purpose of these activities is to create connection and this requires the presence of others in the group.
Create a Safe Space: Establish an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, promoting a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Make non-participation an option: Even when we know people quite well, we can’t possible know everything that’s going on for them or what has happened in their past. Some questions can be difficult or triggering for some people and in addition to carefully considering the questions you use, it’s also important that you leave space for people to non-participate or answer another question if they don’t feel comfortable.

By understanding what makes a good icebreaker question and following these tips, you can enhance the effectiveness of these prompts in your professional and social interactions.

Conclusion

Creating a powerful connection with another person often begins with a single good conversation.

Icebreaker questions serve as valuable tools for creating connections, fostering collaboration, and building a positive group dynamic. Whether you’re running a virtual workshop , a conference or a recurring team meeting, we hope these questions help you get your session off to a fun, engaging start.

Want to go further? Explore our selection of team building activities to discover experiential ways of building group connections. You can also find more examples of icebreakers in our comprehensive collection of effective icebreaker games.

Was there a game or question style we were missing in this post? Let us know in the comments below!

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Growing Small Groups

How to grow small groups in fellowship, purpose, and power, 101 small group icebreaker questions, johnny rekow.

Nother jump starts the small group like a great icebreaker question. They have the ability to unlock someone. The right question is like the key to the treasure. That treasure is getting to know someone’s heart.

A great small group icebreaker question is like setting the whiffle ball on the stand and letting someone slug it out of the park. It has to be t’ed up correctly. It has to be supported, but it shouldn’t have boundaries.

Below we’ve put together 101 and of the best icebreaker questions to equip you to have a great kick-off to your small group.

Ideally, icebreaker questions should be asked after an informal social time when members get to freely converse and catch up with each other. And be asked before the more serious material gets covered. Leading with an icebreaker before getting into the study material has shown people are much more open with their ideas, questions, and contribution. In addition, they are more honest and authentic. An icebreaker time allows people to really open up about who they are, their dreams, desires, and aspirations. When someone gets to share this with others they feel a lot closer to them. Sadly, this might be the only time a small group member gets asked these kinds of questions and has the freedom to share with others the uniqueness on how God created them.

This list is laid out by the ‘type’ of question; what, where, who, when, how. But feel free to use the list however you want. You’re also welcome and encouraged, to change the questions however you see fitting for your small group. And if you have any ideas on great questions of your own, please feel free to add them in the comments section below.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live and why?
Where is a place you’ve always wanted to visit and why?
Where is a place you’d never go even if it was an all expensed paid trip?
Do you know where your family heritage is from and how important is that to you?
Where would you go if the US economy crashed and had another depression?
Where do you think Heaven is?
Where is your favorite place to pray?
Where is a place you feel unmistakably relaxed and at peace?
Where was your family place lived growing up?
Where was your favorite place to play growing up?
Where was your favorite hiding place growing up?
Where was a place you were scared to venture growing up?
Where did you go on vacation growing up, and what was special about it?
Have you ever been in a hurricane, tornado, or other violent storms?
Where was a place you’ve served or volunteered that you still believe in their mission?
Why was your best boss the best?
Why do you drive the car you have today?
Why did you decide to live here?
Why do you, or don’t you, wear fashionable clothing?
Why do you consider yourself a ‘good’ person?
Have you ever had to unlearn something, and if so why?
Why did you change your belief, or opinion about something?
Why did you catch the giggles most recently?
Why did you join this small group?
How do you make difficult decisions?
How do you decide what to wear in the morning?
How many times have you been pulled over?
Share how you’ve overcome a recent challenge?
Share how you’ve dealt with a difficult person.
How did you find your most valuable possession?
How are you different today, than you were a year ago?
How would you handle finding an abandoned kitten?
How would you handle finding hair in your Chinese food?
How did accomplish something you didn’t think you could?
Who from history would you like to have dinner with, and what would you ask them?
Who has influenced you the most?
Have you ever had a mentor, and if so what lesson did you take away?
Who is your favorite superhero, and why?
Is there a teacher you remember, and what do you remember about them?
Who is your favorite author or artist and why?
Do you have a relationship with someone you have to travel to visit?
Who was the most influence in raising you and why?
Have you ever met someone famous?
Who is the most successful person you know?
Who is someone that inspires you and how do they do that?
What subject we’re you not interested in until someone introduced it to you?
What does your ideal Friday night look like?
When starting, is consistency or intensity more important?
Who do you consider to be your best friend and why?
What is a topic you’d like to learn if and when you have enough time?
What is a hobby that you enjoy?
If you had unlimited time, what hobby would you like to learn?
What is something strange about you that few know about?
What other career or profession would you’ve like to develop?
What would you attempt to do if it was certain you would not fail?
What is something important about how you live or keep your home?
What is your favorite author or type of book to read and why?
What is your favorite medium for creating with?
What type of music do you like to listen to while driving?
Did you play an instrument growing up?
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
What’s something that gives you the shivers (i.e. nails across a chalkboard)
What is your favorite sweet?
What is a talent you have?
What is something you’ve learned about over the last two weeks or two months?
What one quality is mandatory to be an effective leader?
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from one of your mentors?
If you could take the stage tomorrow and give a talk about anything, what would you speak about?
If you had an assistant, what would they do for you?
What invention would you make if you could create anything?
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Can afford other than the Bible).
What subject do you feel is either not taught enough, or everyone should learn?
What job could they NOT pay you enough to do?
What video game character would you be if life was a game?
If you needed to win, what game would you propose or create?
Did you have a pet, and if so what and did you enjoy it?
What is something that makes a big impact on your day?
If you had your own special compound, what would be special about it?
What movie do you feel, relates to your life and how?
What is something you are or easily could become, addicted to (for fun)?
What historical time period would you want to visit and why?
What do you picture yourself spending on time on when you’re old?
When did you feel like you really wanted to understand God more?
When was a time you’ve sacrificial love?
When was a time you lost something important to you?
Are you a morning or night person?
When do you feel most focused and able to perform?
When was a time you had to call 911 or someone for help?
Have you ever broken a bone or had to go to the emergency room?
Have you ever won a prize or a contest, if so what did you when and how?
When is your favorite season of the year?
Share a time you couldn’t stop laughing.
Share a time when you placed all your hope in someone else.
When was a time you knew something was the right thing to do, even though it was hard?
If you didn’t have to sleep, how would spend that time?
What is your favorite way to disconnect after work?
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next five years?
What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
When was a time in your life you experienced a lot of spiritual growth?
When was a time someone did something you were NOT expecting?
When do you feel truly alive?

There you have it, all 101 small group icebreaker questions we could come up with.

The secret to leveraging a good icebreaker question in the small group is making sure the person you’re asking has a rope to run with. Meaning gives them the freedom to take the question where they want to go with it. The goal of the question is to learn more about the person, so they don’t have to answer it verbatim. Some of the best moments come from people changing these questions. It’s even funnier if they offer up the new version of the question for the group to consider. Support them in this and promote it.

Seriousness

Some of these questions can come across really serious, and we’ve added the words ‘for fun’ to at least one of them to remind people to have fun with them. The member can decide if they want to have fun with the question or be serious. Try, as a leader, not to make a requirement to answer the question in a serious and honest fashion.

Sometimes the right question can trigger an emotional response. If they begin to get emotional, slow down the small group and take the time to support them. Loving on the small group member is more important than watching the clock and moving on to the next person when they are having a difficult time.

Be a Good Listener

Icebreakers are a ton of fun. The only issue with an icebreaker time is people’s tendency to think about how they are going to answer the question instead of giving their attention and focus on the member sharing. This will happen, but you as the small group leader should pay attention to this. Sacrifice your own story, your answer so you can listen to them. You’ll notice the person telling the story will look for someone paying attention, and once they do they tend to continue to look at the person through the whole story. So you paying attention to them not only shows you care about them but it also ensures the speaker does not pay so much attention to the people NOT paying attention.

Allow people to choose not to answer the icebreaker. For some people, like the emotional response, the question will be associated with something they prefer not to talk about. Be sensitive to this and give everyone permission to not have to answer the question. Instead, they pick a different question, or a different form of the question, or just pass on the icebreaker time altogether.

Personal Story:

I have a couple of favorite memories asking icebreaker questions at small group. One memory was when we asked, “What is a musical instrument you play?” Someone from the small group answered, “radio.” It was hilarious, and I just remember people could not get over how witty the answer was. That was years ago and I still remember it today. The other one was when we asked, “What’s your favorite animal?” And someone answered, “an owl.” The funny part was when they said it they made some crazy hand and arm gesture that almost looked like it could have been sign language. That gesture was clearly remembered by everyone in the small group and frequently was used to crack a laugh together.

Icebreakers are great for getting the conversation going and helping people get to know one another. There isn’t a type of group where icebreakers don’t work. Whether you’re a new small group or a small group that has been meeting for years, these question still have an impact on the contribution of the members and help grow the small group through deeper fellowship.

Bookmark this page, so next time your small group meets, you will have quick access to a list of small group icebreaker questions that will ensure your group is growing.

100 Easy icebreaker questions for small groups

Why are fun icebreaker questions important?

According to Chad Littlefield, a renowned expert on engagement for organizations and universities, icebreaker questions are a key component of starting an event on the right foot. Additionally, he shares that years of research have shown that knowing personal information about others creates stronger communication channels. No matter the size of your organization or institution, creating such “communication shortcuts” makes people more engaged, happier, and more productive.

Another tip he shares is to focus on connection before content. That means choosing “connecting” questions instead of “hypothetical” questions. In this way participants can not only better connect with each other, but to the purpose that you are all there for. Connecting questions are better for aligning with your organization’s values and the purpose of your meeting.

Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best connecting questions that can be used for your next meeting. We’ve broken them down into a few different categories based on your group and your goals.

Sentence completion questions

Completing sentences is a versatile way to “break the ice” no matter the size of your group. Importantly, these questions provide direction while also limiting the length of answers. We’ve probably all been at a work event where some people share a lot more than others. If you’re in a time crunch or just want to make sure everyone gets a chance to engage, try coming up with some sentences that people simply need to finish.

Right now I’m feeling ___
By the end of this meeting I hope to feel ___
During our time today I would like to share___
Something most people don’t know about me is___
People who really know me, know ___
I have been looking forward to today because___
Something I can teach others is ___
My favorite thing about my job is ____
My favorite thing about my team is ___
My favorite thing to do in my spare time is ___
Something I admire about this company is ___
The coolest thing about this venue so far is ___
The best vacation I’ve ever been on was ___ ‍

Non-threatening questions that create trust

Intimate conversations are more important in small groups. Traditionally, icebreaker exercises are geared toward people who are more extroverted and outspoken. It’s important to have a few team-building questions reserved for people who might be less ready to open up. You can use these questions by going around the room with a smaller group, or breaking up larger groups into pods of 3 or 4 where everyone shares and a dialogue is created. For more ideas, check out our past post on the best icebreaker questions for introverts .

What is something you’ve always wanted to learn?
What is something you know that many people don’t?
What is something that people are usually surprised to find out about you?
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?
If you could live in any historical period, which would it be and why?
What’s a common phrase that you use that you rarely hear?
Where is somewhere in the world you want to go?
If you could go anywhere following this meeting, where would it be and why?
When you die, what would you like to be remembered for?
What is one thing you always thought you would do but haven’t done?
If you could talk to yourself as a child what would you say?
When is the last time you’ve felt like everything was going your way?
Is there a phrase that you live by? What is it?
What’s the last thing you did that you are really proud of?
Is there a time when you said “no” to something and now you wish you would have said “yes”?
Who do you look up to the most?
What’s the last really nice thing someone did for you?
What is one thing that you could never live without?
If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be?
Have you ever experienced a small act of kindness that you’ve never forgotten?
What one activity do you do to escape real life or work?
What’s your most commonly given piece of advice?
What is one commonly shared piece of advice that you really disagree with (and why)? ‍

Work related icebreaker questions

It’s always helpful to get to know co-workers better, but sometimes it's a good idea to stay hyper-focused on the work at hand. Here are some questions you can use whether in small groups or virtual team meetings to learn more about each other while keeping work at the forefront.

