Imagine walking into a meeting or event and being handed a pair of magical glasses. These glasses would highlight the exact right people for you to talk to and display the perfect conversation starter above their heads. That would be the ultimate way to kick off a gathering, right?
Well, those glasses don’t exist… yet. But after years of facilitating events, I’ve dedicated my work to creating the next best thing: intentional gatherings that spark meaningful connections.
In this blog, I’ll share five powerful methods and strategies to start your meetings and events in a way that ensures people walk away saying:
“That was totally worth my time!”
1. Get People Talking in the First 5% of the Gathering
Inspired by Priya Parker’s book The Art of Gathering, one simple principle stands out:
If you invite someone to use their voice in the first 5% of a meeting, they’re much more likely to contribute during the rest of it.
How to Apply This:
Rather than launching straight into content, get people talking right away with a simple “To-Be” question.
Ask: “By the end of this meeting, what state would you like to be in?”
- Give people 10 seconds to think.
- Have them share with two people nearby.
If someone says, “I’d like to be in a curious, learning mindset,” or “I’d like to be fully engaged,” they are setting an intention for how they’ll show up. This small shift boosts participation and ensures a more meaningful meeting.
2. Rethink Name Tags for Instant Connection
Most events start with name tags. You scribble your name with a Sharpie and stick it on your chest. But here’s the problem—knowing someone’s first name isn’t always the best way to start a conversation.
The Fix: Connection-Focused Name Tags
Instead of just a name, use a prompt + a one-word answer. For example:
My superpower: Deep listening
Passionate about: Jeeps
Learning about: AI
When people see your name tag, they have an instant conversation starter that leads to something deeper than small talk.
If you don’t want to make them yourself, check out our We! Connect Sticker Nametags—they’re designed specifically to spark meaningful conversations from the get-go.
3. Start with a Powerful Question
Look at any meeting agenda. The bigger the event, the less likely it is to start with a question—which is a huge missed opportunity.
Imagine this:
Instead of 10 minutes of housekeeping, the organizer kicks things off with a simple yet powerful question:
“What’s one possibility you’re excited about related to today’s topic?”
This immediately connects people to the purpose of the gathering and to each other, creating engagement before diving into content.
Pro tip: If you’re running a virtual event, use the chat feature or breakout rooms to ensure everyone has a chance to share.
4. Set Clear Intentions (and Add a ‘So That’)
When setting the tone for a meeting, a clear intention is key. But here’s the trick: it’s not just about the intention itself—it’s about why it matters.
Most signs, instructions, and meeting intros fail to communicate relevance. Take this real-life example:
Sign: No wading in the creek. → No one cares.
✅ Better Sign: No wading in the creek—this is a chemical dump site. → Much more compelling.
Now, apply this to your meeting. Instead of just stating an agenda, frame your intention with a “so that” statement:
“We’re going to focus on collaboration today, so that we walk away with new ideas that improve our team’s workflow.”
This simple shift helps people see why they should engage.
5. The Best Icebreaker for Any Meeting
I saved the best for last. If you want to start your meetings with the best team-building and icebreaker technique out there, it’s all about Connection Before Content.
I created a free video training that will teach you one life-changing skill that will transform the way you lead meetings.
Watch the full training here and learn:
- How to instantly create engaging group dynamics.
- A simple question framework that works in any setting.
- How to make meetings interactive and memorable.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Every Gathering
Starting a meeting or event with intention and connection is the key to creating a memorable experience. Here’s a quick recap of the 5 best ways to do it:
1️⃣ Get people talking in the first 5%.
2️⃣ Use connection-based name tags.
3️⃣ Start with a powerful question.
4️⃣ Set a clear intention with a ‘so that’ statement.
5️⃣ Use the best icebreaker (learn it in my free training!).
Try just one or two of these at your next meeting, and you’ll see an immediate difference in engagement and energy.
Want more tools for connection?
Download FREE printable conversation starters, book excerpts, and more right here.