Here is our guide to playing online This or That.
We put this guide together after helping hundreds of thousands remote team members bond through fun activities like this.
This or That is a virtual team building activity where participants receive two options and must choose one, sparking conversation and revealing shared preferences. Playing This or That with your team fosters camaraderie and strengthens bonds by encouraging open communication and discovering common interests in a fun and interactive way. By engaging in this activity, teams can enhance collaboration, build trust, and create a more cohesive work environment, ultimately leading to improved productivity and morale.
Ideal group size:
6 to 20 players
Activity duration:
20 to 30 minutes
Cost:
Free
What you’ll need:
- Video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
- This or That prompts (can be prepared in advance by the facilitator)
- Virtual whiteboard or chat feature for participants to share their choices and engage in discussion
How to play:
Step 1: Set up the virtual meeting
First, choose a reliable video conferencing platform and schedule a meeting with your team. You can ensure the whole team has the necessary login details and access to the meeting link.
Step 2: Introduce the game
Before the session, explain the rules of This or That to your team. You can let folks know they will hear two options and choose one based on their preference.
Step 3: Share the prompts
In addition, prepare a list of This or That prompts in advance or use an online generator. You can share the prompts with the team one by one, giving them a moment to consider their choice.
Step 4: Encourage participation
Each team member should share their choice with the group. Players can share their answers verbally or through the chat feature, depending on the size and preference of your team.
Step 5: Facilitate discussion
After each prompt, facilitate a brief discussion about why individuals made their choice. This step encourages team members to share their perspectives and insights, fostering deeper connections.
Step 6: Keep it light and fun
You can maintain a light and playful atmosphere throughout the game. Further, encourage humor and lighthearted banter to keep the energy high and the team engaged.
Step 7: Set time limits
If desired, set a time limit for each prompt to keep the game moving briskly. This process prevents discussions from dragging on and ensures that each player has a chance to participate.
Step 8: Rotate facilitation
For each prompt, consider rotating the role of facilitator among team members. This step empowers team members to take ownership of the game and encourages leadership development.
This or that prompts:
- Pizza or tacos?
- Cats or dogs?
- Comedy or drama movies?
- Reading or watching TV?
- Beach vacation or mountain getaway?
- Morning person or night person?
- Sweet or savory snacks?
- Summer or winter?
- Fiction or non-fiction books?
- Dancing or singing?
- Coffee shop or bookstore?
- Video games or board games?
- Sunrise or sunset?
- Pancakes or waffles?
- Indoor activities or outdoor activities?
- Netflix or YouTube?
- Fictional characters or historical figures?
- Pop music or classical music?
- Gardening or cooking?
- Early morning workout or evening workout?
- Movies at home or movies at the theater?
- Travel by plane or road trip?
- Comedy club or live music concert?
- City life or countryside living?
- Ice cream or cake?
- Camping or glamping?
- Biking or hiking?
- Roller coasters or water slides?
- Classic novels or contemporary fiction?
- DIY projects or home decor shopping?
- Picnic in the park or dinner at a fancy restaurant?
- Instagram or Snapchat?
- Sunrise yoga or sunset meditation?
- Museums or amusement parks?
- Board game night or movie marathon?
- Star Wars or Star Trek?
- Skiing or snowboarding?
- Beach volleyball or beach lounging?
- Cooking at home or dining out?
- Sunrise run or evening stroll?
Tips:
- Keep it light: This or That is meant to be fun, so encourage playful responses and avoid getting too serious.
- Rotate the facilitator: Let different team members take turns leading the game to keep it engaging and encourage players to participate.
- Embrace diversity: Include a variety of prompts to accommodate different preferences and spark interesting conversations.
- Set time limits: To keep the game moving, consider setting a timer for each prompt to ensure the whole team has a chance to share.
- Encourage explanations: After each choice, invite participants to briefly explain their decision to deepen understanding and foster connection.
- Respect differences: Remind participants that each player’s preferences are valid, even if they differ from their own.
- Keep it inclusive: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid prompts that could potentially exclude or offend any players.
- Mix it up: Incorporate lighthearted and thought-provoking prompts to keep the game dynamic and engaging.
- Adapt to the group: Pay attention to your team’s energy and preferences and adjust the pace and tone of the game accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This or That is a fantastic way to foster connection, spark conversation, and strengthen bonds within remote teams. By providing a platform for lighthearted interaction and shared experiences, this game cultivates a sense of camaraderie and belonging among team members, even across physical distances. It is important to keep the atmosphere relaxed, encourage participation, and embrace the diversity of preferences and perspectives.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual event ideas.