What is your favorite productivity tool?
What’s the most important thing on your desk right now?
When is your most productive time of day?
Do you have any routines that help improve your focus?
Do you have a go-to drink or snack while working?
Which websites do you use the most?
What are you most likely to be doing if you procrastinate?
What motivates you for really difficult tasks?
What is your favorite strategy for completing your most recent work?
Do you listen to music while working and what is your favorite style?
What goals are you focusing on at work right now?
Be honest: do you ever work from your bed? Note: this one only works for teams where that would be viewed as humorous instead of problematic
Who on your team is most likely to get coffee for everyone else?
Who on your team brings baked goods into the office?
Who on your team is the most likely to write a book someday?
What is your favorite thing about your job?
What’s the most important thing about your role in the company/team?
What has influenced you the most when it comes to your work ethic?
Who was your favorite work mentor?
What is the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
Is there a professional skill that you’re currently working on?
What surprised you the most when you started working with the company?
Name one improvement you hope to see soon as this company.
What is one small thing you do at work every day that many people don’t know about or notice?
If you could be team leader for one day what would you do?
What is your favorite way to unwind after a stressful day?
In what environment are you most productive?
How did you learn about how to be your most productive?
Who do you go to first if you need some help with work-related challenges?
Do you have a favorite Ted Talk? ‍

Fun and light-hearted icebreaker questions for small groups

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to use more silly or energizing questions as your icebreaker. A light-hearted question is a good way to start a conversation and ease any tension that team-members may have. Fun questions that require some “out of the box” answers are especially helpful for sessions that may require brainstorming or innovation later. Research has shown that energizing team warm-ups are great for work groups. You might even make a game of questions (check out this post on question games to play with co-workers). Here are some of our favorite questions for encouraging amusing conversations.

Do you have a claim to fame?
Do you have a fun party trick?
What’s the weirdest trivia fact that you know?
Who is your favorite actor?
What’s your favorite movie?
What’s your favorite book?
What’s your favorite song?
What is the last concert you went to?
Do you have a favorite season (and why)?
Do you have a favorite holiday?
Do you play a musical instrument?
Do you have any hidden talents?
What’s your favorite food?
What’s your biggest phobia?
Have you been on a cruise and would you go again?
Do you remember your favorite school teacher and who were they?
Do you like the city or the country?
Are you a beach or pool person?
Have you ever sung karaoke? Which song?
Do you like rollercoasters?
Do you have any “old person” habits?
When was the moment you officially realized you were an adult?
Does your family have any strange traditions?
Can you share your most embarrassing moment?
What is the naughtiest thing you did as a child?
What slang phrase did you say a lot when you were younger?
If you could only watch one TV show for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If you could be the main character in any movie, what would you choose?
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
If you could only use one condiment for the rest of your life what would it be?
What is your favorite movie quote?
What’s the best clean joke you know?
What’s your favorite thing about your family?
For holidays: What is your favorite holiday activity? (For more inspiration, review this article on 100 Christmas icebreaker questions ). ‍

Improving team offsites with icebreaker questions

Deciding how you’ll break the ice at your next team meeting or company retreat is important. These activities can set the tone for your event, either creating comfort and productivity, or putting people on edge. It’s critical that if you will be working in small groups, you come up with some icebreaker questions or activities that facilitate conversation and idea generation.

If you need any help planning activities for your next company event, reach out to the experts at Surf Office . We can not only advise you on tactics for making the most of the time you have together, but plan logistics and other administrative elements that can be quite time-consuming and complex. Let Surf Office organize your next meeting or event, whether it's for the entire office, a meetup with your remote team, or a unique combination of work and play that’s perfect for a team-building retreat .

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Breathe To Inspire

100+ Conversation starters for groups (Group chats, topics and questions for any situation)

April 21, 2022

By: Naveen B

Whether you’re in college, with friends, family, in a corporate office, or in an online group chat, chances are you’ll find yourself in small group conversations every now and then.

So, How do you initiate group conversation starters with someone you don’t know? What do you say? Those can be tough questions if the other person doesn’t offer any cues as to where his interests lie.

Conversation starters for small groups are perfect ways to get a group talking and everyone on the same page.

Even if the group dynamic is great, you never know when it may be time to mix things up with some new topics.

Also read: 750+ Conversation starters on topics for any situation (Your ultimate questions list)

In this guide let’s master the best group conversation starters, topics, tips and what to talk about in your next small group event, party, group chat or a random group discussion for any situation.

Group conversation starters

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What to talk about in a group chat?

Small group conversation starters

Mom group conversation starters:, group questions to ask, random group conversation starters.

The more people in the group, the more important it is to be intentional with your comments. Don’t forget that everyone there can see what you say. Therefore, only express things that are helpful to the group.

Here are some good examples for conversation starters for groups:

1. A thought-provoking question related to the topic

2. An answer to a question said/posted by another member

3. A short story or anecdote related to the topic

4. A relevant quotation, meme, or joke

5. A link to an article directly related to the topic of conversation (e.g., a tutorial, research paper, or news article)

Also read: 200 Good conversation starters to talk to anyone in any situation

Pick one or two conversation starters that you think will work well with the group before the meeting. This way, you won’t be scrambling to find something to talk about when people are getting ready to leave.

Here are some good group conversation starters that work in any group situations

1. I’ve been wanting to try ______ for a long time, and finally did it last week. It was _______ and I would never do it again, unless ______.

2. The most surprising thing about ______ was ______. People’s reactions were ______ and it was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.

3. My favorite holiday is _______ because my family always does ______ and we spend the whole day together doing ______.

4. I’m not a big fan of _________ but my boyfriend loves it so much that he makes me watch it every week during basketball season. The worst part is when they start singing “______” because that song gets stuck in my head for days!

5. My favorite song is _________ because I can listen to it any time and never get sick of it. However, if anyone else tries to sing along they always mess up the words which take away from its charm a little bit so now I only listen to it.

6. “What Are You Doing To Take Care Of Yourself Right Now?”

One of the best things about having a solid group chat? The ability to check in on each other is unparalleled.

n this time of great unknowns, mental health is important, even though we’re all feeling the same way — or something like that (pandemic-related anxiety is something to definitely be aware of).

Reach out to your chat members and see how they’re doing, and check in on yourself while you’re at it.

7. Is there something that has made an impact in your life recently?

This is a great way for people to share what’s been going on in their lives and how God has impacted them recently.

It could be something that happened at church or just something that happened at home. It doesn’t really matter as long as it made an impact on them.

8. Where do you think we are heading? (By considering all the things happening around the world)

This is a great conversation starter for the small group, as it allows the people within it to share their thoughts and ideas about what is happening in the world with each other.

Don’t forget to keep an open mind and to be respectful of others’ opinions.

People Also read: 75+ Cute conversation starters with topics for your boyfriend or girlfriend

9. What does God mean to you?

Just because someone knows about God doesn’t mean that they know Him personally, but by asking this question, people can share what they think God means to them.

Chances are, most of them aren’t Christians or don’t currently believe in God at all, so this question can help them see things from a new perspective or even get a chance to see why you believe in Him.

10. What do you think of Jesus’ teachings?

This is an interesting question as it will require people in the small group to really think about what Jesus taught.

You don’t have to agree or disagree with each other, but everyone needs to be able to express their thoughts and feelings on this topic.

Also read: 200+ Deep Conversation Starters (On deep topics to break the ice)

Here is a great list of interesting topics to discuss in a group:

As we are all part of a society, we should discuss its positive and negative sides. For example: what are the best ways to find a job or where is the best place to live in your area.

If a group has different opinions on these topics, the conversation will be more interesting and productive. In addition, you may change your point of view after discussion with others.

2. Education

This topic is always on-trend because there are many problems in this industry. These problems are always discussed by students and teachers and they often have contrasting points of view.

For example, some students think that cheating during exams is wrong while others think differently

We all want to be happy and healthy, but sometimes it’s not easy to achieve this goal.

We need to eat healthy food, spend more time outdoors, go for sports and talk about our feelings with friends if we want to be healthy both physically and psychologically.

There are many aspects which you can discuss with other people, for example: why do children dream about fast food and how can parents help them eat healthy food?

4. Traveling

Traveling opens our minds and helps us become better people. We should not forget about traveling when we have a lot of work. Ask where they went on vacation and maybe you will pick up some new ideas for your next holiday trip.

Everybody has a hobby and it is usually something that we like to talk about. If you do not have any hobbies, this is the perfect time to ask others about theirs.

This is a topic that only applies to adults but if you are working in an office then this is something that you can discuss with others. Share your work experiences and listen to their stories.

7. Food/Drinks/Desserts

If you are meeting friends after work or in class, then this might be a good opportunity to discuss the best places to eat or the best drinks you have tried so far. If someone recommends a good place then why not plan a trip together?

This topic is always relevant, as everyone has a family. Topics like “What does family mean to you?”, “How to be a good parent?” and others will definitely be interesting for your group

9. Music, movies and books.

People like music and movies, so you can discuss your favorite songs or movies with your friends.

Talking about books is also an interesting topic for your discussion. You can talk about the latest books in literature or your favorite writers.

Also read: 350+ Interesting Conversation Starters (Questions and Topics)

There are going to be times when you need to break the ice in a group of people.

This can be done by using a random piece of information about something most people know about, but few know the specific details about.

It needs to be something that will catch their attention, but not something that will get them thinking too hard or they’ll just tune out.

When you tell a great story, everyone will want to hear it, and you’ll instantly become the life of the party.

Telling a story is important when you’re trying to break the ice in a group conversation.

It’s also important to make sure that you’re able to hold their attention and keep them interested in what you’re saying so they can’t wait for your story to end.

So, it’s time to give your group a reason to come together! What can they get out of it?

Does the group have a purpose and a specific mission? Focus on that. You can also focus on what other members will get out of it since you don’t know if they’ll be there.

Once you’ve established a goal for the meeting, ask yourself, “What are some activities that will engage the group in the mission?” Here are some tips for keeping things moving:

Use icebreakers to help people find common ground. This can include anything from checking in to sharing work.

Leverage breakout rooms. Use them to split people into smaller groups for discussions, activities, or presentations.

Have a moderator who keeps everyone on track and helps keep things moving.

Related Article: 100 Easy conversation starters that actually work in any situation

These are Trending group conversation starters questions for teenagers, youth, and young adults.

1. “Send Me Memes.”

Memes are the best way to pass the time when you’ve got some extra minutes on your hand. Send this text to your group chat and wait for an onslaught of memes that will instantly put a smile on your face.

2. “What’s Your Go-To Karaoke Song?”

When you’re bored, there’s really nothing better than belting out your favorite tunes.

Ask your group chat what their go-to karaoke song is, and you’ll be in for a great time. Before you know it, you’ll have Spotify blasting and TikTok videos to record.

3. “What’s Your Favorite Movie?”

Sometimes, it just feels good to get nostalgic about the good old days when things were simpler — like when you were obsessed with watching movies with all of your friends every weekend.

Ask your group chat what their all-time favorite movie is and try to guess what each person will say.

Once everyone responds, take a walk down memory lane by remembering who introduced which movie in the first place.

4. “What’s The First Thing You Miss?”

It can be kind of nice to think about all the things you’re not missing right now (crowded commutes, tiny concert venues, etc.).

But if you had to pick one thing back from the pre-quarantine life that you absolutely miss, what would it be? Share with the group!

5. “What’s Your Go-To At-Home Snack?”

One of the more surprising things about quarantine is how much time we all have to cook (or order takeout…).

If you have a go-to snack or treat that you’ve been making at home, share a picture and recipe with the group chat — maybe someone else will be inspired to try something new.

6. “Who Has The Best TikTok?”

Spending quarantine doesn’t necessarily mean people are getting bored. In fact, now is the perfect time to get creative and make some videos for TikTok or any other platform that allows you to post videos.

Ask your friends what they’ve been posting lately and if they have any ideas for a video you could create together.

Also read: 250+ Conversation starters for Tinder (With best topics, openers, questions and tips)

It’s a good idea to have 50 or more conversation starters in your back pocket so you can be sure to have a variety of ways to interact with group members.

Group chat conversation starters for facebook, whatsapp, instagram or any other social media app:

Here are some ways to initiate conversation starters for group chats:

1. Ask for opinions.

2. Share a quote.

3. Share a video.

4. Poll the group.

5. What is your favorite thing about [topic]?

6. What would you do if [situation/question]?

7. Tell a story.

8. Ask a question.

9. Invite an outside expert to answer questions.

10. What are your best tips and tricks for [topic]?

11. Ask them to share their own content.

12. Ask how they’re doing in relation to the group topic

13. Use an image to inspire the conversation.

Conversation starters should be geared toward the type of community you’re building.

Here are some ideas for different types of communities:

Entertainment: What’s happening in the film industry these days? I am really fed up!

Branding and marketing: What are some brands you admire? Why? What makes them great?

Blog: What is your favorite blog post that you’ve written? How about your favorite blog post written by someone else?

Brand community: Do you have a favorite brand story — how they got started, what they stand for, why they do what they do? Or maybe it’s your own brand story. Share it!

