Lifebushido+-+Triangle+-+Communication+Starters

Version 02/27/2016 Back to Triangle Home Communication Starterstoc

The purpose of this wiki page is to promote communication and getting to know other Ishidos better.

Purpose and Results of Communication Starter Meetings

 * Purpose**
 * To learn more about each other
 * Promote discussion of topics that may not come up in daily conversation
 * Bring focus to the present moment
 * Results**
 * Ishidos feel connected to other Ishidos
 * A better understanding of other Ishidos
 * Development of common ground or mutual agreement among Ishidos

Communication Starter Template
Below are the steps to conducting a Communication Starter Meeting.
 * **Select the level of your meeting**
 * Level 1- new group, group that has known each other less than one year, or several new additions to group
 * Level 2- group that has known each other greater than 1 year.
 * Level 3- group that has known each other greater than 3 years.
 * **Start with an Icebreaker Question listed in the appropriate level.**
 * Icebreaker Questions are used to set the tone to promote discussion and relieve any tension among meeting attendees
 * Icebreaker Questions work best when the leader shares first and encourages others to share
 * Leaders who respond with deep genuine response to icebreaker have more productive meetings
 * Select Icebreaker Question based on the type and purpose of communication starter meeting
 * One Icebreaker Question
 * Works best with newer groups and helps to reveal the diversity within a group
 * Ask Icebreaker and provide group with 1-2 minutes to formulate response before allowing people to share.
 * Multiple Icebreaker Questions
 * Works best with established groups and promotes quick responses
 * Ask each Icebreaker and allow responses at random or ask each member a different question
 * **Communication Starter should last 10-15 minutes or 1-2 minutes per person participating in meeting**
 * **Thank each person for sharing.**

Level 1 Communication Starter
The level one communication starter is best with meetings with all new members or when new members are added to an existing group. A level one communication starter may be selected to add some excitement or take and existing group to a new level of communication.
 * **Level 1 Icebreaker Questions**
 * As a child, my favorite game was......
 * My favorite movie of all time is.....
 * Today, I have the most fun when.....
 * I would be the happiest person in the world if I had......
 * My favorite food is......
 * If I was an animal, I would be a.....
 * If you had all the money in the world, I would.....
 * School for me was.....
 * If you had to give up a modern convenience such as TV, car, telephone, electricity, or modern plumbing I would select
 * If you had to select between losing my hearing or sight, I would choose.....
 * If you could live in any time period in history, I would select.....
 * List 3 things that bring you energy.
 * List 3 things that drain your energy.
 * If you had one wish that would come true, what would it be.....
 * Talk about a mistake you recently made.
 * What makes me laugh is.....
 * A gift that I would like to receive is
 * A gift that I can give to others is......
 * If you were given to extra hours in a day, how would you spend the extra time?
 * If you were forced to give up two hours a day, what would you cut?
 * If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
 * What is the last book that you read cover to cover?
 * Share something mischievous that you did as a child.
 * What would you like to be doing five years from now?
 * If you were a lawyer would you be a prosecutor or a defender?

Level 2 Communication Starter
The level 2 communication starter is designed for groups that have been working together for 1 year or longer. For a level two communication starter to be successful each member must feel comfortable to answer questions honestly.
 * **Level 2 Icebreaker Questions**
 * If I could throw caution to the wind and really take a risk, I would......
 * I cry when.......
 * If you could choose a second set of parents in addition to your own, who would you choose and why?
 * How many of your friendships have lasted more than 10 years?
 * Describe your perfect day.
 * If you were granted your dream talent what would it be and how would that change your life?
 * Describe your relationship with your mother and or father now and when you were growing up.
 * Who has been the most powerful influence in your life?
 * How do you react to difficult situations in your life?
 * What does it take for you to trust someone?
 * If someone were to write a biography about you, what would the title be?
 * Name one thing that could improve an important relationship in your life.
 * What could you stop doing now that would improve your life?
 * Summarize your childhood in 3 word.
 * Is it easy for you to accept help when you need it?
 * When you were a child, how did you imagine your adult life?
 * What has been the greatest joy in your life?
 * What photograph means the most to you and describe.
 * Share a childhood experience with death.
 * Talk about a time that you lost your temper.
 * What has been your greatest success and your greatest failure?

Level 3 Communication Starter
Level 3 communication starters are appropriate for strong, healthy groups that have been together for 3 years or more. These types of questions tend to lead to introspective thinking and may generate deep emotions.
 * **Level 3 Icebreaker Questions**
 * The most important decision in my life was....
 * What I need to make my life complete is because.....
 * If I only had 24 hours to live, I would spend them....
 * Share something that you have never told anyone before.
 * What had been the greatest disappointment in your life?
 * Describe your spiritual life in 3 words.
 * Share an experience when you felt ashamed.
 * What is your greatest fear in life?
 * Describe the best and worst day in your life.
 * When was the last time you cried when you were by yourself?
 * If you died tomorrow, what 3 things would you have not accomplished that you wish you had?
 * When was the last time someone hurt you emotionally? Describe the situation.
 * When do you feel the most lonely?
 * Of all people close to you, whose death would you find the most disturbing? Why?
 * What do you like best about your life?
 * What do you like the least about your life?
 * What are your beliefs about a "higher power"?
 * What was the most difficult period in your life?
 * What would you like your legacy to be?
 * What is your most treasured memory?
 * Who is the most significant person in your life?
 * What is your biggest regret?
 * Describe your mom or dad in once sentence.