Icebreakers · Get-to-Know-You

Funny Throwback Questions

Sparks genuine storytelling and laughter, especially with teams who already know each other a little.

IcebreakerRapportPersonal Sharing

Duration: 20 min
Participants: 1–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–50, 50+
Energy: Low
Difficulty: Beginner
Materials: Minimal
Prep time: 5 minutes

2 min read · Delivery: Offline · Virtual

Overview

Purpose. Sparks genuine storytelling and laughter, especially with teams who already know each other a little.

When to use. In the first 15 minutes of a session, once names are known and the group is settling in.

Best for. Any group size, virtual or in person.

Facilitator preparation

Pick a nostalgic prompt about childhood or teenage years. See Trainer's Reference below for a starter bank.

Room setup. Arrange seating so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.

Virtual setup. Run this over video call using breakout rooms for small groups, and the main room for whole- group sharing.

Hybrid setup. Give remote participants an equal way to take part, for example a shared chat thread mirroring the in-room discussion.

Materials. A prepared question list

How to Conduct

Pick a nostalgic prompt about childhood or teenage years (see Trainer's Reference below for a starter bank).
Go around the group, one person at a time, answering the prompt out loud.
Encourage a bit of follow-up banter or questions after each answer; the stories are often the best part.
Rotate to a new prompt for future sessions to keep it fresh.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP

Most groups laugh within the first minute; that's a good sign, not a distraction.

Trainer's Reference: a ready-to-use prompt bank

Eight prompts to start with: What was the first concert you ever went to? What's your most embarrassing childhood haircut? What's the silliest dare you ever took? What was your first job? What cartoon or show were you obsessed with as a kid? What's a trend from your teenage years you're glad is over? What was your childhood nickname? What's the worst fashion choice you made as a teenager?

After the activity

DEBRIEF QUESTIONS

What part of “Funny Throwback Questions” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
Which story from someone else stuck with you the most, and why?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS