Rapid Bios

a creative way for everyone in a room to introduce themselves

This is the first of new activities I’ve developed that aren’t in our book ENGAGE. Supporters will have ongoing access to new activities as we develop them. Rapid Bios is an amazing way to open a class at the start of the year or kick off a conference or retreat.

There are many rookie mistakes new facilitators make. I’ll share a full list someday, but one of the biggest is asking everyone in the room to introduce themselves—with no structure. One person begins by sharing their name, where they work, what they do, and then launches into their life story. We’ve all been there—thirty minutes later, introductions are still going strong.

More experienced facilitators know to offer parameters: “We’ll move quickly around the room—share your name, where you’re from, and what you do in ten seconds or less.” That’s better, but after using this approach for years, I was looking for something more original and meaningful.