Experience Quotes

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Introduce group norms and practical expectations through unedited peer advice rather than top-down rules.

Use it when: At the start of an intensive workshop, cohort program, or multi-day conference to set tone and orient newcomers.

Skip it when: When this is an established, intact team that already shares common operating norms.

Group arrangement: Individual reading, pairs for conversation, whole group for collection

Timing: Matches source time band of 5 to 15 minutes; standard 15-minute UWT run plan.

Materials and tools

• Pre-printed quote cards from previous participants (at least 2 per person)
• Blank index cards (2 per person)
• Pens or markers (1 per person)
• Collection box or basket

Before participants arrive

1. Print or handwrite quotes from earlier cohorts onto index cards using the provided starter pack.
2. Scatter the quote cards across participant tables or workspace desks before the session starts.
3. Place blank index cards and pens in reach of all seats.

Say this to open

Take a look at the cards scattered on your tables. These are direct quotes and unvarnished tips from people who went through this program before you. Pick up two or three cards, read them, and talk with a neighbor about which advice seems most practical today.

How to run it

1. Read peer quotes 4 minutes

   Participants browse and read quote cards placed around their table. Each person selects at least one card that resonates or prompts curiosity. A neutral example card might say: 'Write down what you learn about people, not just the slides, so you can stay in touch later.'

2. Pair conversation 4 minutes

   Ask participants to turn to a neighbor. Each person shares the quote they picked and mentions one practical expectation or question it sets up for their time here. Anyone who chooses not to disclose their chosen card may simply listen to their partner or discuss the general tone of the advice.

3. Draft future advice 4 minutes

   Invite everyone to take a blank card and write one line of candid advice, a personal intention, or a tip for someone attending this program in the next cohort. Anyone may pass by writing 'Pass' or leaving the card blank.

4. Collect and wrap up 3 minutes

   Invite participants to drop their new advice cards into the collection basket. Read 2 or 3 newly written cards aloud to the whole room, selecting cards with clear, concrete tips.

Debrief questions

• Which piece of advice from the earlier cohort felt most realistic?
• What common theme emerged from the new advice cards we just wrote?
• What is one concrete habit or practice you want to protect during our time together?

Finished output: A refreshed collection of peer advice cards added to the cohort resource box.

Remote

Display quote cards on a shared digital whiteboard. Give participants 3 minutes to browse the canvas. Pair participants in breakout rooms for 4 minutes to discuss. On return, give 4 minutes for everyone to add a sticky note with their own advice to a designated frame. Read 2 contributions aloud during the remaining 4 minutes.

Hybrid

In-person participants use physical index cards while remote participants use a digital whiteboard populated with identical text. For the paired conversation, remote attendees pair with each other in digital breakout rooms while in-person attendees pair with room neighbors; if only one remote participant is present, pair them with an in-person buddy using a laptop station. A room facilitator mirrors new digital cards to the physical basket and reads selections from both pools.

Access and participation choices

• Offer large-print quote cards and a digital text version for screen readers.
• Participants may freely pass on speaking, sharing their chosen quote, or drafting a new card without giving a reason.

If the session gets stuck

Participants write generic corporate slogans instead of candid, practical advice.

Remind the room of the concrete tone on the starter cards: ask for specific behaviors, like how to manage note-taking, rest, or breaks.

This is the very first cohort and no previous quotes exist.

Use the sample starter cards provided in the participant materials, which reflect early cohort feedback from the source.

Terms used here

• Peer Advice: Candid tips and warnings written by past participants rather than official facilitator guidance.