Speed Networking is best used in meetings or workshops where most people don’t know each other. Using a structured setting and pre-assigned questions, this activity eliminates the awkwardness of starting a conversation cold. In this way, participants are able to focus on actually getting to know the person in front of them, without feeling nervous. Using a structured format, participants are given approximately one minute to introduce themselves to others.
WHEN TO USE IT AND WHY
Also known as Speed Dating, this tool is useful at the beginning of a meeting or workshop, when most still people don’t know each other. They all sit in front of someone else, and the questions that follow a structured format (prepared in advance) help them to present themselves and to get to know the other person without feeling nervous. Participants are given approximately one minute to introduce themselves. They share information with one person, then rotate and talk to someone else.
HOW TO?
- Briefly explain the Speed Dating concept to participants.
- Ask each person to come up with a one minute ‘elevator pitch: an informal verbal introduction to themselves and their work. Stipulate that each person’s elevator pitch should include a funny/ memorable snippet of information about themselves, and that it should take no more than one minute to deliver
- In the room’s empty space, have the participants form two concentric circles of equal number: an inner circle facing outwards, and an outer circle facing inwards. Each participant should now have a partner in front of them. Publicize the webinar to attract your target audience. For large webinars (100 or more people expected), this should be done a month in advance. For smaller webinars, a week or two is sufficient.
- Let the introductions begin: Each participant in the outer circle delivers their personal pitch to their partner in the inner circle. Then after one minute the inner circle partner does likewise.
- Keep time. After 2 minutes, ring the bell (or other clearly audible signal; you will have to be heard over the sound of all participants talking). Instruct participants in the outer circle to move to the right and stop in front of the next person in the inner circle.
- The introductions begin again. The process is repeated until everyone in the outer circle has spoken to everyone in the inner circle.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
- Facilitator
- Room with large empty space (no chairs or tables)
- Alarm clock/ bell / other audible signal
- A4 paper and pens for participants
- 20 - 30 participants
- 30 - 40 minutes
MORE INFORMATION / SOURCE
- UNICEF, 2019. Knowledge Exchange Toolbox. A collection of tools "for anyone who needs to make effective decisions, facilitate or guide effective decision-making processes, or manage or coordinate group work in development that requires the knowledge of multiple persons to succeed." Speed Networking is included in the icebreakers section.