Business networking: What is the one thing that most people ask you to help them with?

Service providers/brand enthusiasts: If you could only use one tool in your business, what would it be and why?

Product-based businesses: What is one product you couldn’t live without and why? Or what is the best product you’ve ever purchased and why?

People Also read: 100+ Romantic conversation starters for all stages of couples who are in a relationship

W hat to talk about in a group chat?

Make sure you’ve read the group description and are familiar with the interests of the people involved.

It’s very off-putting to a member of a group chat when someone starts talking about something that has nothing to do with the topic of the group.

Treat your conversations in a group chat just like you would in a one-on-one conversation.

Be polite, be respectful, and make an effort to know what’s going on with your friends.

If you’re feeling particularly social, you can include other members by adding them to the conversation.

Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and in a group chat these mistakes can be easily corrected simply by editing your message.

And there are a number of things that you could talk about in a group chat.

You could make the conversation informal and fun, or you could make it more professional. The choice depends on the audience and the purpose of the chat.

Follow these tips to start a conversation in group chats:

1. Know your group:

It’s important to know who is in the group chat before you decide on what to talk about.

2. Ask advice:

Everyone has an opinion on something that is happening in the world currently, so why not ask for their advice and expand your knowledge?

3. Talk about the latest trends:

Whether it be sports or entertainment, fashion, life, or celebrities, the news is always something to talk about in a group chat.

4. Have Fun activities:

Group chats are fun if you all know one another well. You can initiate online games, or movie streaming or ask them to meet in person and have fun.

5. Discuss General Interests

This is a great way to start conversations with new groups of people. You might even find out that other members of the group share some of your interests.

Just be careful not to monopolize the conversation by talking too much about yourself or your interests.

Instead, try asking others about their interests as well. It’s always nice when someone is interested in what we have to say!

6. Ask Questions

Asking questions is a simple way to get a conversation going. Try posing an open-ended question, such as “What would you do if you won the lottery?”

This allows everyone to chime in and share their opinions on the matter. Ask questions about topics that everyone can relate to because this encourages participation from everyone in the group.

7. Share Information

You can also kick off a chat with some new information or a funny story. If you’re telling a story, keep it short and sweet.

Explain why you think it’s funny or interesting so that other members of the group understand what makes it so special to you.

If you’re sharing some interesting information, including where you found it so that others can verify the facts for themselves.

8. Send Pictures or Videos

You can send pictures or videos through your group chat as well. These are another great way to start a conversation.

For example, if someone sends a picture of their dog, ask how old they are or where they.

9. Daily Routine

Everyone is busy with their lives, but we sometimes forget that our friends are also part of it.

A simple question about how their day is going or what they had for lunch can go a long way in getting them more involved in your daily life.

10. Family Drama

You’re not the only one who has family drama! Share your stories with your friends and hear some from them too.

It’ll help you understand each other better and give you more things to talk about later on. Plus, everyone loves talking about their family members.

What are your plans for the weekend? The next holiday? The rest of the year? It’s always exciting to share plans with friends and make sure that everyone is included.

Here is a list of conversation starters for small groups:

1. What are your favorite family traditions?

2. If you were to get dressed up in a costume right now and go trick-or-treating, what would you be?

3. Where is the last place you traveled on vacation? Is there any place you want to go next?

4. What do you like most about where you live?

5. What are you reading right now (can be magazines, books, etc.)

6. What is your kid’s favorite thing to do?

7. What was the last movie you watched?

8. If a movie was made about your life, who would play the main character?

9. If money were not an issue, what would be your dream home?

10. What is something that everyone likes but I don’t know about it yet?

11. What is your go-to cake or dessert recipe when someone asks for it?

12. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

13. How did you meet your spouse/partner?

14. How old were you when you had kids and how much did they weigh at birth?

15. What’s the first thing on your bucket list that hasn’t been crossed off yet?

When it comes to mom groups, the conversation starters are endless. As new moms with so many questions, your experience can be frustrating when you don’t know much about motherhood.

I want to make sure you are confident in your motherhood journey and that is why I have written a list of conversation starters for you to use in your mom group.

You can also use these Parenting conversation starters for any other meetings you have.

1. What’s the best thing about being a parent?

2. What’s the worst thing about being a parent?

3. What is your favorite family tradition?

4. What do you love to do with your kids?

5. Do you have a nickname for your kid(s)?

6. Are you more like your mother or father?

7. If you could take one vacation, where would it be?

8. Do you prefer coffee or tea?

9. What is something that makes you happy that costs less than $.?

10. Who is your celebrity crush?

11. Crib or bassinet?

12. What were your baby’s first signs of teething?

13. How often do you wash your baby’s clothes?

14. When did you start potty-training?

15. Are organic diapers more absorbent than regular ones?

16. What was the hardest part of breastfeeding for you?

17. What are some good morning sickness remedies?

18. Has anyone found any good vacation destinations that are baby friendly?

19. How do I wean my baby off a pacifier?

20. When should babies sleep in their own room?

21. How do you unwind after a busy day as a mom or working professional/entrepreneur?

22. The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.

23. How do we want them to speak to themselves?

24. Let’s not underestimate the power of our words, let’s give them the gift of a positive inner voice.

25. You don’t have to be a perfect parent, you just need to be present.

26. The best thing you can do for your child is to be happy and whole yourself.

27. Parenting is an opportunity for personal growth and an invitation to reflect on how you were raised.

28. Your kids will learn about love by watching how you love yourself and each other.

29. What does your child see when they look at you? Do they see a grown-up who is calm, confident, and in charge? Or do they see someone who is anxious, angry, and out of control?

30. If you want your child to listen, try expressing yourself in ways that don’t shut them down.

Here is a list of group questions to ask:

1. What is the one thing you would change about your life if you could?

2. If you could choose to be a master (or mistress) of any skill in the world, which skill would you pick?

3. What is the one language you would like to learn?

4. If you could visit any country in the world, which country would you choose and why?

5. What is your favorite cuisine to cook?

6. Which genre of books do you like reading the most?

7. What are your views on politics?

8. Do you think it is okay to keep secrets from your partner?

9. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

10. Have you ever questioned your sexuality?

1. Where do you think we are heading? (By considering all the things happening around the world)

2. What are the biggest problems in the world today? (And what could be done about them?)

3. What do you think will happen in the next 20 years? (What new technology will we see? How will our lives change?)

4. What do you think is the best invention ever? (And why?)

5. What activities do you enjoy doing alone? (What activities do you enjoy doing with other people?)

12 engaging ice breaker ideas for small groups

A group of people laughing together in an office while looking at a computer

When meeting with only a few of your teammates, you’ll likely have more time to get to know one another. We know that building connection in the workplace is key to unlocking better collaboration, so take advantage of these smaller meetings to foster a sense of community. We also know that ice breakers not only facilitate group bonding, but also have a measurable impact on creativity and productivity.

For groups of 5-10 people, set aside 10 minutes at the beginning of your meeting just to do something fun and engaging, and then reap the benefits of stronger relationships as you work to solve tough problems and drive better business outcomes.

What is an ice breaker?

There are many variations, but generally speaking, ice breakers can be broken down into three categories: questions, activities, and games.

Ice breaker questions

An ice breaker exercise can be as simple as posing a question to your team, and then going around the group to gather responses. One way to mix up the process can be to use the 'popcorn' approach, where the last person to answer the question selects the next teammate to answer.

The ‘popcorn’ approach is a double-edged sword, however — it makes the meeting more democratic, with each team member selecting their successor, but it can also make people feel awkward if they are unfamiliar with one another. For new teams, we recommend having a facilitator handle the ice breaker discussion.

Related: 100 ice breaker questions to get the conversation started

Ice breaker activities

Group activities can take the form of sharing favorites (like movies, dishes, sports, etc.), or working together on a project. The outcomes of these activities can often form the basis of later team building, like creating a list of everyone’s favorite songs, recipes, or films.

Ice breaker games

Gamifying ice breakers adds a competitive aspect to the exercise, which can be good or bad depending on the context or the team. When using a game as an ice breaker, it can also be helpful to create teams within your meeting to allow colleagues to collaborate in order to win.

Why should I use an ice breaker?

While many people may find them cheesy, the data are pretty clear — giving people an opportunity to get to know one another at the outset of a project or meeting has measurable benefits when the real work begins. Not only do they help develop psychological safety (that is, the feeling that you can be honest about your feedback in a work setting without fear of repercussions, helping to avoid groupthink and develop better ideas), just telling an embarrassing story can meaningfully increase team creativity .

Ice breaker questions for small groups

If you’re just establishing your new group, you can lay the foundation for great working relationships with a few simple steps. Below are some ice breaker examples that help teammates learn about one another and build ways of working together.

1. What is a hobby or activity that you currently enjoy outside of work?

Not exactly revolutionary, but it does give people a quick way to introduce themselves and talk about a subject that’s of interest to them. Do you have a lot of outdoorsy types or travelers on your team? How many people started baking bread during the pandemic? Any passionate gardeners? Discovering a common interest can be a great way to build team chemistry.

2. What TV show or movie did you love as a kid?

People love to reminisce — and it’s great for team building. The only risk here is if people are sensitive about age (this being a window into what was popular when they were younger), so use your discretion. (All I know is that anytime I have the opportunity to talk about Hey Dude , I’m on board.)

3. What’s your go-to happy hour drink?

Have each person introduce themselves, and then offer their pick for best happy hour drink (non-alcoholic beverages welcome). This could also be a good way to set up a team happy hour or virtual meetup at a later time.

4. If there were a movie about your life, who would you want to play you in the film, and why?

A little on the cheesy side, yes, but this is a good way to get a sense for what kind of films your team enjoys, and, like the above question about favorite films from childhood, could form the basis for a watch party celebration together at a later date.

Related: 100 icebreaker questions to get the conversation started

Ice breaker activities for small groups

Activities to break the ice can be great for setting the tone in a meeting, and also create more opportunities for team building down the line.

5. Share one of your favorite songs that makes you feel motivated and energized

This is a great way to break the ice, since it has the double benefit of creating a team playlist at the same time. Collect all the feedback and build a Spotify playlist that can be shared after the fact.

6. Draw your neighbor

Put 5 minutes on the timer, and have everyone work on a sketch of their ‘neighbor’ (when in a hybrid or remote environment, you may need to assign people more specifically). Then, you can see if you have any Picassos hiding in your midst.

Bonus: There’s a Mural Sketch Your Neighbor template to help you hit the ground running.

The Sketch Your Neighbor template by Mural

7. Share where you are and why we should visit

Have each person introduce themselves and share one thing they like about where they live. It might sound simple, but it’s one of the most important and useful ways to connect with teammates — establishing time zone differences, language barriers or connections, and ways of working together. Also, you can use this handy world map template to get started.

8. Share a fun phrase or saying in your native language (or another language you speak) — what does it mean literally and what does it mean figuratively?

With remote and hybrid work environments becoming more prevalent, there are more opportunities to learn about different cultures and societies through teammates and colleagues. “Six of one, a half-dozen of the other” is just one of a host of quirky phrases that go back generations and are taken for granted today here in the United States, but does it translate? Idioms and phrases like this offer interesting insights into local culture, as well as opportunities to find similarities and connections.

Ice breakers games for small groups

Adding a touch of competition can be the perfect way to engage and energize your group — and if you really want to up the ante, a little swag can go a long way.

9. Two truths and a lie

Have everyone in your meeting share two things about themselves that are true, and one thing that is a lie. Then have the rest of the team try to guess which is the lie. (If you’re using Mural, you can use anonymous voting to avoid people influencing the rest of the group as they submit their guesses.) This is a popular and familiar game that encourages teammates to learn more about each other, while having fun guessing. Who has the best poker face?

10. Rock, paper, scissors tournament

This can work even in hybrid or fully remote sessions, as long as everyone has good enough wifi and video fidelity.

How it works: The meeting facilitator assigns the groups of two for the first round of the tournament. Each group of two competes in a best-of-three rock, paper, scissors battle. Then, the winners play one another until there is only one overall champion.

11. Name that song

Play a short clip of a song and have everyone guess what it is — the first to submit the correct answer gets the crown. To prepare, choose three to five songs that you think have a good chance people will know (and to add intrigue, make the list in increasing order of difficulty).

12. Terrible joke contest

What's the worst (work appropriate) joke you've ever heard? Have everyone submit their most cringe-worthy jokes, and then vote to crown the worst joke winner... if that’s what we’re going to call it.

Go forth and prosper

As we’ve established, ice breakers (while they may feel cheesy at times) are demonstrably effective at producing better, more productive, and more creative meetings — and ultimately more connected teams.

