Face to Face

Name and Purpose

Face to Face is a fast-moving mixer that helps players meet many people in a short time.
Players practise conversation, listening, and finding common ground with people they do not know yet.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Open space indoors or outdoors; pairs need room to face each other comfortably

Materials

Optional: a printed or posted list of 5-10 discussion topics for the facilitator
No other materials required

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Spread out in an open space so pairs have room to talk without being crowded
Signal: one clap = wrap up your thought; two claps = switch partners and gather
If there is an odd number, a staff member joins as a partner or one trio rotates

How to Play

Everyone spreads out and pairs with someone they do not know well.
Pairs have 30 seconds to introduce themselves.
The facilitator calls out a topic. Pairs discuss it for about 30-60 seconds.
The facilitator calls “Switch!” Everyone moves to find a brand-new partner.
The facilitator calls a new topic and the discussion begins again.
Aim for 5-8 rounds. End with a brief whole-group share: “What was the most interesting thing you heard?”

Sample Topics

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Move quickly between partners; lead the conversation; contribute big ideas
S (Support): Ask follow-up questions and make sure both people get a chance to talk
Q (Quiet): Share one short answer and listen more; take a breath between switches
O (Observer): Watch one round from the side, then step in with a willing partner when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

For players who find unstructured conversation difficult, provide the topic list in advance so they can think of answers ahead of time
Pairs can stand, sit, or walk slowly together — any comfortable arrangement works

Stewardship Moment

No materials are consumed in this activity, making it one of the most resource-friendly options in the toolkit.
Reflection: “This whole activity cost nothing and used no materials. What does that tell us about what really matters when building connections?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We are going to have quick conversations with different partners. You choose what to share about each topic. For those not comfortable pairing with a stranger right away, starting with someone you already know a little is another option and you can branch out from there.”
Mid-game check: After 3-4 switches, pause. “Everyone doing okay? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the side for a round. They re-enter by tapping a staff member who will connect them with a new partner at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Odd numbers leaving someone without a partner: staff member joins, or a trio takes turns speaking
A discussion topic that feels too personal for a new group: stick to light, fun topics for the first few sessions; deepen topics as the group builds trust
Noise level becoming too high for pairs to hear each other: remind the group to use a conversational voice level; move to a quieter space if needed

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Walk and Wave”: everyone walks around the space, waving to each person they pass
“Name and Action”: each player says their name and does a small action; the partner mirrors it

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the most interesting thing someone told you during the activity?”
So What? “What does it feel like to talk with someone you have never met before? Does it get easier with practice?”
Now What? “Is there one person you met today that you want to have a longer conversation with this week?”

Cleanup and Reset