Whether you are running a virtual networking event or attending one, it can be helpful to come prepared with questions to help break the ice.
Some virtual networking platforms, like twine for Zoom, come with built-in icebreakers for you. But if you’re networking on Microsoft Teams, Webex, or any other kind of virtual conferencing platform, it can be difficult to get the conversation flowing.
Here are some of the best icebreaker questions to ask at virtual networking events, organized by theme.
General Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Networking
- What's a challenge, personal or professional, you're facing right now? How can I help?
- What's the toughest thing about working from home for you?
- What's one way you enjoy helping others?
- If you could spend 30 days learning anything, what would you go after?
- What's a hard lesson in life you're grateful you had the opportunity to learn?
- What are you curious about? Well-versed in?
- What skill do you think everyone should learn?
- What's a habit or practice you've gotten into that has changed your life?
Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Happy Hours
- If you could have an extra hour of free time everyday, how would you use it?
- What's something that has sparked joy for you this week?
- In the last 5 years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
- Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
- If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
- What is your all time favorite memory?
- If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
- What activities make you feel most alive? Creative? Joyful?
Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Employee Onboarding
PS: Read more here about the best ways to virtually onboard your remote team.
- Do you prefer to work synchronously or asynchronously?
- What is your preferred method of communication?
- How much advance notice do you want before meetings are scheduled with you?
- How often do you want to have 1:1’s?
- What makes working from home easier for you?
- What did you like about your previous company? What did you wish was different?
- What are you most excited about this year– both professionally and personally?
Icebreaker Questions for Recruiting Events
- Did you always want to work in your current field?
- What excites you most about this company?
- What are your top two values?
- How do you resolve conflict?
Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Speed Dating
- Do you have an inside joke with friends or family? How did it begin?
- When you’re sick, what are some things you eat/drink/watch/etc. to be comfortable?
- What historical figure would you most like to sit and have a conversation with over tea?
- What is something that’s difficult for you but easy for most other people?
- What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
- What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
- What is one childhood memory that you remember especially well?
- Have you ever desired or longed for something, but once you got it, discovered it was overrated?
Icebreaker Questions for Virtual Employee Training
- Was any part of the training confusing for you?
- What aspect of the training do you find most difficult to practice?
- Have you seen any good examples of these training practices amongst your coworkers?
Icebreaker Questions for Virtual DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) Discussions
- What's something you wish you understood more about your colleagues?
- Do you mask or downplay any aspect of your physical, cultural, spiritual or emotional self at work?
- Have you faced or witnessed prejudice or discrimination in your work setting?
- What changes would make it more possible for you to bring your full self to work?
- Do you think it's important for you to bring your full self to work?
Asking icebreaker questions at virtual networking events can feel a little forced. If it’s a little awkward at first, that’s okay! Thankfully, the questions above are helpful for facilitating meaningful conversation. By starting with these icebreakers, you’re opening the door to the kind of connection that matters.
PS: Virtual networking can be hard. twine for Zoom, an app built onto Zoom’s ecosystem, makes it easy to facilitate back-to-back conversations in Breakout Rooms. (Even better: it comes with icebreakers for you.)
Try it free.