We hope the above ideas work for you, or inspire still more ideas for your team. If you’re searching for more inspiration, check out our posts for Online Warmups & Energizers , 15 Celebration Ideas for Virtual & Hybrid Teams , and 25 Ice Breakers for Virtual Meetings , if you’re looking to connect in a remote-first or hybrid work environment.

To get started with Mural, sign up for a Free Forever account and take advantage of our ice breaker templates (also free, editable, and shareable).

About the authors

Bryan Kitch

Tagged Topics

25 fun icebreakers for virtual meetings

How to hold effective meetings: 6 expert tips

Classroom Icebreakers: 10 Icebreakers for Students

How to make a digital vision board: A complete guide

5 ways visual task management benefits your team

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Crafting Engaging Group Discussion Questions to Spark Conversation

Have you ever had difficulty starting a conversation? Do you struggle to think of engaging group discussion questions? Group discussions can be great for problem-solving, collaboration, improving communication, and making new connections.

However, crafting the perfect question to spark an engaging conversation can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll cover what group discussion is, why it’s important, and how to craft engaging group discussion questions. We’ll also provide examples of interesting and thought-provoking topics.

Let’s get started!

Short Summary

Group discussion is a powerful tool for sharing ideas and improving problem-solving skills.
Crafting engaging questions involves brainstorming, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging participation.
Examples of engaging questions include conversation starters, thought-provoking questions, and fun and interesting questions.

What is Group Discussion?

Group discussion is a great way for a bunch of people to get together and share their thoughts and ideas about a certain topic.It’s a great way to open up a conversation between people and see how they communicate and interact with each other. During a group discussion, everyone has the opportunity to speak, no matter their background or level of experience. It’s also a great way to get to know others better, as each person has their own unique perspective to share.

Group discussions are typically organized in a way that encourages everyone to participate. Each person is given a chance to express their opinion, without fear of judgement or criticism. This encourages each person to think openly, without fear of being ridiculed or shut down by the other participants. This allows for a more thoughtful and open conversation, which can lead to better solutions and ideas.

Group discussions can be a great tool for evaluating someone’s suitability for admission, scholarships, jobs, and more. It can give recruiters and admissions officers a better sense of a candidate’s profile, as they will be able to see how they respond to different scenarios and how they interact with other participants. Group discussion can also be used to decide who to move forward with for further studies, or even figure out who to cut from the list during the recruitment process.

Benefits of Group Discussions

Group discussions can be a great way to get a better understanding of a candidate’s thought process during the hiring process and to improve problem-solving skills, collaboration, and communication.They can help us gain a better understanding of a certain topic or issue as well as foster collaboration and communication among team members. Harvard Business School. Review has also highlighted the importance of group discussions in the workplace, noting that “we are all more likely to reach the best advice and outcomes when we collaborate.”

Group discussions can help us think outside the box and come up with the best approach to tackle a problem or situation. Additionally, it can help hone our communication skills and equip us with the tools to effectively communicate with others in such situations. Moreover, group discussions can help us sharpen our problem-solving skills, as they allow us to share different perspectives and ideas which can lead to more critical thinking.

Additionally, they can help foster inquiry, higher-order thinking, cooperation, and student responsibility – all of which can help increase engagement and retention. Through discussion, we can get exposed to multiple interpretations and perspectives, which can help us better understand our own assumptions. By asking the right questions and encouraging participation, group discussions can be a great way to get the most out of your team.

Improved Problem-Solving Skills

Group discussions can be a great way to improve problem-solving skills, which is why it is important to understand the benefits of group discussions. Brainstorming sessions are great for teams and groups because they allow everyone to think freely without fear of judgment, which encourages honest answers and ideas. Additionally, it can help hone our communication and collaboration abilities, which are key for successful problem-solving.

Through group discussions, we can get exposed to multiple perspectives and interpretations, which can help us uncover insights that can help us build better relationships and foster greater emotional intelligence. Moreover, it can help us better understand our own assumptions and think more critically.

By understanding how group discussions can help with problem-solving, teams and groups can use this knowledge to craft engaging questions to spark conversation.

Increased Collaboration

Group discussions can be a great way to foster collaboration among team members. It can help create an environment of mutual respect, where everyone’s ideas and perspectives are taken into consideration. Additionally, having an open discussion can help team members gain a better understanding of the task at hand and come up with a better solution.

Moreover, group discussions can help keep everyone engaged and motivated, as it gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions and ideas. Plus, it can also help build trust between team members and create more meaningful relationships. By allowing team members to share their ideas and perspectives, group discussions can help everyone gain a better understanding of the task at hand and improve collaboration.

Enhanced Communication

Enhanced communication is an important benefit of group discussions, as it can help participants better understand each other’s perspectives and ideas. Through conversation, people can really tune in to the nuances of what someone is saying and avoid any confusion and issues caused by miscommunication. Additionally, it can also help create a workplace that’s conducive to success, as it can promote teamwork, recognize achievements, and build trust.

Moreover, executives should also sharpen their questioning abilities, as it is a chance they don’t want to miss out on. Asking questions is a really effective way to tap into the collective wisdom of your team and uncover insights that can help you build better relationships and foster greater emotional intelligence. Not to mention, it can also help you better understand the dynamics of group conversations, as those in the group tend to have a more favorable opinion of the person asking the questions than those who answer them, while observers from the outside tend to prefer the person who answers to the questions.

Lastly, certain roles such as counseling, social work, nursing, teaching, and customer service require a bit of understanding and compassion. Group discussions can be a great way to show a bit of understanding and compassion, as they can help us better understand our own assumptions and think more critically. By asking thoughtful and engaging questions, we can ensure that group discussions are effective and beneficial for all involved.

Crafting Engaging Group Discussion Questions

Group discussions are a great way to foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills among a group of people.They can help teams work through complex issues, come up with innovative solutions, and even learn new skills. However, in order for a group discussion to be successful, one needs to be mindful of the type of questions asked. Crafting engaging group discussion questions is all about asking open-ended questions that get people thinking without expecting a specific answer. It’s also important to consider the community and offer incentives for participation. Don’t forget to provide clear instructions and a grading plan too!

Questions should be thoughtfully crafted to encourage meaningful conversations, while still allowing for opinions and perspectives that differ from your own. Questions can be asked to better understand a particular topic, to get to know someone better, or simply start a conversation. When asking questions, it’s important to make sure the answers you get provide useful insights. Asking vague or overly personal questions can easily offend people or cause them to clam up.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that not all questions are created equal. Questions that are too simple or too difficult can lead to unsatisfying conversations. Open-ended questions can be used to prompt deeper conversations, while follow-up questions can be used to get more information. Asking the right questions in the right way can help ensure that conversations are productive and engaging.

Brainstorming Ideas

Coming up with great group discussion questions starts with having a clear focus, encouraging diverse perspectives, and making sure everyone feels comfortable to share their ideas without fear of criticism. Brainstorming is a great way to come up with potential topics and questions. It’s important to think about the type of conversation you want to have and the type of people you’ll be discussing with. This will help you decide what kind of questions to ask.

When brainstorming, it’s also important to consider the power of icebreaker questions. Icebreakers can be used to get people talking and build rapport. They’re especially useful when starting a new group discussion and can help people feel more at ease. There are over 150+ awesome icebreaker questions listed in this resource that you can use to get the conversation started.

It’s also important to remember to include different types of questions. Ask questions that prompt people to think, reflect, and share their opinions. Make sure that the questions are open-ended, so that people can provide a variety of answers. This will help foster a more meaningful conversation and encourage more active participation.

Asking Open-Ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions is an essential part of crafting engaging group discussion questions. Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They require thought and usually elicit more meaningful responses than closed-ended questions. When asking open-ended questions, it’s important to remember that not all questions are created equal. Questions that are too simple or too difficult can lead to unsatisfying conversations.

Follow-up questions can also be used to get more information. Follow-up questions allow you to dig deeper into a topic, while also showing that you’re listening and interested in what someone has to say. They don’t take much effort or planning – easy peasy! And they can be a great way to ensure that conversations are meaningful and productive.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that too many questions can be overwhelming. Asking too many questions can lead to frustration and confusion, so it’s important to be mindful of the amount and types of questions you’re asking. It’s also important to remember that people are more likely to answer honestly when they feel respected and heard.

In order to get the most out of conversations, it’s important to pick the right type, tone, sequence, and framing of questions. By using the right type, tone, sequence, and framing of questions, you can ensure that your group discussions are meaningful and successful.

Encouraging Participation

Creating a positive atmosphere and asking the right questions are key to encouraging participation in a group discussion. It’s important to make sure that everyone feels like their opinion is valued, and that they have the opportunity to speak without fear of criticism. Incentives can also be used to encourage participation. Offering rewards for sharing ideas and contributing to the discussion can help motivate people and make them feel more comfortable sharing their ideas. It’s also important to remember to limit the choices available to survey respondents, as too many choices can lead to confusion and frustration.

It’s also important to be mindful of the time constraints. If there’s a limited amount of time, it’s best to focus on the most important topics first. This will help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and that the conversation stays on track.

Examples of Engaging Group Discussion Questions

Examples of engaging group discussion questions include conversation starters, thought-provoking questions, and fun and interesting questions. Conversation starters are great for getting everyone involved in the discussion and breaking the ice.

Thought-provoking questions can be used to encourage introspection and foster deeper discussion. Fun and interesting questions help create an entertaining atmosphere and keep the conversation going.

By asking engaging group discussion questions, you can spark meaningful conversations and encourage collaboration among your team.

Read also our 15 Great Tips for Speaking in a Group Discussion

Conversation Starters

Conversation starters are a great way to get a group discussion going and break the ice. They are easy to ask and can help create a relaxed atmosphere.

Conversation starters can range from lighthearted topics such as “What’s your favorite food?” or “What would you do if aliens exist?” to more personal questions like “What do you think is important in life?” or “What’s the last thing that made you feel uncomfortable?” All of these questions can help to get the conversation started and encourage people to share their own thoughts and experiences.

By using these conversation starters, you can create an engaging and interesting group discussion that will spark conversation and get everyone involved.

Thought-Provoking Questions

Thought-provoking questions can be used to encourage introspection and foster deeper discussion. These types of questions can help to move the conversation away from surface-level topics and towards more meaningful conversations. Examples of thought-provoking questions include “What was the best decision you’ve ever made and why?”, “What is the most important lesson you have learned in your life so far?”, and “What advice would you give to your younger self?”

These questions can help to draw out more meaningful answers from the group and can lead to more meaningful conversations. By asking thought-provoking questions, you can ensure that your group discussion is engaging and meaningful.

Fun and Interesting Questions

To further engage participants in group discussions, it is important to ask fun and interesting questions. These types of questions can help create a relaxed atmosphere and provide a break from more serious topics. Examples of fun and interesting questions include “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?”, “What’s your favorite season and why?”, and “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?”

These types of questions can be a great way to get to know each other and foster a sense of connection among the group. By asking fun and interesting questions, you can create an engaging and entertaining atmosphere for group discussions.

Group discussion is an essential communication and problem-solving tool that can bring many benefits if done correctly. Crafting engaging group discussion questions is an important task for any leader or facilitator looking to generate meaningful conversations and foster collaboration among team members.

There are many ways to craft discussion questions, from brainstorming ideas to asking open-ended questions; but no matter what type of question is being asked, it’s important to have a supportive environment, offer incentives, limit choices, and provide a time constraint to ensure engagement and participation.

Conversation starters, thought-provoking questions, and fun and interesting queries are all types of topics and questions you can use in your group discussions to spark meaningful and productive conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good small-group questions.

Questions that encourage sharing, stimulate discussion and create a sense of connection are great for small groups. To get the conversation started, consider topics such as individual experiences, shared values, current events or exciting plans on the horizon.

The key is to choose questions that allow everyone to express themselves freely and foster meaningful conversations!

What are some fun conversation topics?

Having fun and interesting conversations doesn’t have to be difficult! Why not start by talking about your childhood nicknames, daily habits, quirky family traditions, beliefs about aliens or ghosts, and any funny playground injuries.

Who knows what topics you’ll discover that lead to an even more enjoyable conversation!

What are some discussion questions?

Are there any experiences that you’ve had that significantly shaped your opinion on this issue? What strategies do you use to make sure all voices in the group have an equal chance to be heard when discussing a topic?

How do you ensure that everyone is contributing their fair share of ideas and information when having a discussion? What techniques can be used to keep the conversation from getting too heated or emotional?

What are some fun short icebreaker questions?

