open · Icebreaker · 5–20 min · 1-12 people · low energy

Pick a Picture for How You Are

This visual check-in invites participants to select an image that represents their current mood or situation, fostering a personal and engaging start to any session. It encourages openness and helps create a psychologically safe environment.

When to use Pick a Picture for How You Are

Use this method at the beginning of a workshop, meeting, or coaching session to quickly gauge the emotional state of the participants and encourage them to be present and engaged.

What it solves

Difficulty in quickly establishing rapport and understanding the emotional climate of the group, leading to disengagement or miscommunication.

How to run Pick a Picture for How You Are, step by step

  1. Prepare a selection of 20-60 diverse images (postcards, online card decks). (5 minutes)
  2. Spread the images physically or share the online link. (2 minutes)
  3. Ask a check-in question like, "How are you feeling today?" or "What's on your mind?". (1 minute)
  4. Give participants time to individually reflect and select an image that resonates with them. (5-10 minutes)
  5. Invite each participant to share their chosen image and explain why it represents their answer to the check-in question. Encourage them to nominate the next speaker. (5-10 minutes)

Materials needed

  • A collection of diverse images (physical or digital)
  • Online platform for sharing images (e.g., icebreaker.online, Miro)

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be open and honest, but respect their comfort level.
  • Be mindful of the images you select, ensuring they are appropriate and inclusive.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may struggle to connect with the images or feel uncomfortable sharing.
  • Provide gentle encouragement and reassurance, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.

Variations

  • Use different categories of images (e.g., animals, landscapes, abstract art).
  • Ask participants to select two images: one representing their current state and another representing their desired state.

Running it online or hybrid

For remote sessions, utilize platforms like icebreaker.online or Miro to display and select images. Ensure participants can clearly see and choose images regardless of their connection speed.

What it produces

A shared understanding of the group's current emotional state and individual perspectives.

Origin

by Tobias Weghorn for BEST — source

Build a session around Pick a Picture for How You Are

METODIC places Pick a Picture for How You Are inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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