# Dicebreakers Small groups roll a standard six-sided die to select structured conversation prompts from a printed prompt sheet. Each participant takes turns answering the selected prompt, picking an alternate question, or passing. **Time:** 15 minutes. UWT plan allocating 15 minutes: 2 minutes for briefing, two 5-minute sharing rounds using 45-second turn limits, and 3 minutes for debrief. **People:** 4 to 24. Small groups of 4 to 6 people. If total attendance leaves a remainder (such as 7 people), run one group of 7 or split into groups of 3 and 4. ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Share low-stakes personal stories and background information across small groups using randomized prompt selection. **Use it when:** Use at the start of a workshop, meeting, or team kickoff when participants need an easy, low-risk structure to speak and learn about each other. **Skip it when:** Skip when the group already knows each other well, when the session requires immediate work on urgent tasks, or when participants must address serious conflict. ## Materials and tools - One standard six-sided die per small group - One printed Dicebreakers prompt sheet per small group - Scratch paper and pen per group if groups wish to track completed numbers ## Before participants arrive 1. Print one copy of the prompt sheet for each group table. 2. Place one standard die on each group table. 3. Arrange seating so groups of 4 to 6 participants face each other. ## Say this to open We are using a die roll to pick low-key questions to answer in small groups. When it is your turn, roll the die, check the sheet for your number, and answer that prompt in about 45 seconds. You can answer as much or as little as you want, reroll once, choose a different prompt from the sheet, or simply pass. ## How to run it ### 1. Form groups and introduce rules (2 minutes) Divide participants into groups of 4 to 6. If numbers do not divide evenly, form a group of 3 or 7. Hand out one die and one prompt sheet per group. Deliver the opening script. Explain ground rules: keep answers around 45 seconds, listen without interrupting, and honor anyone's choice to reroll, choose a different question, or pass. ### 2. Complete first sharing round (5 minutes) Begin the first round. In person, start with the person whose birthday is closest to today and move clockwise; online, take turns alphabetically by first name. The first person rolls the die, reads the matching prompt, and shares their response. If a participant prefers, they may reroll once, choose any question on the sheet, or pass. The turn passes to the next person until everyone has rolled once. ### 3. Complete second sharing round (5 minutes) Continue in the same order for a second cycle so each person rolls and answers a second prompt. Remind groups that if a duplicate number is rolled, the participant may answer it with a different story, reroll once, select any other question from the sheet, or pass. ### 4. Debrief and close (3 minutes) Call the full room back together. Ask two or three volunteers from across the room to share one interesting fact or commonality they heard during their group rounds. Close the session on time. ## Debrief questions - What was one surprising similarity or unexpected detail you learned in your circle? - How did having a die roll pick the topic compare to an unstructured introduction? - Which question prompt was the easiest to answer, and why? **Finished output:** Each participant shares up to two brief personal anecdotes or preferences with their small group, with the option to pass or select their own prompt. ## Remote Create breakout rooms with 4 to 6 people. Paste the 6 numbered prompts into the room chat or share the screen. Provide a link to an online dice roller, use an in-meeting random generator, or have one person roll a physical die on camera. Participants take turns in alphabetical order by first name. ## Hybrid Keep remote participants together in a virtual breakout room with a digital die roller. In-person tables use physical dice. Do not mix remote and in-person participants at the same table unless each table has a dedicated laptop and perimeter microphone. ## Access and participation choices - Participants may pass entirely without giving a reason. - Participants may reroll once or freely pick any question on the sheet instead of answering the rolled number. - Questions can be answered aloud or typed into the video chat for remote groups. ## If the session gets stuck **One person talks too long and group time runs out.** Designate a participant at each table as timekeeper with a firm 45-second limit per turn. **A participant rolls a prompt they do not want to answer.** Remind everyone that they have full choice to reroll once, pick any other question on the sheet, or say pass without explanation. ## Terms used here - Prompt sheet: A printed reference list pairing numbers 1 through 6 with specific conversation questions. ## Participant material: Dicebreakers Prompt Sheet 1. What is a skill or hobby you have practiced outside of work? 2. What was your favorite meal, dish, or snack as a child? 3. Name a place you have visited that left a strong impression. 4. What is a piece of practical advice that has helped you? 5. What is something you are looking forward to in the coming month? 6. What is a movie, book, or song that you often recommend to others? ## Sources and adaptation Observed in Playmeo activity database entries by Mark Collard under the title 'Dicebreakers'. Retained the core mechanic from Playmeo: rolling a die to select an icebreaker question from a numbered list in small groups. Added standard 15-minute UWT timing, explicit handling of odd group counts, unified turn-taking, neutral prompt content, and full access choices including rerolling, picking another prompt, and passing. [Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/ice-breakers-get-to-know-you-games/dicebreakers) [Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/ice-breakers-get-to-know-you-games/dicebreakers/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/dice-sharing-game-for-building-group-connections-dicebreakers/