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Impromptu networking

Impromptu Networking is a fast and energizing way to spark meaningful connections and focus attention on shared challenges. It’s especially powerful at the start of a session to set a tone of engagement and collaboration.

What It Makes Possible:

  • Rapid Connection: Builds loose but meaningful connections in just 20 minutes.
  • Shared Focus: Helps participants zero in on problems they care about solving.
  • Inclusive Contribution: Everyone has a voice in shaping the work and surfacing insights.
  • Pattern Recognition: Encourages noticing common themes and local solutions through conversation.
  • Momentum: Sets a productive rhythm for the rest of the session.

How It Works:

  • Participants engage in a series of short, rotating conversations.
  • They respond to engaging questions that invite reflection and curiosity.
  • The format is simple, but the outcomes are often rich with insight and energy.
  • Time needed

    20 minutes

  • Preparation

    1. Miro Board (online) or paper (F2F)
    2. Split into pairs - prepare the rooms online in Teams
  • How to start

    1. Ask, “What big challenge do you bring to this gathering? What do you hope to get from and give this group or community?”
  • Step-by-step and timing

    1. In each round, 2 minutes per person to answer the questions. 4-5 min. per round
    2. Three rounds
  • Hints

    1. Use one challenge question and one give-and-take question
    2. Ask questions that are open-ended but not too broad
    3. Play with different questions: What problem are you trying to solve? What challenge lingers from our last meeting? What hunch are you trying to confirm?
  • Examples of use

    1. Everyone contributes to shaping the work, noticing patterns together, and discovering local solutions
    2. Help shy people warm up
    3. Affirm individual contributions to solutions
  • Link with other Liberating Structures

    Link with:

    15% Solutions

    Social networking

  • Link to Liberating Structures page

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