How to use the icebreaker generator
- Pick a question type, or leave it on All for a mix.
- Press New question or hit the space bar. Questions don’t repeat until you’ve seen the whole deck.
- Turn on Also pick who answers first and load your team to choose a starter at random.
What makes a good icebreaker
The best icebreakers are quick to answer, easy to say out loud, and safe for everyone. Light questions like “What’s the best snack to keep at your desk?” get people talking without asking them to share anything personal. Save the thoughtful questions for teams that already know each other well.
Picking the right type
- Quick and fun works for any meeting, including large ones. Aim for one-sentence answers.
- Get to know you suits new teams and onboarding sessions.
- Would you rather is great for getting a laugh and a little friendly debate.
- Retro warm-ups open a sprint retrospective by getting people thinking about the last few weeks.
- Thoughtful questions lead to deeper conversations in small, trusting groups.
Tips for facilitators
Go first yourself to show the kind of answer you’re hoping for, and keep it short. Let people pass without explanation. In a big group, ask a few people instead of everyone, or use breakout rooms from the team generator. For retros, pair a warm-up with a fresh format from the retro format picker.
Frequently asked questions
Are these questions safe for work?
Yes. Every question was written for work settings and avoids topics that can put people on the spot, such as family, money, health, religion, and politics. Anyone can still pass on a question.
How many questions are there?
145, across five types: quick and fun, get to know you, would you rather, retro warm-ups, and thoughtful questions.
Will I see the same question twice?
Not until you’ve been through every question in that type. Then the deck is reshuffled.
Can it choose who answers?
Yes. Turn on Also pick who answers first. Everyone is picked once before anyone is picked again.