This Or That Icebreaker Game

When people first meet in a group setting whether it’s a corporate team, classroom, or community gathering breaking the ice can feel awkward. That’s where the This or That icebreaker game shines. It’s a simple, fast-paced activity that helps people learn about each other while having fun. Without needing props or complex rules, this game encourages participation, sparks conversations, and creates an engaging environment. It’s especially useful in settings where building rapport and connection is important from the start.

What Is the This or That Icebreaker Game?

Basic Concept

The This or That icebreaker game presents players with two options, and they must quickly choose one. For example, someone might ask, Coffee or tea? and each participant must select one of the two without overthinking. There are no right or wrong answers only personal preferences. This structure encourages spontaneity and authenticity, often revealing surprising details about individuals in the group.

Why It Works So Well

Unlike more involved icebreakers, This or That is fast, inclusive, and can be adapted for any group size. It works well because:

• It’s non-competitive and stress-free.
• Everyone can participate without preparation.
• It allows people to express personality through simple choices.
• It helps identify shared interests or amusing differences quickly.

How to Play This or That

Simple Rules

There are several ways to play This or That, but the basic rules are consistent:

• A leader or facilitator asks a series of this or that questions.
• Participants respond by picking one of the two options immediately.
• You can answer out loud, raise a hand, or move to a designated side of the room to show your choice.

The game can last for just a few questions or continue until everyone has had a turn to pose a question. It can also be played in pairs or small groups to increase interaction.

Choosing the Right Questions

The success of the game depends largely on the questions you choose. Great questions are short, clear, and easy to visualize. They should also match the tone of the group. For example, silly questions work well in informal settings, while more thoughtful prompts might suit workshops or team retreats.

Best This or That Questions by Theme

Fun and Lighthearted

• Pizza or burgers?
• Dog or cat?
• Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
• Netflix or YouTube?
• Morning person or night owl?

Workplace-Friendly

• In-office or remote work?
• Email or Slack?
• Team meetings or solo work?
• Paper planner or digital calendar?
• Lunch break or coffee break?

Classroom and Education

• Math or science?
• Reading a book or watching a movie?
• Group project or individual assignment?
• Lunch in the cafeteria or outside?
• History or geography?

Seasonal and Holiday

• Halloween or Christmas?
• Summer or winter?
• Hot cocoa or iced lemonade?
• Fireworks or parades?
• Costumes or cozy sweaters?

Benefits of Using This or That as an Icebreaker

Encourages Quick Thinking

This or That forces participants to make fast decisions, which reveals instinctive preferences. This encourages honesty and prevents people from overanalyzing their answers. It also helps quieter participants warm up in a low-pressure way.

Boosts Group Energy

Because the game is fast-paced and often humorous, it boosts energy levels in the room. Laughter is common, especially when unexpected or quirky answers come up. This shared amusement helps loosen tension and bring people together.

Builds Connections

Participants often discover shared interests, such as a mutual love of tacos or a dislike for mornings. These simple discoveries can spark further conversation during breaks, making the group more cohesive and communicative.

Inclusive for All Ages

Whether you’re working with children, teens, adults, or seniors, This or That is easy to adapt. It doesn’t rely on physical ability, deep knowledge, or personal exposure, making it perfect for diverse groups and inclusive gatherings.

Tips for Facilitators

Know Your Audience

Before you begin, consider the age, background, and relationship level of your group. Avoid sensitive or potentially divisive questions. Keep the tone light and welcoming.

Start with Safe Choices

Begin the game with universal or silly questions that don’t require vulnerability. This eases participants into the activity and builds trust gradually.

Encourage Movement

For larger or in-person groups, designate physical sides of the room for each option. For example, say, If you choose coffee, go to the left; if you choose tea, go to the right. This adds a fun physical component and energizes participants.

Rotate Who Asks Questions

To keep the game dynamic, let different people come up with their own this or that question each round. This gives everyone a voice and can introduce a variety of question styles.

Don’t Overdo It

While the game is entertaining, it’s best used in short bursts. Ten to fifteen questions are usually enough to break the ice and energize the room without making the activity feel repetitive.

Variations of the Game

Virtual Adaptations

In online settings like Zoom, players can answer using polls, emojis, or by typing responses in the chat. This allows remote teams or online classrooms to enjoy the game just as much as in-person groups.

Getting-to-Know-You Twist

After each round, ask a volunteer to explain their choice. For example, Why did you choose mountains over beaches? This opens the door to short stories and deeper connections, especially in groups that will continue working together.

Point System for Fun

If you want to gamify the experience slightly, award points for the majority choice or create team challenges. This version works well for youth groups, summer camps, or classroom competitions.

When to Use This or That Icebreaker

This or That is a versatile game that can be used at the beginning of any event, class, or meeting. It works well in the following scenarios:

• First day of school or a new semester
• Team-building workshops or retreats
• Training sessions or orientations
• Icebreaker sessions for clubs or volunteer groups
• Warm-up activity for public speaking classes

The This or That icebreaker game is a powerful yet simple tool for encouraging interaction, laughter, and connection. Its flexibility, speed, and ease of use make it an ideal choice for almost any group setting. Whether used in-person or online, it helps remove social barriers and sets a positive tone for collaboration and conversation. By carefully selecting questions and adapting the format to fit your audience, you can create memorable, engaging moments that bring people together and get them talking.