Looking for a few fun icebreaker questions to get the conversation started? Try asking about their favorite hobbies, what makes them unique, or what their funniest life moment has been! This can help you get to know each other better and have some laughs in the process.

Why is asking questions important in communication?

Asking questions is often the easiest way to gain clarity and insight, allowing for more effective communication that encourages meaningful dialogue.

By asking questions, we can better understand the perspectives of others and gain a better understanding of the situation. This can help us to come to a resolution that is beneficial for all parties involved.

Relationships

Slow Living

99 Mindful Conversation Topics For Deeper Connections

Mindful conversation topics are perfect for deepening relationships and fostering meaningful discussions—whether with strangers, family members, romantic partners, or friends old and new. Whether you use a conversation deck , pull from the questions below, or create your own list, here’s to never wondering what to talk about again!

Have you had a good conversation lately? Jump to the comments below and share your favorite topics!

And for more everyday inspiration, subscribe to The Daily Good —a 30-second newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning with tips for self-care and sustainable living. 🌿

Conversation Topics For Anyone

1. Which scent do you find the most soothing?

2. What is a language you love to listen to even if you don’t speak or understand it?

3. Oceans or mountains? Why?

4. Describe the most captivating painting or artwork you’ve ever seen.

5. Do you remember the first novel you ever read? If so, what was it?

6. What is your favorite thing about your personality?

“What is your favorite thing about your personality?”

7. If you could have a fictional superhero for a best friend, who would it be?

8. What color would you choose to describe yourself?

9. What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of?

10. Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are?

11. Where is one place you’d love to travel to again?

12. If your pet could talk, what would their voice sound like? What would they say about you?

13. What does your name mean?

14. What tasks make you feel like your best self?

15. What’s your Enneagram number and how does it influence your self-care practices?

16. Where do you feel most centered and happy?

17. What’s your favorite comfort food?

18. What do you wear when you’re feeling your very best, and why?

19. What is the best meal you’ve ever had, and what’s the best meal you’ve ever cooked for yourself?

20. What do you love most about your home ?

“What do you love most about your home?”

21. What’s a yearbook-style superlative you’d give to your high school self? What’s one for your current self?

22. What gives you goosebumps?

23. Do you know your astrology sign ? How about your birth chart?

24. How are you consciously practicing sustainability ?

25. Do you have any tattoos ?

26. Scuba diving or skydiving?

27. What are you most grateful for in this season of life?

28. Do you give back or volunteer with any organizations?

29. What’s your love language ?

Conversation Topics For Friends

30. What do you look for and need in your friendships ?

31. How do you feel that you best offer love and support to your friends?

32. Tell me about your childhood best friend.

33. When do you feel most authentically yourself?

34. What’s one form of self-expression you’ve been too hesitant to explore?

“What’s one habit you want to get rid of and one habit you want to keep?”

35. What’s one habit you want to get rid of and one habit you want to keep?

36. What was your first experience with sex like?

37. If you were to perform a duet with a famous musician, who would it be and why?

38. Do you have any recurring dreams ? If so, what do you think they are trying to tell you?

39. Who do you most admire, and how has that impacted the way you live your life?

Mindful Conversation Topics for Your Parents

40. What’s one thing you’d tell yourself at my age? What’s one thing your younger self would tell you?

41. What do you wish you’d known before having kids?

42. What was the first big purchase you made as an adult?

43. How did you know when you fell in love?

“What was the first big purchase you made as an adult?”

44. Have you kept any memorabilia from your childhood?

45. What do you miss most about being a child? A teenager? My age?

46. What about the current world would be most surprising to your younger self?

47. If you could travel back in time, which part of your life would you go back to?

48. Who did you vote for in past elections ? Why?

49. What are some of your favorite memories about your parents?

Conversation Topics For Kids

50. If you could have one cartoon character be your real-life best friend, who would you choose and why?

51. What’s your earliest memory?

52. What do you love most about school?

53. Who are your best friends?

“What does a perfect day with the family look like?”

54. What is your favorite season?

55. What superpower do you wish you had?

56. What do you want to be when you grow up?

57. If you could have any animal as a pet, which would you choose and why?

58. What does a perfect day with the family look like?

59. What do you love most about our house?

Conversation Topics For Date Night

60. How do you feel best supported in hard times?

61. What does “alone time” look like for you?

62. Dogs or cats (or rabbits)?

63. What do you wish people better understood about you?

“What does ‘alone time’ look like for you?”

64. What lessons from your childhood have most impacted your worldview?

65. If we could live in another country for a year (no strings attached), where would we go?

66. What do you love most about our relationship? What do you wish to work on ?

67. What small joys bring light to your day?

68. How can we better practice sustainability as a couple?

69. What’s a favorite memory you have of us together?

Conversation Topics For Siblings

70. What’s one of your favorite memories from our childhood?

71. What do you think everyone in the family will be doing 10 years from now?

“Which characteristics do you think you inherited from our parents?”

72. Do you have a morning routine ?

73. What was your favorite subject in school? Favorite teacher?

74. Which characteristics do you think you inherited from our parents?

75. If you could return to school, what would you study?

76. What Netflix show or movie are you watching?

77. What are you currently reading ?

78. What food reminds you most of home?

79. What do you love most about yourself?

Conversation Topics For Work

80. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

81. What projects are you working on right now that bring you joy?

82. How do you unwind after work?

83. Do you listen to any podcasts during your commute? If so, which ones?

“How do you track your work goals and accomplishments?”

84. What do you enjoy most about our company?

85. Where do you need support that you’re not getting it?

86. How do you track your work goals and accomplishments ?

87. Do you enjoy networking ? Why or why not?

88. What was your very first job?

89. What skills are you focused on cultivating right now?

Conversation Topics For Strangers

90. How are you truly doing ?

91. What’s one act of kindness you experienced today?

92. What do you do for enjoyment?

93. Do you recharge by being around other people or by spending time alone?

“What is the compliment you receive most often?”

94. If you had a day to yourself, what would it look like, where would you go, and what would you do?

95. What is the compliment you receive most often?

96. Do you collect anything?

97. What was the last movie you watched?

98. What’s one thing your loved ones would be surprised to learn about you?

99. If you woke up one morning and all your problems were solved, how would go about your day?

Kayti Christian (she/her) is a Senior Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside , a newsletter for sensitive people.

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Leading a Small Group

How to guide a meaningful group discussion.

Bible Study , How to Share Your Faith , Small Group Leader , Leadership , Discipleship

A group discussion can be like a captivating, well-played volleyball game. As the leader , you serve the ball by asking a good question . Then someone answers, setting up the ball for someone else in the group to respond.

It takes practice, preparation and hard work to play an exciting game of volleyball, and the same is true of good group discussions.

Below are five different ways of asking questions and listening well that can help you lead a good discussion in your small group.

Launching Questions

A good way to start your study or discussion is with a wide-open question that raises an issue from the Bible passage you are reading.

These questions come after the icebreakers and before you get into the actual Bible study. They can help link to aspects of our need for God that surface in the passage you’re reading.

Q: Describe a time in your life when you felt like you just couldn’t measure up? (A possible lead-in question to a study on grace or forgiveness.)

Q: name a hero you had growing up. what made you want to be like him/her (this could launch a study on, say, ephesians 5, where paul exhorts his readers to “imitate god,” or a 1 timothy 4 study on “setting an example.”), exploring questions.

After your launch question(s) and a summary of the passage, you can ask questions that help your group discover what God says in His Word. In order to arrive at the meaning of the passage, these questions should be both limiting and open-ended and should focus on the following:

What does it say? (Observation Questions)

What does it mean? (Interpretation Questions)

Why does it matter? (Significance Questions)

Before you move on, help your group discover the big idea of the passage. Ask a question that helps them see the central theme or main point of the passage.

Q: What do you think Paul wanted these Christians to understand about grace in Ephesians 2:1-10?

Heart-level response questions.

Your group’s study will be most effective when it helps expose spiritual brokenness (hearts looking for life outside of a relationship with Christ) and points to Jesus as the only remedy.

First, ask a couple of questions that help the group envision what it would look like to practically live out the passage.

Q: We are called Christ’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). What does that look like in the life of a Christ-follower?

Next, ask a couple of questions that expose our need for a Savior and how the heart tries to find life apart from Christ.

Q: Our culture tells us that we can become anything we want to become. How does this mindset subtly creep into your walk with God?

Then, ask a couple of questions that point the group to Christ, our only remedy for our brokenness.

Q: We often want to control our future; why do we struggle to trust Jesus with it?

Q: how would your life be different if you truly believed jesus cared about you and only had your best interests in mind.

The goal of these questions is to point the group away from their natural desire to work harder at changing their behavior and instead toward Christ as the only source of growth and life.

Community and Conversation Questions

Launching, exploring and heart-level response questions uncover the meaning of the text, the roots of our sin and our response to Jesus; these are the critical questions.

As you ask heart-level questions, your Bible study should grow in authenticity, honesty and community. But it’s also important to think through questions that have the sole purpose of generating discussion and adding to the social dimension of the group.

These questions are not insignificant. While your primary focus is for people to encounter Christ, you also need to make sure that they encounter one another, which is encountering Christ through community.

Q: What is the most encouraging thing about what we read today? The most challenging? Why?

Becoming a better listener.

When it comes to having good discussions, asking good questions is half the battle. Listening is the other half.

As you listen, you show the rest of the group you value their opinions; your questions will become more relevant and the group will be more likely to participate in the discussion.

As people share:

Try to see the situation from their perspective.
Be encouraging. Thank people for sharing and asking questions.
Actively listen. If it’s unclear what someone is trying to say, rephrase it in your own words and ask that person if you’ve understood them.
Be a “total body” listener. Maintain eye contact with the person speaking and be aware of your posture. How you’re sitting (like crossing your arms or leaning back in your chair) or responding can communicate a lack of interest.

More on Leading a Small Group

We’re so glad you’ve taken the step of faith to lead a group.

For other tips and resources, check out “(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Leading a Small Group,” or sign up for our weekly small group leader tips email series .

You can find more great info on leading a small group in the book “The Ultimate Roadtrip.”

Adapted from Rick Hove, “The Ultimate Roadtrip: A Guide to Leading Small Groups” (Orlando: CruPress, 2010). Order at CruPress.com.

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Four Key Components of a Small Group Meeting

Several questions may come to mind as you plan your small group. Here are four components that are key to most small groups or Bible studies that will answer your questions.

Gospel-Centered Small Groups

Life-changing small group environments are less about how-tos and more about experiencing Jesus. They are not focused on building head knowledge but on changing hearts and minds. These communities not only equip their members for service but also expose sin and call people to adore Christ. Christ-centered communities transform lives from the inside out.

29 Church Small Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Interactions

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

This passage highlights the importance of meeting together as believers to encourage and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. It emphasizes the need for ongoing fellowship and conversation as a means of building each other up in faith. By engaging in deep conversations and thoughtful discussions, we can encourage and support one another in our spiritual journeys, ultimately growing closer to God and becoming more Christlike in our daily lives.

Twenty Nine Questions for Church Small Group Gatherings

Small groups are an excellent way to grow in your faith and connect with other believers in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a long-time churchgoer or just starting your spiritual journey, small groups provide a safe and supportive space to explore your beliefs, ask questions, and learn from others. In this blog post, we’ve compiled 29 discussion questions that are perfect for church small groups. From exploring the role of forgiveness and gratitude in our lives to discerning God’s will and balancing our faith with the demands of everyday life, these questions offer a wide range of topics to spark thoughtful and meaningful conversations.

What is your personal definition of faith?
How do you stay connected to God in your daily life?
What role do you think the church should play in society?
How can we better serve the community and those in need?
What is your favorite scripture verse and why?
How do you handle doubt or uncertainty in your faith journey?
How do you maintain a healthy prayer life?
What is the role of forgiveness in our relationships with others?
How can we effectively share our faith with others without being pushy or judgmental?
How can we create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in our church community?
How do you prioritize your relationship with God above all else?
How can we build stronger relationships with other members of our church community?
How do we respond to challenging circumstances with grace and faith?
What does it mean to be a servant leader, and how can we apply this concept in our daily lives?
How can we best support and encourage each other in our faith journeys?
How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment in our lives, even during difficult times?
How do you discern God’s will for your life and make critical decisions?
What role does worship play in your spiritual life, and how can we deepen our worship experience?
How do you balance your spiritual life with the demands of everyday life, such as work, family, and other commitments?
How can we better understand and empathize with people who have different beliefs or life experiences than us?
How can we use our talents and resources to glorify God and serve others?
What is the role of forgiveness in our own personal healing and growth?
How can we better understand and respond to social issues in light of our faith?
How can we overcome spiritual dryness and renew our passion for God?
How do you handle challenges and setbacks in your faith journey, and what have you learned from those experiences?
How can we cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for different spiritual practices, such as fasting, meditation, and contemplation?
How can we balance the need for self-care and rest with the call to serve and love others?
How do you stay grounded in your faith during times of uncertainty or upheaval?
How can we apply the teachings of Jesus to our everyday lives, and what impact does this have on our relationships and interactions with others?

