Would You Rather

Present dilemmas where participants choose between two options and explain their reasoning.

Scenario: virtual
Group Size: medium
Duration: quick
discussion
fun
decision-making

Video Example

Introduction

Would You Rather is an engaging conversation game where participants are presented with dilemmas requiring them to choose between two alternatives. Each person selects one option and explains their reasoning, sparking discussions that reveal personal values, priorities, and thought processes. This game creates a safe space for self-expression while building understanding among team members.

Why This Works as an Icebreaker

  • Sparks natural conversation and debate
  • Reveals personal values and decision-making styles
  • No preparation required for participants
  • Highly adaptable to different group dynamics
  • Creates memorable and often humorous moments

When to Use This Game

Ideal Contexts

  • Team meetings and warm-ups
  • Virtual/remote gatherings
  • Training sessions
  • Social events
  • Long meetings that need energy breaks

Group Size

Min: 3 | Ideal: 8–15 | Max: 100

Requirements

Time Required

  • Per person: 0:30–1:00
  • Total: 10–30 min
  • Prep time: 5–10 min

Setup

Prepare a list of 'Would you rather' questions in advance, or use online prompts/generators.

How to Play

1.

Prepare Questions

5–10 min (before session)

Prepare a list of 'Would you rather' questions in advance (or use prompts).

  • TipMix lighthearted and thought-provoking questions
  • TipChoose questions appropriate for your group context
  • TipHave 5–10 questions ready for a 15-minute session
2.

Present Dilemma

30 sec per question

Take turns asking the group a dilemma.

  • TipRead the question clearly and with energy
  • TipRepeat options if needed for clarity
  • TipAllow a moment for participants to think
3.

Make Choices

1–2 min per question

Each person chooses one option and explains why.

  • TipEncourage brief but thoughtful explanations
  • TipUse polls or hand raises to quickly gauge choices
  • TipCall on different participants to keep engagement high
4.

Discuss and Explore

1–3 min per question

Encourage discussion and follow-up questions.

  • TipAsk 'Why did you choose that?'
  • TipHighlight interesting or contrasting perspectives
  • TipKeep discussions respectful and inclusive

Outcomes & Benefits

Key Benefits

  • Participants learn about each other's values and priorities
  • Encourages critical thinking and articulation of reasoning
  • Creates a relaxed, fun atmosphere
  • Builds empathy through understanding different perspectives
  • Generates conversation starters for future interactions

Facilitator Insights

  • Note participants who provide creative or unexpected reasoning
  • Observe group dynamics: who influences others, who listens well
  • Use revealed preferences to better understand team motivations
  • Track which questions generate the most engagement

Strategies & Tips

Themed Questions
Choose questions around a specific theme relevant to your group.
  • ✓ Work-related: 'Would you rather work from home forever or never work from home?'
  • ✓ Travel: 'Would you rather visit the mountains or the beach?'
Difficulty Spectrum
Start with easy, fun questions and gradually move to more thought-provoking ones.
  • ✓ Easy: 'Would you rather have pizza or tacos?'
  • ✓ Harder: 'Would you rather be able to speak all languages or play all instruments?'
Debate Mode
After choices are made, have representatives from each side debate their position.
  • ✓ Great for: Larger groups or when time allows
  • ✓ Benefits: Deepens engagement and builds argumentation skills

General Tips

  • Add a time limit for responses to keep it fast-paced
  • Use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions in virtual settings
  • Theme the questions around work, hobbies, or silly scenarios
  • Avoid questions that might be too personal or controversial

Facilitation Tips

Moderation

  • Set ground rules: all choices are valid, no judgment
  • Keep pace brisk to maintain energy (30–60 sec per person)
  • Encourage follow-up questions to deepen discussion
  • Share your own choice first to model vulnerability

Inclusion & Safety

  • Choose dilemmas that are lighthearted and inclusive
  • Avoid questions that might exclude or isolate participants
  • Allow participants to pass if they're uncomfortable
  • Validate all perspectives without favoring one side

Virtual/Remote Adaptation

  • Use polls or emoji reactions for quick voting
  • Enable video to see reactions and build connection
  • Use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions
  • Share questions in chat for accessibility

Debrief & Reflection

Discussion Questions

  • Which question was the hardest to answer and why?
  • Did anyone's reasoning surprise you?
  • What did you learn about your teammates through their choices?
  • How did this activity help you see different perspectives?

Wrap-Up Tips

  • Acknowledge the most debated or split question
  • Thank participants for their openness and creativity
  • Highlight any surprising consensus or diversity in choices
  • Reference interesting choices in future discussions to build rapport

Related Games

Two Truths and a Lie
A classic icebreaker where each person shares three statements—two true and one false—while others guess the lie.
classic
no-props
get-to-know