ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Most icebreakers do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do.
Instead of helping people open up, they put them on the spot—and the people who need connection most often shut down the fastest.
In this episode, Jan Keck shares the Campfire Method, a step-by-step approach to building genuine connection in any group without forcing it.
We also explore two of Jan’s signature activities that you can bring into your next workshop, meeting, or team session.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why the classic “fun fact” icebreaker often backfires on introverts
• How to design opening moments that build trust gradually
• The Curiosity Exchange: a simple twist that changes everything
• The Room Spectrum: how to read a group without asking anyone to speak
• The Group Readiness Matrix: two questions to ask before choosing an activity
• How to check in with your group—and recognize when it’s time to scrap your plan
Resources and links
🧩 Explore the Miro board with the activities and resources from this episode: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVHI260AE=/?share_link_id=243566323988
📕 Limited-edition hardcover of The Campfire Method: https://www.jankeck.com/book/
🔗 Jan Keck’s website: https://jankek.com
🔗 Connect with Jan on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jankeck
🃏 The Workshop Deck—52 cards to design better sessions: https://theworkshopdeck.com
💻 Connect with Mehdi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-en-naizi-75b533116/
