1.Share one word that captures your current vibe and why.
Kickstart a virtual standup
You are five minutes from a Zoom standup with teammates who are feeling a little flat.
Goal
Boost momentum with low-pressure sharing.
Group size
5–10 people
Duration
30–60 seconds each
Opening script
“Before we dive into tasks, let’s each share something quick to bring the room to life. I’ll go first so it feels easy.”
Feeling the pressure?
“Everyone looks tired—what if the meeting drags?”
If energy still feels flat, switch to a movement-friendly prompt and invite reactions in chat.
Facilitator toolkit
Recommended questions
Lead with these prompts, then follow the facilitator tips to keep the room engaged and safe. Copy the full list or individual questions as you go.
Curated for this moment
2.Share two truths and one almost-truth about yourself.
3.What is one object within arm’s reach that has a story?
1.Share one word that captures your current vibe and why.
2.Share two truths and one almost-truth about yourself.
3.What is one object within arm’s reach that has a story?
Facilitator flow
Launch focus mode to reveal one question at a time, capture the tip, and keep track of progress as you guide the room.
How to host with confidence
- Open by naming your intention. It disarms nerves and invites partnership.
- Share your own answer first. Modeling vulnerability is the fastest way to earn it from others.
- Offer a pass option at every step and thank people for using it. Psychological safety is the real goal.
- Close the loop: ask what landed and capture wins to celebrate in your next gathering.
Backup prompts
Keep these in your back pocket for moments when the room needs a softer landing or a playful pivot.
1.Share an emoji forecast for the team this week and explain it in one sentence.
Learn more from our guides
Dive deeper into facilitation techniques and best practices for situations like this one.
Guide
Ice Breaker Questions for Large Groups
Energize gatherings of 30+ people with ice breaker questions designed for scale, speed, and psychological safety.
Guide
Ice Breaker Questions for Meetings
Transform routine meetings with ice breaker questions that build trust, spark energy, and set the tone for productive collaboration.
Guide
Ice Breaker Questions for Remote Teams
Bridge distance and build trust with ice breaker questions designed for distributed teams, virtual standups, and async-first cultures.
We've all been there.
It’s not about being funny—it’s about being human. Take a breath, invite curiosity, and know that one thoughtful question can spark a conversation that lasts well beyond this moment.