Connection Circles
Layered discussion groups with rotating prompts
Game Overview.
Participants form concentric circles. The inside circle faces out, the outside faces in. After each prompt, the outer circle rotates to meet a new partner.
Objectives
- ✓Help everyone meet multiple people in minutes
- ✓Mix quieter reflective prompts with fun ones
- ✓Create a physical sense of movement and momentum
What You'll Need
- •Open space or virtual breakout rooms with rotating partners
- •List of prompts increasing in depth
- •Timer or bell to control rotations
Preparation
- 1Arrange two circles of chairs facing each other
- 2Share guidelines for listening respectfully and keeping answers concise
- 3Decide how many rotations you want based on time
How to Play
STEP 1
Form the Circles
Split the group evenly between inner and outer circles.
STEP 2
Ask the First Prompt
Give each pair one minute per person to answer.
STEP 3
Rotate the Outer Circle
After time is up, the outer circle shifts one seat to the right.
STEP 4
Close the Circle
After several rotations, invite reflections or favorite stories from the experience.
Pro Tips
- Start with low-stakes prompts before deeper questions
- Play gentle music during rotations to maintain flow
- For hybrid groups, run simultaneous virtual breakout rotations
- Ensure accessibility by offering seating options or virtual adaptations
Variations
Expert Mentor Circle
Keep mentors stationary in the inner circle while mentees rotate.
Topic Tracks
Assign different themes to each rotation, like hobbies, goals, or lessons learned.
Silent Circle
Use written prompts and have participants jot answers before quietly swapping seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rotations can we fit?
Four rotations take roughly 12 minutes including instructions.
What if there are an odd number of participants?
Create a facilitator trio or have one person observe and jump in each round.
Can this be done virtually?
Yes. Use breakout rooms and manually rotate participants between rounds.
Tags
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