Pairs and Questions

Game Objective

To foster communication, get to know each other more deeply, and encourage reflection and discussion in a relaxed, informal setting.

Description

This game is not recommended for the first meeting. It works best for a group where participants are already somewhat familiar with each other and you want them to get to know each other on a deeper level.

Setup

• Write the names of all participants on separate slips of paper.

• The leader shuffles the slips, and each player draws a name (the chance of drawing their own name is minimal).

• Pairs for discussion are formed this way.

• If the number of participants is odd, groups of 3–4 people can be formed.

How to Play

• The leader draws questions for discussion.

• Pairs discuss each question in turn, first one participant, then the other.

• Time for each question: 1.5–2 minutes.

• It is recommended to use questions that cannot be answered with just “yes” or “no.”

Features

• The game is played for several rounds; pairs change so participants interact with different people.

• You can prepare 1 question per round (you can also try 1-2 questions per round).

• Ideal for trainings, team-building exercises, and youth meetings.

Example Questions

1. What quality do you value most in people?

2. What behavior toward you is unacceptable?

3. Which action of others earns your respect?

4. What is most important to you in friendship?

5. Which event in your life has changed you the most?

6. What inspires or motivates you every day?

7. What is your biggest dream for the coming year?

8. What advice would you give your five-years-ago self?

9. Which book or movie has left a strong impression on you?

10. If you could live a day in someone else’s life, who would it be and why?

11. What quality would you like to develop in yourself this year?

12. What does success mean to you?

13. If you could change one event in your past, what would it be?

14. What is your favorite tradition or childhood memory?

15. What truly makes you happy?

16. What is your main value in life?

17. What is the boldest thing you have ever done?

18. If you could learn anything right now, what would it be?

19. What is your ideal way to spend a day off?

20. What does trust mean to you in relationships?

Recommendations

• The game is intended for groups where participants already know each other.

• Keep track of time so everyone has a chance to speak.

• The leader loudly announces when the time for discussing a question is about to end, so everyone has a chance to speak (for example: ‘30 seconds remaining’).

• Questions can be modified or personalized depending on the goal of the meeting.