Small groups provide a unique opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with other believers in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re part of a longstanding group or just starting out, these 29 discussion questions can help you explore your beliefs, learn from others, and grow in your spiritual journey. By engaging in open and honest conversations, we can gain new insights, find encouragement, and ultimately draw closer to God. So why not gather a few friends, grab some coffee, and dive into these thought-provoking questions today?

Listening Prayer: 39 Questions to Ask God

Small Group Discussion Tips for Spiritual Disciplines - Writer Christian

Small Group Discussion Tips on Discovering Your Spiritual Disciplines

Small Group International

How to write small group discussion questions.

Are you having difficulty writing small group discussion questions that ultimately lead to life changing conversations and decisions?

It is intimidating at first. However, like many things, it becomes easier and better over time. Following a proven process can help as well.

Quality vs. Quantity

Strive for quality over quantity. The best small group discussion questions will stimulate a significant amount of discussion from many participants. A small number of these thought-provoking questions will encourage more positive changes than many questions that do not result in much discussion and insight.

5-Steps to Create Discussion Questions

Below is the 5-step process I use to write small group discussion questions. It doesn’t matter if the study material is the Sunday sermon, a video, study guide, or solely from the Bible. This process works for all of them.

It is important to ask Holy Spirit to be your ultimate counselor as you prepare for each of your small group meetings. He knows what you and your group members need. You are entrusted to lead them. Pray for guidance and wisdom as you prepare and perform your leadership role. Be sensitive to the direction Holy Spirit leads you.

2. Get In the Right Mindset

The next step is to get into the mindset of a person who knows very little to nothing about the discussion topic. Take a few minutes to pretend in your mind that you are a novice before reviewing the study resources.

You want deep, motivational discussions. Right? It may seem counter-intuitive to get into the mindset of a “new Christian” to create questions that will result in those desired discussions.

I have discovered that a discussion is driven to the needed depth and direction by the group members, as long as the question starts on a basic level. Using a question that starts deep has the danger of some group members being unable to participate in the conversation.

It is like seasoned sports players training to get better by getting back to the basics…

3. Write Questions and Take Notes

As you pretend to lack knowledge on the topic, review the study resources and write down all the questions as they come to you. This would include asking questions about the definition of some uncommon words.

You can also take notes at the same time to be used to inspire more questions in a later step, if needed.

Tip: Feel free to have your group members propose questions for you to use. This not only gives you more questions from a different perspective, it also encourages your group members to do a more thorough review of the study material before your group meeting. Imagine how this one thing could improve the conversation.

4. Categorize Questions

There are 3 basic categories your questions will fall into:

Application

Identify which category each question naturally fits into. To learn more about these categories click here .

5. Edit Questions

If you feel you need one or more questions in the categories, develop them using your notes or rewrite a question from another category to fit the need.

Review each question for quality. If you don’t have a checklist to work from, you can start from the list of quality characteristics I talk about in blog post What Makes a Great Discussion Question? .

If you don’t have a process to write quality small group discussion questions, consider giving this one a try. Edit the process, if needed, to meet the specific needs of you and your group. Then share what works best for you in the comments.

Question: What method do you use to write quality questions? You can leave a comment by clicking here .

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Use Checklists to Avoid Mistakes

Small Group Leader Tips From the Web #001

About the author.

Hi, my name is Roger Carr. I am a husband, father, Christian, business person, writer, and volunteer. I have participated in and led several small groups over the past 30+ years. These small groups included those in churches, work settings, professional organizations, and nonprofit organizations. I am currently supporting small group leaders at my local church by leading a small group of leaders as well as participating in a writing team and a leadership development team that develop small group leader materials.

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Growth Tactics

44 Small Group Discussion Topics to Keep the Conversation Going

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Milton Campbell

Small group discussions provide a platform for meaningful conversations and active participation. In this article, we will explore a range of engaging topics that will keep the conversation flowing and inspire productive discussions. Let’s dive in and discover some fresh small group discussion topics .

Benefits of Small Group Discussions

Enhanced Learning and Understanding

Small group discussions offer enhanced learning and understanding opportunities. When participants engage in active discussions, they can exchange ideas, ask questions, and bring different perspectives to the table. This dynamic interaction allows for a deeper exploration of the topic at hand, leading to a more comprehensive understanding for everyone involved.

Increased Engagement and Interaction

Unlike larger group settings, small group discussions provide a platform for increased engagement and interaction. With fewer participants, individuals feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. This creates a supportive environment where everyone has an opportunity to contribute and be heard. As a result, participants are actively engaged in the discussion, fostering a deeper level of involvement and personal investment.

Creating a Stronger Sense of Community

Small group discussions help create a stronger sense of community among participants. By engaging in meaningful conversations , individuals have the opportunity to connect with others, share their experiences, and build relationships. These interactions form a supportive and inclusive environment where trust and respect are nurtured. The sense of belonging that emerges from these discussions strengthens the overall group dynamics , fostering a positive and collaborative community.

Ideas for Icebreaker Questions

Getting to Know Each Other

Icebreaker questions are a great way to kickstart conversations and get to know each other better. Start by asking simple and lighthearted questions, such as:

What is your favorite travel destination and why?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What is your favorite book or movie, and why does it resonate with you?

These questions help break the ice and create a welcoming atmosphere for open and honest discussions.

Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal stories can be a powerful way to foster connections and build trust within a small group. Consider asking questions like:

Share a memorable moment from your childhood that has had a lasting impact on you.
Describe a challenge you have overcome and how it has shaped your character.
Share a funny or embarrassing story that still makes you laugh.

By sharing personal stories, participants can bond over shared experiences and gain a deeper understanding of one another.

Discussing Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in discussions about hobbies and interests can bring out individual passions and create common ground. Here are a few questions to get the conversation flowing:

What is a hobby or interest that you are currently pursuing or would love to explore?
Share an activity or hobby that you find therapeutic or relaxing.
Is there a particular skill or talent you possess that you enjoy showcasing?

By discussing hobbies and interests, participants can discover shared passions, inspire each other, and form connections beyond the immediate topic at hand.

Selecting Engaging Discussion Topics

Current Events and News

Selecting discussion topics related to current events and news can help keep conversations relevant and engaging. Choose topics that are trending or have recent media coverage, such as:

Climate change and its impact on the environment
Technological advancements and their societal implications
Global health crises and their effects on communities
Social media and its influence on society
Political developments and their consequences
Space exploration and the future of space travel

By discussing these current events, participants can stay informed, exchange diverse perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Social Issues and Causes

Engaging in discussions about social issues and causes allows participants to explore important topics and promote awareness and understanding. Consider topics such as:

Gender equality and women’s rights
Racial justice and systemic inequities
Mental health stigma and support for those affected
Poverty and income inequality
LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity
Access to education and quality healthcare

By discussing these social issues and causes, participants can gain insights into different perspectives, brainstorm solutions, and foster empathy and compassion.

Personal Growth and Development

Exploring topics related to personal growth and development can inspire and motivate participants to reflect on their own journeys. Consider topics like:

Goal setting and achieving personal milestones
Overcoming challenges and developing resilience
Self-care practices and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Building healthy relationships and effective communication skills
Cultivating mindfulness and managing stress
Time management and productivity hacks

By discussing personal growth and development, participants can share strategies, learn from each other’s experiences, and support one another’s growth and well-being.

Arts and Culture

Exploring topics related to arts and culture can spark creativity and foster appreciation for different forms of expression. Consider topics such as:

Film and cinema: analyzing movies, discussing favorite genres or directors
Literature and books: sharing book recommendations, discussing favorite authors
Music and its impact: exploring different genres and their influence on society
Visual arts: discussing famous artworks, sharing personal artistic experiences
Cultural diversity and inclusivity in the arts
The role of art in promoting social change

By discussing arts and culture, participants can broaden their horizons, discover new perspectives, and deepen their appreciation for various forms of art.

Technology and Innovation

Exploring topics related to technology and innovation can ignite curiosity and discussions about the future. Consider topics such as:

Artificial intelligence and its ethical implications
The impact of automation on the workforce
Cybersecurity and protecting personal information online
Virtual reality and its potential applications
The role of technology in healthcare and medicine
Environmental sustainability through technology

By discussing technology and innovation, participants can stay informed about the latest advancements, debate the pros and cons, and envision the possibilities of a future shaped by technology.

Travel and Exploration

Engaging in discussions about travel and exploration can transport participants to new places and cultures. Consider topics such as:

Favorite travel destinations and experiences
Sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices
Cultural exchange and understanding
Adventure travel and pushing personal boundaries
Rediscovering local or lesser-known destinations

By discussing travel and exploration, participants can share stories, exchange travel tips, and inspire each other to embark on new adventures.

Tips for Leading a Small Group Discussion

1. Setting Clear Objectives and Expectations

When leading a small group discussion , it’s important to begin by setting clear objectives and expectations. Clearly communicate the purpose of the discussion and what you hope to achieve. By setting specific goals, participants will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and can actively contribute to the conversation. For example, if the objective is to brainstorm solutions to a problem, clearly state that you want participants to generate creative ideas and encourage them to think outside the box.

2. Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment

To ensure a productive and inclusive discussion, it is crucial to create a safe and respectful environment. Foster a sense of trust and openness by encouraging all participants to share their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment or ridicule. Use inclusive language and actively listen to each participant, valuing their input. Make it clear that everyone’s perspective is valued and that the discussion should be a space for respectful dialogue. By creating this environment, participants can freely express their ideas and engage in meaningful conversation.

3. Encouraging Active Participation and Listening

As the discussion leader, it is important to encourage active participation and listening from all participants. Rather than dominating the conversation, facilitate dialogue and give space for others to contribute. Use open-ended questions to encourage participants to think critically and share their insights. Actively listen to what participants say, paraphrase their points to ensure understanding, and provide positive reinforcement for their contributions. By fostering active participation and attentive listening, you create an engaging and inclusive atmosphere where all voices are heard.

4. Managing Time Effectively

Time management is crucial in leading a small group discussion. Set a schedule and allocate time for different discussion topics or activities. Clearly communicate the time limits for each segment and gently guide the conversation if it veers off track. Ensure that everyone has a chance to participate without the discussion dragging on excessively. Use time management techniques such as setting a timer or providing gentle reminders to stay on schedule.

5. Summarizing and Synthesizing Key Points

Throughout the discussion, actively summarize and synthesize the key points raised by participants. This helps keep the conversation focused and highlights important insights. By summarizing, you can clarify any misconceptions and provide a seamless flow to the discussion. Summarizing also demonstrates active listening and validates participants’ contributions. Use clear and concise language to ensure that the summary is easily understood and remembered by all participants.

6. Flexibility and Adaptability

Be prepared to adapt your plans and structure if the discussion takes unexpected turns. Flexibility is key when leading a small group discussion as new insights and ideas may emerge. Encourage the exploration of different perspectives and allow for organic discussions. It’s important to strike a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing for spontaneity and adaptability.

Remember, as the leader of the discussion, your role is to facilitate rather than control the conversation. Keep the paragraphs short and concise to enhance readability and engagement. Use an active voice in your communication to convey confidence and assertiveness in your role as the discussion leader.

In conclusion, by setting clear objectives, creating a safe environment, encouraging participation and active listening, managing time effectively , summarizing key points, and being flexible, you can keep small group discussions engaging and productive. Choose relevant topics to inspire creativity and foster connections among participants. Whether in a professional, educational, or social setting, these tips will help you create a vibrant space for collaborative dialogue.

13 Tips to Easily Lead a Successful Group Discussion

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Asking Better Questions in Small-Group Discussions

More by melissa.

After reading a passage of Scripture, you ask a question. Then there’s nothing. Nada. No one says anything. You awkwardly take a sip of your coffee while everyone looks down at the Bible, shifting uncomfortably in their seats. You wonder to yourself, What went wrong?

I’ve been in many such settings (sometimes as the one leading) and usually, someone jumps in and mercifully answers the question, bringing palpable relief to the leader.

