Getting to Know You Thumball® (6-inch) is one of Trainers Warehouse’s best-selling icebreaker tools—because it turns dreaded introductions into meaningful, comfortable conversations. Instead of going around the room with stiff intros, participants toss the soft, stuffed ball and answer the prompt under their thumb. With 32 creative questions built in, it makes building rapport feel like play.
WHY IT WORKS
- Connections before content: Brain science shows learners retain more when they feel connected to other learners and to the content being covered. This Thumball sparks safe, real conversations that build trust and engagement, and prepares the mind to dive into the content.
- Breaks the ice without the cringe: Even “icebreaker haters” enjoy the playful toss-and-catch format, which feels natural and low-pressure. BTW, we suggest you call them "openers."
- Universally appealing: Works across cultures, age groups, and industries—perfect for classrooms, onboarding, and professional training.
- Proven popularity: Among the most-purchased Thumballs worldwide, trusted by trainers for decades.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU THUMBALL PROMPTS
The prompts on the Getting to Know You Thumball are intended to be thoughtful, yet easy-to-answer. They'll help spark conversation and allow players to learn more about one another. Prompts focus around topics such as:
- Experiences: memorable moments in your life
- People: Family and friends who have impact your life
- Most favorite and least favorite: Gifts, ages, sounds, chores
- Activities: pastimes, hobbies, bucket list items, travel
- Hopes, Fears and Wishes: the details that make you unique
Sample prompts include:
- "The most difficult thing you’ve ever done?"
- "The age you’d most want to relive"
- "The age at which you became an adult"
HOW TO USE
- Toss the Thumball to someone in the group.
- They answer the question under their thumb.
- Keep tossing until everyone has had a chance to connect.
- Facilitator tip: Debrief by asking, “What surprised you?” or “What did you learn about your colleagues?”
DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER THUMBALLS
The Getting to Know You Thumball® zeroes in on simple, universally approachable prompts. It’s the best choice when you want to quickly break the ice with any group—even skeptics who normally dislike icebreakers.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 6-inch stuffed vinyl Thumball®
- 32 pre-printed prompts
- Safe, soft, and durable for repeated use
FAQS
Q: How is this different from other Thumballs?
A: The Getting to Know You Thumball® is designed for quick, universally appealing introductions. Others (like Stress Management, Diversity, and Get Happy at Work) dive deeper into specific themes.
Q: What makes this better than a typical icebreaker?
A: People love playing with toys (which we call "tools"). Instead of putting people on the spot with scripted intros, the playful toss lowers defenses and makes conversation feel natural.
Q: How many people can play?
A: Great for groups of 6–25. For larger groups, use multiple Thumballs or break into several groups.
Q: Who uses this best?
A: Trainers, facilitators, teachers, HR professionals, and anyone who wants to build trust and rapport before diving into content-heavy sessions.
SEE IT IN ACTION
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
** TIPS * Facilitation Suggestions **
Use the Getting to Know You Thumball to interact in a group setting and stimulate lively discussions among players. Take turns circulating the Thumball by passing, rolling, tossing and catching. Ask recipients to respond to the prompt under their right thumb.
If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:
- Specify that answers should relate specifically to personal or workplace experiences.
- Ask first recipient to select an answer panel to which all players must respond or contribute.
- Survey players on several question panels, then create charts or graphs that reflect the cumulative responses.
- After they hear the answer, have other players guess what the prompt was.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
