open · Icebreaker · 10–20 min · 4-20 people · low energy

Conversation Starter: What Are You Reading?

This icebreaker encourages participants to share their current reading material, fostering connection through shared interests and providing opportunities for recommendations. It's effective for sparking conversation and learning about colleagues' interests.

When to use Conversation Starter: What Are You Reading?

Use this method to build rapport and encourage knowledge sharing, especially in teams that value learning and personal growth.

What it solves

Lack of shared interests, difficulty finding common ground.

How to run Conversation Starter: What Are You Reading?, step by step

  1. Introduce the activity and explain the prompt. (2 minutes)
  2. Each participant shares what they are currently reading and why they chose it. (8 minutes)
  3. Facilitate a brief discussion about the books and authors mentioned. (10 minutes)

Materials needed

  • None

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be specific about why they are enjoying the book.
  • Facilitate a discussion about the themes and ideas explored in the books.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants feeling pressured to have read 'intellectual' books.
  • Emphasize that all types of reading material are welcome.

Variations

  • Ask participants to share their favorite book of all time.

Running it online or hybrid

Create a shared document where participants can list the books they are reading and provide links or brief summaries.

What it produces

A list of book recommendations and insights into participants' interests.

Origin

Adapted from KnowYourTeam.com — source

Build a session around Conversation Starter: What Are You Reading?

METODIC places Conversation Starter: What Are You Reading? inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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