The good news is we can grow in our ability to ask better questions. (See this post from last week for some types of questions not to ask .) Here are four types of questions that can hopefully help stir up discussion in your small group Bible study:

Warm-Up Questions

In addition to an icebreaker-type question (which can be a simple way to get to know one another), I like to begin with a “warm-up question” to transition the group before we dive into the passage. It sets the stage for the topic you’ll be studying and gives a moment for everyone to shift their focus.

Warm-up questions are broad, but with direct point. Everyone in the group doesn’t need to answer, but they’re the type of question that everyone should be able to answer, even if they haven’t read the passage.

For instance, if the general theme of a passage was about our need for God’s mercy a warm up question might be, “Can anyone remember a time in childhood when you got caught doing something wrong? How did you feel or respond when you were discovered?” There are multiple ways people respond to being caught—shame, confession, guilt, hiding, lying, blaming others—so the warm-up discussion sets the stage for discussing our need for mercy (and the ways we sometimes act as though we don’t need it).

Since I like to keep things on theme, the icebreaker I’d ask (just for fun) before the warm-up question would be something like this: “If you were caught with your cookie in the cookie jar, what kind of cookie would you be hoping to pull out?” Relating the icebreaker and warm-up question to the overall theme helps the group focus as they begin to study the passage.

Google Map Guidance

One thing I appreciate about Google Maps is that when I ask for directions, they provide multiple ways to get to my desired location. When attempting to craft good questions, consider asking questions your group can answer in multiple ways.

For instance, the question, “What Bible stories in either the OT and NT illustrate God’s mercy?” will most likely invite a variety of answers from multiple people. Take a moment and answer that question right now in your own mind. Hopefully, you could answer with multiple stories from Scripture that highlight God’s mercy. If you can think of multiple answers to your own question, then most likely your group will be able to as well.

In contrast, the question “How do we know God is a merciful God?” might produce a more limited response. Most of the answers will focus on Jesus’s death for our sin (which is clearly the prime example of God’s mercy). It’s not that the second question is particularly bad, it just probably won’t produce the same level of group participation and connection throughout all of Scripture.

One important key to this type of question—not only do you need to have multiple routes, you need to know where you’re taking your Bible study group. Facilitating a small-group discussion doesn’t mean the direction of the study is up for grabs. Knowing where you’re heading as you’re studying will help you ask questions that keep your group moving forward in their understanding.

Houston, We Have a Problem

In some passages of Scripture, a lack of clarity may cause either confusion or misapplication. It’s important to anticipate these potential problems. For instance, 1 John 2:3 states, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” A misapplication of this text would be: “The only people who are believers are those who no longer sin.”

One way to address misunderstandings is to allow the group to chew on and discuss the potential problem together: “If someone were to say to you that this verse means that believers never sin, how would you answer them in light of other passages in the Bible? What verses help bring clarity to our interpretation of this verse?” By inviting them into the potential problem, the group learns how to discuss and debate God’s Word in a healthy manner that fosters engagement with the text and one another.

Achilles Heel

Sometimes when preparing to teach a passage of Scripture, you may say to yourself, Well, I hope no one asks me about _______.

That’s probably the exact question it’s most important to research and consider. Call your pastor or ministry leader and ask for help, or find a good commentary. And, then, once you’ve done your homework, ask your “Achilles Heel” question to the group.

And, when someone asks a question you didn’t think about (and have no idea how to answer), I find it helpful to say something like, “Wow, that’s a great question I hadn’t considered. Let’s discuss it as a group. How would you all answer Anne’s question?” After talking it through together, it can serve as a good homework assignment: “Let’s all research this question, and we’ll look at it again next time we meet.”

Sometimes in our wrestling with the toughest questions we learn how much we have to learn. That’s a good thing—it helps promote our growth and understanding. It also keeps us curious as we read and study Scripture.

I’ve learned so much from others as teachers and leaders wisely ask good questions. It may take a little more prep time, but the earlier efforts pay off during the Bible study. Most people won’t even notice the work you’ve done. But they’ll know Scripture better as you ask questions that engage the heart and mind. And that’s the ultimate goal.

Melissa Kruger serves as vice president of discipleship programming at The Gospel Coalition. She is the author of The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World , Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood , In All Things: A Nine-Week Devotional Bible Study on Unshakeable Joy , Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests , Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know , His Grace Is Enough , Lucy and the Saturday Surprise , Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age , and Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice . Her husband, Mike, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and they have three children. She writes at Wits End , hosted by The Gospel Coalition. You can follow her on Instagram , Facebook , or Twitter.

Melissa Kruger on Hopeful Parenting in a Secular Age

You Can Parent Teens with Hope in a Secular Age

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Writing Questions That Spark Discussion

Note: This article has been excerpted from the SmallGroups.com training resource called How to Prepare for a Bible Study .

Knowing how to ask good questions is one of the key elements of a successful small group. Questions are what transform a small-group lesson from a lecture into an interactive setting—which should be our goal as group leaders.

Below are a few guidelines for writing and asking good questions. I began to think about this subject a number of years ago as a result of reading Karen Lee-Thorp's book How to Ask Great Questions . The book inspired several of the ideas below, and is still a helpful addition to any small-group leader's library.

1. Good Questions Create a Conversation

And they create those conversations without putting anyone in the spot. You don't want our small-group members to feel like they are in school, taking a test. You also don't want a scenario where you are the learned teacher asking all the questions, and the group members are under pressure to know the answers you expect from them. That is not a healthy learning situation.

In contrast, some of the best discussion questions solicit input from everyone present. The best example of this is to ask people what they think. There is no wrong answer to the question, "What do you think?" "What do you think Jesus means when He says, 'Sell your possessions?' Was He talking to you and me? What's your opinion?"

Of course, as a leader, you will sometimes know what the Bible actually teaches about this—you're not supposed to be void of knowledge or opinions. But you want to gently steer the group toward the answer Jesus gives. Allowing people to discuss questions and process the answers themselves improves their rate of retention. It's also a good idea to remember that your knowledge or opinion may not represent the full scope of a passage or verse.

2. Good Questions Focus on One Thing

Make sure your questions are focused and clear. Here's a poor example of how to address a topic: "What did Jesus mean by 'You are the Light of the world,' how did his disciples respond, and how should we today respond to this statement?" Instead, break those questions down to make them more clear and focused:

What did Jesus mean by "You are the light of the world?"
How did Jesus' disciples respond to his announcement about being the light of the world?
How should we today respond to Jesus' statement to be the light of the world?

Rather than asking a multi-layered question, it's best to ask just one simple question and wait for responses before asking the next thing. Well-focused questions also serve as a tool to keep bringing the group back around to the subject at hand. Small groups are notorious for getting off the subject, and clearly worded, pin-pointed questions help a group leader avoid this problem.

3. Good Questions Can Be Understood By Everyone

As a group leader, you want to keep the questions simple enough that everyone has a reasonable chance of knowing what you mean the first time you say it. So, the following won't work very well: "In light of the current theological debate about millennial views, which is prevalent in many seminaries—and other places as well, many books having been written about this from the premillennial, postmillennial and amillennial positions—how do you think we should respond to this debate in the church, in the our homes, in schools, and at the government level?"

It would be much better to ask, "How much should we care about the end times?"

4. Good Questions Say What They Mean

Let's say you're studying 1 Corinthians 11—specifically, the passage about women wearing head coverings. It's not a good idea to ask, "Is Paul saying something true here?" This is the Bible, after all—of course he's saying something true! It's better to ask, "Is Paul saying something here that applies to women today?"

That may seem like a subtle difference, and it is. But it shows how important it is not to get lazy when you write discussion questions.

5. Good Questions Are Open-Ended

A person can answer "yes" or "no" without engaging his or her brain. On the other hand, an open-ended question compels people to think about the facts of a text, or the situation. We utilize this principle in everyday life. Over dinner, if I say to my children, "How was school today?" they will respond "Fine." And we're done. But if I say to them, "Tell me something interesting that happened today at school," they have to focus on a specific incident, and I can get them talking. The same thing applies in group discussions.

6. Good Questions Involve Emotions

There is more to studying the Bible than intelligence, and there is more to discussing the Bible than intellect. Group leaders need to involve people's emotions, and questions are a great way to do just that.

Some good examples would be:

How do you respond inwardly to these claims Jesus makes?
How do you feel about these teachings on love?
How do you react to that truth?

7. Good Questions Deal with People's Interests

Sometimes it's good to connect a Bible study question with the current interests and passions of your group members. Not every time, of course, but sometimes. Here are some possible examples: "Dave, you've been a college athlete. How do you react to Paul saying, 'I buffet my body daily'?" "Several of you have read the Left Behind series. How do you think it lines up with what John is saying here in Revelation?"

8. Good Questions Are Sometimes Answers to Other Questions

In any small-group setting, people usually direct questions to the group leader. Even if you've done a good job of establishing that you are a co-learner and don't have all the answers, people will still direct their questions to you most of the time.

So, in response, it is often a good idea to answer their questions with a question of your own. Like: "What do you think about that?" or "Anyone here tonight have ideas about the answer to that?"

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5 Engaging Questions to Jumpstart a Small Group Discussion

Silence. Blank stares. There’s nothing that is more frustrating when you are leading a small group!

I remember the first small group I ever led at a retreat. I’d led Bible studies for a few years, so leading a small group was nothing new to me. Except that this time, I had exactly five minutes to prep to lead. We had just listened to a teaching and now it was time to break into small groups. We gathered in the small side room and everyone was looking at me. Yikes! I had furiously scribbled notes during the teaching, but I still felt lost.

On top of my own feeling of being unprepared, my group tended to be filled with some of the quietest people at the church. I’d ask a question and get a few quiet responses. We would just get the first sparks of a conversation going, and I’d get excited and ask a follow-up question. Now, I don’t know what I said in those follow-up questions but they were about as effective as throwing a heavy, damp log on a sputtering fire. That was the most awkward 45 minutes of my life. I left feeling like the worst small group leader in the history of small group leaders.

Sound familiar?

Maybe you’ve been in those groups and felt the awkwardness. Or maybe you’ve led those groups and felt the defeat. So how do we ask questions that keep the conversational fires rolling? What will inspire both deep thought and reflective conversation? How do you lead a discussion that gets group members engaged, on-topic, and building on each other’s thoughts?

Over the years I’ve picked up a number of ideas. Some are my own, and some have come from leaders with far more experience than myself. These are all questions that you can keep in your back-pocket for any discussion, whether it is based on a study that you have all worked on together, or whether it is in a retreat setting where you just heard a teaching that you are now needing to talk about. Tuck these away, and pull them out when the silence hits and you aren’t sure where to go next – and watch the conversation begin to build.

Question 1: What did you learn about the Lord?

This question seems obvious but was one I picked up on in training many years ago. A leader with far more experience than myself shared this back-pocket question, and the follow-up, that he would use in training small group leaders. He would use it to jump-start any discussion, even discussions where group members seem quiet and non-responsive.

This question gets right to the heart. Bible study is about the Lord. Bible teaching is about the Lord. No matter what you are in the Word, no matter the topic that was studied, there was something to be learned about the Lord, His ways, His plans, His purposes, His character.

Sometimes there will be something new that the group discovered about Him, sometimes it will be a reminder of a truth that they already knew. Either way, this gets the conversation going and centered around the One that deserves to be at the center of our discussion. Once you discuss this, move on to the follow-up:

Question 2: What difference does this make to your life?

Here’s the application. You learned the doctrine – the facts about the Lord. But now it’s time to put that doctrine to work. Is there a change that needs to be made to walk in His image more closely? Something to repent of that grieves Him? Peace to be embraced as we trust Him more? A mind-set that needs to be adjusted? When you gaze at the Lord, you leave changed.

Question 3: How did what we studied/ heard this week connect with your life?

This question brings the lesson home and makes it very personal. It’s amazing how the Lord times the things He teaches us. My church is a strong Bible-teaching church, with a commitment to chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse teaching, and I often sit in awe as my pastor speaks directly to a prayer, a situation, a concern that is very much on my heart – and that he is entirely unaware of. That’s the Lord speaking through him.

The Lord does this with studies as well. There was one time I was choking back tears in Starbucks working through a study. The Lord was speaking very powerfully through the text. It was so personal and so relevant that I had no doubt it was Him speaking, even though the text was just a narrative in Deuteronomy. Be sure that the Lord is speaking to your group as well, and give them an opportunity to share.

A word of caution with this question – keep an eye on the time as you discuss. This is where your dependence on the Spirit’s leading will be vital. Some people will tell stories for hours if you let them. If time is short, remind your group to keep it brief, and allow others to share as well. But the beauty of this question is that it reminds each group member just how personal the Lord is and helps them learn to listen to His voice.

