open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 2–5 min · 2-100 people · low energy
If Then
If Then is a quick and playful icebreaker that sparks creativity and builds rapport through imaginative storytelling. Participants practice quick thinking and active listening in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
When to use If Then
Use this activity at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to energize the group and encourage interaction, especially when you want to foster a lighthearted and imaginative atmosphere.
What it solves
Lack of engagement at the start of a session, difficulty building connections among participants.
How to run If Then, step by step
- Form pairs. (1 minute)
- One person in each pair starts a sentence with 'If...' (30 seconds)
- The other person completes the sentence starting with 'Then...' (30 seconds)
- Repeat 2-3 times, then switch roles. (2 minutes)
Materials needed
- None
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to be creative and humorous in their responses.
- Remind participants to actively listen to their partner's statements.
Common pitfalls
- Participants struggling to come up with ideas. Offer example prompts to get them started.
- Pairs dominating the conversation. Remind them to keep responses brief and allow equal time for both partners.
Variations
- Add a constraint, such as 'If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life...'
- Have participants build on each other's 'Then' statements to create a longer story.
Running it online or hybrid
Use breakout rooms for pairs and a shared document for recording responses.
What it produces
None (verbal activity)
Origin
Adapted from playmeo.com — source
Build a session around If Then
METODIC places If Then inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.