Favorite Things

How to Play

Setup

1. Choose the format: in-person (sit or stand in a circle), virtual (gallery view), or hybrid.
2. Prepare a list of categories (e.g., favorite movie, book, travel destination, food, hobby, childhood memory, or way to spend a weekend). Add a few customized categories relevant to your group.
3. Decide on the structure:
   • Single-Category Round: everyone answers the same prompt.
   • Player’s Choice: each person selects a category from the list.
   • Rapid-Fire: quick, timed shares across multiple categories.
4. Set a timebox: 30–60 seconds per person for their share, plus 30–60 seconds for 1–2 follow-up questions.
5. For virtual sessions, prepare a quick poll or word cloud to collect responses before discussion. Have a slide, whiteboard, or shared doc ready to capture highlights.
6. Establish the speaking order (clockwise, roster order, or randomizer). Assign a facilitator and timekeeper.

How to Play

1. Model the activity: the facilitator shares a concise example including the “why.”
2. Start round one using the chosen structure. Encourage participants to include a brief explanation of why their choice matters to them.
3. After each share, invite one short follow-up question or a connection statement (e.g., “I love that too!”) to build rapport without derailing.
4. Capture patterns and overlaps on the board or slide (e.g., multiple people who love hiking or sci-fi).
5. Continue until everyone has shared once. If time allows, run a second round with a new category or a rapid-fire finale.
6. Close with a quick reflection: ask what surprised them, what they learned about teammates, or which common interest they want to explore together.

Rules

1. One voice at a time; keep shares within the agreed timebox.
2. Passing is allowed—participants can say “pass” or “come back to me.”
3. Ask curious, non-judgmental follow-ups; avoid debate or critique of favorites.
4. Respect boundaries and confidentiality; share only what you’re comfortable with.
5. Avoid spoilers when discussing movies/books unless the group consents.
6. The facilitator ensures equitable airtime and invites quieter voices.
7. Virtual etiquette: mute when not speaking; use chat or reactions to signal connections.

Tips

• Prime the pump with a few specific examples and model the desired depth.
• Encourage specificity (e.g., favorite pizza topping and where) to spark richer connections.
• Use a simple slide with category icons to aid recall and engagement.
• For large groups, collect responses via poll/word cloud first, then discuss top themes.
• In hybrid settings, alternate between in-room and remote speakers to balance inclusion.
• Document shared interests (e.g., a team “favorites” page) to inspire future conversations.

Variations

• Theme Round: focus on one domain (e.g., travel-only or food-only).
• Lightning Pairs: 2-minute breakout pairs share 2 favorites each, then rejoin to share highlights.
• Chain Favorites: each person picks the next person and category.
• Asynchronous Start: gather favorites in advance via a form; reveal patterns live.
• Bingo Twist: give everyone a 3x3 card of categories; aim to complete a row during shares.