Speed Networking
Rapid 1:1 conversations with rotating partners - maximize connections in large groups quickly.
15-30 min
6-100 people
medium
None needed
About This Game
Speed Networking gives everyone a chance to have brief 1:1 conversations with multiple teammates. Pairs have 3-5 minutes to talk, then rotate to a new partner. This ensures even shy people connect and prevents cliques in large group settings.
Objectives
- Facilitate 1:1 connections in large groups
- Ensure everyone meets everyone
- Break down existing cliques
- Practice concise personal introductions
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"We're doing speed networking! You'll have 4 minutes to talk with a partner, then we'll rotate. I'll give you conversation prompts. In-person: form two lines facing each other. Virtual: I'll assign breakout rooms."
Actions:
- Arrange people: two lines (in-person) or breakout pairs (virtual)
- Explain timing: 4 min conversations
- Share conversation prompts on screen
- Set timer visible to all
Tips:
- • Even numbers work best - facilitator participates if odd
- • Have 3-5 conversation prompts ready
- • Virtual: use auto-breakout rooms
Facilitator Script:
"Round 1 prompt: Share your name, role, and one thing you're excited about this month. Go!"
Actions:
- Give clear prompt
- Start 4-minute timer
- Give 1-minute warning
- Call time
Tips:
- • Time management is key
- • For in-person: play music during conversations
- • Virtual: give 30-second warning before closing rooms
Facilitator Script:
"Time! Everyone in Line 1, move one person to your right. If you're at the end, wrap around. New pairs, here's Round 2 prompt: What's a skill you're developing right now?"
Actions:
- Rotate partners (one line moves, one stays)
- Give new prompt each round
- Repeat 4-6 times
- Keep energy high between rounds
Tips:
- • Sample prompts: best part of your week, fun fact, current project, career journey, hobbies
- • For virtual: manually reassign breakouts or use auto-assign
- • Track rotations so no one repeats
Facilitator Script:
"Great conversations! What surprised you? Did you discover unexpected connections?"
Actions:
- Bring everyone back together
- Ask for reflections
- Invite sharing interesting discoveries
Tips:
- • People often find unexpected commonalities
- • Thank everyone for engaging
Facilitator Tips
- Perfect for large teams, conferences, or cross-department events
- Prepare prompts in advance - mix professional and personal
- For virtual: use breakout room shuffle feature if available
- Can do 6-10 rounds depending on time
- Follow up: encourage people to reconnect with interesting matches
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
All prompts relate to a theme: career stories, creative hobbies, travel
Share a skill you have and one you want to learn
teams have used this game