Personal Introductions (bag of items)

Purpose. Reveals personality through objects rather than direct self-description, which many find easier.

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

Best for. Small groups of 5–6, in person.

• Gather: one small paper bag per participant.

Room setup. Cluster seating into small islands of 5–6 people, spaced enough apart that groups don't overhear each other.

Virtual setup. This works best in person. If you must run it virtually, have participants hold items up to the camera one at a time instead of using a bag.

Hybrid setup. Give remote participants the same on-camera option for showing their items.

Materials. Small paper bags

1. Give each participant a small paper bag.
2. Ask everyone to select three personal items from their wallet, bag, or pockets that say something about their personality or lifestyle, and place them in the bag.
3. Split into small groups of 5–6.
4. Within each small group, have participants take turns pulling out their items one at a time and explaining why they chose them.

Learning outcome. Participants leave having shared something personal through objects, often more comfortably than through direct self-description.

• Small paper bags
• Debrief questions ready
• Timer set for 10 min
• Groups of 5–6 planned