Impromptu Networking

Impromptu Networking is a liberating opening structure derived from the Liberating Structures by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. The game pairs participants in successive pairs around an engaging question related to the meeting's topic. In three short rounds, each person clarifies their thoughts, listens to several others, and creates initial connections. It is suitable for groups of 6 to 200 people, both in-person and remotely.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Set the intention and framework

   2 min

   The facilitator opens by explaining that the activity serves to quickly engage with the topic while meeting several people. They say: "You will exchange in pairs, three times, with three different partners, preferably people you know little or not at all." They clarify that each round lasts 4 to 5 minutes, with about 2 minutes per person. Participants understand that the goal is not to convince, but to clarify what brings them here and to listen.

   Tip — Announce the rhythm from the start: this reassures reserved individuals and prevents pairs from settling into overly long conversations from the first round.

2. 2

   Pose the engaging question

   2 min

   The facilitator displays or states a question directly related to the meeting's theme. They might say: "What challenge brings you here today?" or "What do you wish to give and receive during this meeting?" They ask participants to respond in a personal, concrete, and brief manner. Each person takes a few seconds to reflect on their initial response before moving.

   Tip — Choose a single, simple, and open question. If it has two parts like 'give and receive', invite participants to address both without seeking a perfect answer.

3. 3

   Form the first pairs

   1 min

   The facilitator invites participants to stand up or turn to someone, depending on the setup. They say: "Find a partner you know little, briefly introduce yourselves, and then each answer the question." They quickly check that no one is left alone and adjust if the number is odd. Pairs sit facing each other to encourage direct and focused listening.

   Tip — In a large group, give a very simple movement instruction: 'Look for someone at least a few metres away from you' to limit exchanges with usual neighbours.

4. 4

   Facilitate round 1

   4 à 5 min

   The facilitator starts the first round and reminds: "You each have about 2 minutes; really listen, then switch roles." Participants share their initial response to the question, without debate or imposed advice. Halfway through, the facilitator may gently announce: "Change who is speaking." At the end of the round, they clearly conclude to maintain energy and prepare for the partner change.

   Tip — Use a sound signal or a consistent phrase at each rotation. A stable marker makes the exercise smooth, especially when the group is large or chatty.

5. 5

   Change partners and deepen in round 2

   4 à 5 min

   The facilitator asks everyone to find a new partner, ideally someone unknown. They say: "Take the same question, but let your answer evolve based on what you just heard." Participants reformulate, clarify, or nuance their challenge, expectation, or contribution. This second pass often transforms a general response into a more useful formulation for the rest of the workshop.

   Tip — Encourage explicitly not to mechanically repeat the first version. Say: 'Your answer can change: that’s even the purpose of these three rounds.'

6. 6

   Change again and consolidate in round 3

   4 à 5 min

   The facilitator initiates a third rotation with a new pair, still prioritising people who do not know each other. They remind: "Last round: seek the clearest and truest formulation for you now." Participants speak again for about 2 minutes each and listen without unnecessary interruptions. This round serves to consolidate connections and bring forth a more refined response.

   Tip — In the third round, ask participants to mentally note a key phrase heard or said. This facilitates a brief debrief without breaking the dynamic.

7. 7

   Close and bring forth learnings

   2 à 3 min

   The facilitator gathers the group's attention and thanks them for the quality of the exchanges. They say: "Take a few seconds to identify what has changed in your response between the first and third rounds." Depending on the time, they invite a few volunteers to share a phrase, an insight, or a connection made. The closure should remain brief to preserve the opening role of the structure.

   Tip — Do not turn the closure into an exhaustive report. Three or four shares are often enough to establish the topic and create a desire to continue.

Variants

• Challenge-oriented variant: use only the question 'What challenge brings you here?' to open a problem-solving or transformation workshop.
• Contribution variant: use the question 'What do you wish to give and receive?' to establish a logic of reciprocity in a seminar, community, or project group.
• Remote variant: use breakout rooms for pairs for three rounds of 4 to 5 minutes, then recompose the pairs at each round. Display the question in the chat so it remains visible.
• Large group variant: in-person with many participants, ask them to actually change areas in the room at each round to increase encounters with strangers.