10 Inspiring and Playful Ways to Start Your Meetings
A great meeting starts with a great atmosphere. By kicking off your session with a spark of creativity or a bit of humor, you instantly boost energy, focus, and team connection. Whether you're working with a small team or a large group, these 10 ideas will help you start strong.
Tip 1: Begin with a Playful Check-In
A light-hearted opener pulls people into the moment and sets a relaxed tone.
Examples:
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Ask everyone to describe their mood with an emoji.
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Play “Two Truths and a Lie” where participants share two facts and one made-up statement about themselves.
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Let people pick a color or animal that reflects how they feel and explain why.
Tip 2: Share an Inspiring Quote or Story
A powerful quote or short story can immediately shift the mindset of the group.
Examples:
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“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently.” Discuss what this means to your team.
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Tell a brief anecdote about a challenge or personal win that relates to the meeting topic.
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Ask a team member to share something meaningful from their own experience (ask them in advance to prepare).
Tip 3: Ask a Surprising, Fun Question
Unexpected questions spark creativity and help people connect.
Examples:
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If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
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Which food would best describe your personality?
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What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it?
Tip 4: Use a Creative Icebreaker
Quick, playful group challenges can boost engagement and laughter.
Examples:
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Challenge the group to list as many blue objects as they can in one minute.
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In pairs, use 5 paperclips to build the tallest tower possible in two minutes.
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Ask everyone to grab an object nearby that says something about who they are – and briefly explain why. Perfect for online meetings and always fun.
Tip 5: Use Polls or Statements to Involve Everyone
Asking for opinions right away pulls people into the conversation.
Examples:
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Use tools like Mentimeter or Kahoot to ask a fun or serious poll question.
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Start with a bold statement like: “Hybrid meetings are more effective than in-person ones.” Let people agree/disagree and share why.
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Do a quick “how are you feeling” check-in with a show of hands or rating from 1–5.
Tip 6: Make It Personal with a “Round of the Room”
Letting people share something about themselves builds trust and openness.
Examples:
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Name one thing you're proud of this week.
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What’s something you're looking forward to this month?
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What’s one small win (personal or professional) from the past week?
Make it optional if needed, but often people will jump in gladly.
Tip 7: Set the Tone with Music
Music instantly creates an atmosphere — and helps people relax.
Examples:
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Play a light, upbeat playlist while people join the meeting.
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Ask attendees to submit a favorite song in advance and create a shared “team playlist.”
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Play a short intro-guessing game: “Who can name this song?”
Tip 8: Start with a Mini Quiz or Fun Fact
A short quiz is a fun way to energize the group.
Examples:
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Create a quiz with fun facts about the team or your company.
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Ask “Did you know?” trivia questions related to your field or a current event.
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Do a theme-based quiz — think spring, music, tech, movies, etc.
Tip 9: Use Visuals or Props to Engage
Visual thinking sparks curiosity and makes it easier to focus.
Examples:
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Ask participants to draw something that represents their current mood.
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Use a mood board or photo collage and have people point out what speaks to them.
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In virtual meetings, encourage people to change their background or show a visual object that reflects their day.
Tip 10: Begin with a Mindful Moment
Yes, even in a business setting — a moment of calm can sharpen focus.
Examples:
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Do a one-minute breathing exercise together: in through the nose, out through the mouth.
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Have everyone close their eyes for 10 seconds and do a quick body scan.
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Play a short mindfulness clip (YouTube has plenty of 1–3 minute options).
In Summary
No matter which method you choose, a thoughtful opening helps your meeting start on the right foot — with focus, energy, and team spirit. Mix things up and choose an approach that fits the mood, the group, and the purpose of your session. You’ll see the difference.
