Ideal Size
This is a great mixer for large groups, especially if you don't require that everyone talks to everyone.
Use For
Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, especially when you have space enough to move around.
Time Needed
30 minutes or more, depending on the size of the group.
Materials Needed
A clock or watch and a whistle or some other noise maker. You can also provide canned questions if you want, but it’s not necessary. Adults don’t have any trouble making conversation on their own.
Instructions
Ask people to get up, pair up, and chat for 2 minutes with each other about whatever interests them. You’ll be the timer. When 2 minutes are up, you’ll blow your whistle or make some other sound loud enough for everyone to hear. When they hear your signal, everyone is to find a new partner and chat for the next 2 minutes.
If you have flexibility, allow enough time for everyone to have 2 minutes with every other person.
If using this at the beginning of a course or meeting, combine it with introductions. After the mixer, ask each person to give his or her name, and share something interesting they learned from someone else during the mixer.
Debriefing
This mixer doesn’t require debriefing unless you hear surprising anecdotes that relate to your topic.
