Stop Going Around The Room For Introductions

There I said it.

Stop it. Please.

No one benefits from it. And honestly, who has time?

There are many things we do in the training environment because we’ve always done them that way. Around the room introductions fall firmly in that category. Think about the last class you participated in and try to recall the names around the room. My guess is you might recall the three people you already knew and the one person who was annoying and two other people. Or you may recall none.

Every minute in the training room needs to be treated as sacred. Learners are investing their time and energy and their organization’s money to learn something to make their lives better. Knowing twenty four names of random people is not going to improve their lives.

What do people actually need to be comfortable in a learning space? They need connection. Honest to goodness, real connection.

Going around the room doesn’t create connection.

What if you intentionally create connection with a thoughtful exercise. (Notice I’m not calling them icebreakers because icebreakers tend to feel like bad baby shower games!)

My favorite connecting exercise is 20 Questions Minus 13. It’s flexible, fast, and can be modified for any group.

Here are the quick and simple steps.

1. Give each person a 3×5 card.
2. Ask them to number 1 through 7.
3. Ask them to answer your question for each number.
4. Ask learners to stand with their card in hand.
5. Ask learners to pair with someone not at their table or next to them.
6. Share their responses with a conversation style, not just handing the card over.
7. After two minutes, ask them to switch to a new person.
8. Include as many rounds as you can given your class time, size, and duration of program.

Learners will appreciate the time out of the spotlight to think about their answers. They don’t focus on everyone knowing everyone, focusing instead on stronger connections with three or four people in the room. It will feel more authentic, because it is.

You can download a list of 20 Questions Minus 13 and directions here (PDF).

But, what about you, the trainer? How will you know who everyone is.

First of all. Name tents or name tags. They help everyone.

Secondly, do some data mining before class. Poll people as they arrive with an old school flipchart page on the wall. Ask relevant questions that give you a glimpse of who you are working with.

Oh, and those 3×5 cards from 20 Questions Minus 13? Ask them to hand them to you! You’ll end up with a great view into each learner without the time of going around the room.

Learners will appreciate the thoughtful approach and enjoy not being put on the spot when all eyes are on them.

Are you using an alternative to going around the room for introductions? I’d love to know what you are finding success with.