Question 4: What challenged you as you studied this week? What encouraged you?

These questions invite discussion that becomes more than a volleyball game between you and your group – with you volleying questions at them, and them returning an answer to you. As the group talks about what challenged them, it’s likely that others in the group will echo the thought, and still others will be able to respond to the challenge. Maybe it was something they didn’t fully understand, and the group can work together to find an answer.

Remember that as a small group leader you don’t have to have the answers. Your role is to ask the right questions that get the group thinking. Remember to dig deeper as the group answers. Ask “Why?” Get to the root of the challenge or the encouragement.

Question 5: What was your main take-away from this study/ teaching?

This is a favorite question of a mentor of mine, and I love using this as a closing question in a discussion. It wraps everything up and brings clarity to a discussion that sometimes can feel like it went in fifteen different directions. What I love about this question is hearing how the Lord is working differently in each member of the group. We all studied or heard the same thing, but the Lord spoke uniquely into everyone’s life if they have ears to hear.

Enjoy your discussion!!

These questions, in addition to any other more pointed questions that may be unique to that week’s study or teaching, will keep your conversation going for a while. Remember that life change is the goal of any Bible study. Without putting what we learned into practice, we are simply engaging in an academic exercise that misses the entire point. But when we can get our groups thinking about the difference that the study has made for them, they will naturally become engaged and excited.

Let me know what you think! Do you use these questions? How have they worked for you? Do you have any other questions in your back-pocket as you lead? I’d love to hear them!

Praying for you as you disciple others for the Kingdom!

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8 Spiritual Growth Questions for Small Group Members

You love surveys most likely if you need the information and despise them if you have to fill it out.

As a small group leader or point person, you have a vested interest in spiritual growth. Some leaders tend to value metrics, and others desire more qualitative information like stories.

No matter where you find yourself, we want to know that individuals in small groups are pursuing spiritual growth as critical leaders.

Recently, I found myself in a leadership conversation about spiritual growth and surveys. Browncroft, the church I serve, utilizes Church Community Builder (CCB) as its Church Management Software (CMS). This platform provides us with crucial insights like small group attendance, serving, and giving.

Two problems emerge in our discussion about spiritual growth. First, prayer and Bible engagement metrics need more context (as with every spiritual growth area) than a checkbox. Secondly, surveys and reports can diminish the value of these discussions in small groups.

Small groups are the central location for conversations about spiritual growth. Leaders like yourself provide pastors and elders with far more insight into the spiritual temperature of the church.

Don’t get me wrong, I see tremendous value in CMS reporting and surveys, but small groups create a safe atmosphere to process spiritual next steps. If we all committed to normalizing these conversations, I wonder if we could help individuals grow spiritually through encouragement and accountability.

Whether you find yourself as a small group leader, point person, or pastor, I want to share a few questions that small groups can regularly ask to identify a next steps of spiritual growth:

1. What are you reading in the Bible, and how is it challenging you to grow?

Often, we want to know how often people engage the Bible. A better starting place comes from individuals identifying how God’s Word influences their life. This question helps individuals articulate that, and then you can check on regularity. Also, it’s helpful to know if people find themselves in a desert season of engagement. Now, the small group can support and encourage someone in that season.

2. What have you been praying about, and how is God working your life through prayer?

The content of our prayers reveals our worries, fears, hopes, and dreams. Taking a moment to delve into our prayers’ content will help individuals see where God is working. Consider this – when was the last time someone asked you that question? Getting in the habit of spiritual growth questions challenges us to more in-depth conversations about what God is doing in our lives.

3. When did you get baptized? If you have not been baptized, what’s challenging for you to pursue it?

As a church leader, do you know if every person in your group has gotten baptized? Again, this question does not come as a checkbox but as a way to prompt spiritual growth. Often, I have found people have fears about baptism. I wonder how much of that would change if they knew their small group supported them publicly declaring their faith.

4. What are your spiritual gifts? How are you using the gifts God gave you to serve others?

Imagine what would happen at the church you serve if people knew and recognized their spiritual gifts. People sit on the sidelines because they fear failure or even wonder if they can make a difference. Even before offering a serve opportunity, you as a leader can help start the discussion with individuals on their spiritual gifts. That discussion could even lead to someone moving out of a serving role to a better position. That could also mean individuals serving more in the small group.

5. Who are you sharing your faith with and what’s the biggest challenge you face?

A key outgrowth of someone maturing in following Jesus becomes sharing their faith. Sometimes, we find ourselves embarrassed to share. These questions delve deep so that we can normalize our fear and anxiety. Regularly asking this question helps individuals strategically think about who God has placed in their life to experience the gospel.

6. How are you financially giving and investing in the church?

You probably have heard it said that Jesus talked about money more than any other topic. One of my friends Tom Melzoni often says, “Giving is something God wants for you, not from you.” In some ways, this question is less about giving and more about how individuals might need help with budgeting. Yes, it could become a messy conversation, but if we can’t talk about money in small groups, where can we? No matter where a person is on the continuum of giving, God challenges us to have faith and look for ways to invest in His kingdom. Our bank statement reflects our values.

7. When did you become a church member? If you have not pursued membership, what’s challenging you to pursue it?

Not all the churches represented in this network have membership. If you do, you will want to clarify the value with senior leadership. The membership discussion reflects a commitment to the church. This practice has changed generationally, but the more extensive discussion helps people see their essential participation in the Body of Christ.

8. What’s your spiritual next step?

None of us have arrived spiritually. Small groups that ask this question help individuals take risks and get outside their comfort zones. I wonder how many people find themselves second-guessing an opportunity because they have not felt the support of their small group. Let’s normalize this question and celebrate it.

We can become tempted to go on autopilot in our small groups. I believe these questions provide clarity and can spark spiritual growth in individuals. They also provide context more than data.

Would you add any questions? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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50 Small Talk Questions and Answers
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How to Ask the Right Questions in Your Small Group
logical questions|| small tricky questions || GK questions|| #ias
logical questions|| small tricky questions || IAS questions|| #ias
logical questions|| small tricky questions || IAS questions|| #ias

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150+ Icebreaker Questions for Amazing Group Discussion
If you're looking for the very best icebreaker questions, what if questions, questions for small groups, group questions, and funny conversation topics look no further. There are over 150+ Great Icebreakers Questions right here for you. Share this resource and write a comment to let me know the great icebreaker questions you have.
210+ Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups
210+ Icebreaker Questions For Small Groups. Breathe some life into your next conversation with our list of over 210 icebreaker questions designed for small groups. Spread the love! There's no better way to get a conversation started than with icebreakers! While some icebreakers get a bad rep for being boring or cliché, we can't deny that ...
221 best icebreaker questions for creating genuine connections
Open-ended: Questions that invite more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer encourage deeper and more meaningful discussions. Open-ended questions provide individuals with the opportunity to share more about themselves. Positive Tone: Icebreaker questions should set a positive and light-hearted tone for the interaction.
101 Small Group Icebreaker Questions
That treasure is getting to know someone's heart. A great small group icebreaker question is like setting the whiffle ball on the stand and letting someone slug it out of the park. It has to be t'ed up correctly. It has to be supported, but it shouldn't have boundaries. Below we've put together 101 and of the best icebreaker questions ...
100 Easy icebreaker questions for small groups
Fun and light-hearted icebreaker questions for small groups. There are a variety of reasons why you might want to use more silly or energizing questions as your icebreaker. A light-hearted question is a good way to start a conversation and ease any tension that team-members may have. Fun questions that require some "out of the box" answers ...
Small Group Discussion Questions That Go Deep
1. Questions That Bring Connection - These are initial questions that encourage everyone to participate. They allow for communication that is low-risk and safe. You want to help everyone to re-connect with each other after some time apart. Here are some examples of these types of questions: Icebreaker Questions.
26 Great Icebreakers for Your Small Group
Icebreaker Questions. Icebreaker questions are simply different ways of getting the people in your small group to talk about themselves. This is an easy way to encourage friendships to form in your group as you help everyone get to know each other. Jump to an icebreaker. 1. Best/worst | 2. Most unique | 3.
100+ Conversation starters for groups (Group chats, topics and
Here are some good group conversation starters that work in any group situations. 1. I've been wanting to try _____ for a long time, and finally did it last week. ... Small group conversation starters. ... Group questions to ask. Here is a list of group questions to ask: 1. What is the one thing you would change about your life if you could ...
100 icebreaker questions to get the conversation started
Whoever leads the meeting should answer the icebreaker question first. This helps break the tension and immediately opens up the conversation. Listen actively, and ask follow-up questions if necessary. The goal is to unite the team and give each person the opportunity to answer. Let people interact with one another.
12 engaging ice breaker ideas for small groups
Ice breakers games for small groups. Adding a touch of competition can be the perfect way to engage and energize your group — and if you really want to up the ante, a little swag can go a long way. 9. Two truths and a lie. Have everyone in your meeting share two things about themselves that are true, and one thing that is a lie.
250 Excellent Conversation Starters
Even more questions. Sure 276 questions is a lot, but how about more than 1,000 extra questions! 500 Good questions to ask. 200 Icebreaker questions. 200 Questions to get to know someone. 200 Questions to ask a guy. 200 Questions to ask a girl. More than 250 conversation starters for your enjoyment. A huge list of conversation starter questions ...
Crafting Engaging Group Discussion Questions to Spark Conversation
Short Summary. Group discussion is a powerful tool for sharing ideas and improving problem-solving skills. Crafting engaging questions involves brainstorming, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging participation. Examples of engaging questions include conversation starters, thought-provoking questions, and fun and interesting questions.
99 Mindful Conversation Topics For Deeper Connections
8. What color would you choose to describe yourself? 9. What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of? 10. Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are? 11. Where is one place you'd love to travel to again? 12.
How to Guide a Meaningful Group Discussion
As you listen, you show the rest of the group you value their opinions; your questions will become more relevant and the group will be more likely to participate in the discussion. As people share: Try to see the situation from their perspective. Be encouraging. Thank people for sharing and asking questions. Actively listen.
29 Church Small Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Interactions
29 Church Small Group Discussion Questions for Deeper Interactions. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.". This passage highlights the importance of ...
How to Write Small Group Discussion Questions
5-Steps to Create Discussion Questions. Below is the 5-step process I use to write small group discussion questions. It doesn't matter if the study material is the Sunday sermon, a video, study guide, or solely from the Bible. This process works for all of them. 1. Pray. It is important to ask Holy Spirit to be your ultimate counselor as you ...
44 Small Group Discussion Topics to Keep the Conversation Going
By fostering active participation and attentive listening, you create an engaging and inclusive atmosphere where all voices are heard. 4. Managing Time Effectively. Time management is crucial in leading a small group discussion. Set a schedule and allocate time for different discussion topics or activities.
50 Icebreaker Questions for Church Small Groups
50 Icebreaker Questions for Church Small Groups. Icebreaker questions can provide groundwork for later conversations — both serious and fun. ("Weren't you the one whose favorite snack is raw oysters?!") Use them thoughtfully as your church small group grows closer, moving from easier questions to more probing.
Asking Better Questions in Small-Group Discussions
The good news is we can grow in our ability to ask better questions. (See this post from last week for some types of questions not to ask .) Here are four types of questions that can hopefully help stir up discussion in your small group Bible study: Warm-Up Questions. In addition to an icebreaker-type question (which can be a simple way to get ...
Writing Questions That Spark Discussion
Well-focused questions also serve as a tool to keep bringing the group back around to the subject at hand. Small groups are notorious for getting off the subject, and clearly worded, pin-pointed questions help a group leader avoid this problem. 3. Good Questions Can Be Understood By Everyone. As a group leader, you want to keep the questions ...
25 Questions for Christian Small Group Discussion Leaders
What is one Bible passage that God really spoke to you through? What were your circumstances when he used that scripture? Jordan Alessi. 25 spiritual questions and biblical discussion topics for Christian community group leaders to ask their life group. Answering these questions together will foster intimacy, vulnerability, and community within ...
5 Engaging Questions to Jumpstart a Small Group Discussion
A word of caution with this question - keep an eye on the time as you discuss. This is where your dependence on the Spirit's leading will be vital. Some people will tell stories for hours if you let them. If time is short, remind your group to keep it brief, and allow others to share as well.
8 Spiritual Growth Questions for Small Group Members
Two problems emerge in our discussion about spiritual growth. First, prayer and Bible engagement metrics need more context (as with every spiritual growth area) than a checkbox. Secondly, surveys and reports can diminish the value of these discussions in small groups. Small groups are the central location for conversations about spiritual growth.