Bum Steer
Bum Steer is a playful icebreaker that uses a roll of toilet paper to cleverly encourage participants to share personal information. It reduces initial anxiety by framing sharing as a surprise outcome of a simple task.
Use this method at the beginning of a workshop or meeting to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, especially when participants are unfamiliar with each other.
Solves: Overcoming initial reluctance to share personal information in a group setting.
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Step 1: (2 mins) Distribute a roll of toilet paper to each participant, instructing them to tear off as many sheets as they think they'll need.
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Step 2: (1 min) Announce that the number of sheets taken corresponds to the number of facts they will share about themselves.
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Step 3: (2-7 mins) Invite each person to share one fact for each sheet of toilet paper they hold, going around the circle or randomly.
- Encourage lighthearted and interesting facts rather than overly personal details.
- Be prepared to share a few facts about yourself as an example.
- Use different prompts for each sheet, such as 'favorite hobby,' 'dream vacation,' or 'something you're proud of.'