Open a Session · Meet & Connect · Build Trust
Two Minutes of Overlap
Find one unexpected thing everyone at the table genuinely has in common.
Time3–3 minutes
Group size4+ people
FormatTable groups
MaterialsNone
What this accomplishes
Tables search for a shared fact that is not about education, not visible, and not true of almost everyone. The rejected answers are part of the conversation.
- Discover unexpected common ground
- Practice curious questioning
Before you begin
Materials
- None
Preparation
- Display a visible timer
- Plan to hear no more than two table reports
What to say
“Here is the ask. You will work only with your table, the timer will stay visible, and passing is always fine.”
How to run it
- 1
State the three limits: not about education, not visible, and not true of most people.
- 2
Start a two-minute timer.
- 3
Ask tables to test ideas until everyone confirms one shared answer.
- 4
Hear one answer from two tables.
Prompts to use
A routine you all protect
A harmless preference you share
Something all of you have tried
A place type all of you enjoy
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use one table and let everyone contribute; skip the room report.
Large group
Run the activity simultaneously at tables of four to six, then hear only two brief reports.
Virtual
Use breakout rooms of four to six, broadcast the prompt and timer, and collect one response in chat when rooms close.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Keep participation seated by default.
- Display and read the prompt aloud.
- Allow anyone to pass, write, or contribute through a tablemate.
Debrief, if useful
Which question finally helped you find the overlap?
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
The constraints block automatic answers and create a real, participant-controlled search for connection.
Watch out for
- Do not reward more intimate answers.
- Allow a table to report its best near-match if time expires.