My Object

Purpose

My Object invites participants to use a physical item as a conversation starter. Each person selects something they have with them — a keychain, a book, a photo — and shares a short story about what it means to them. Objects lower the barrier to personal sharing because they give people something concrete to talk about.

At a glance

• Group size: 4–20
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilitation style: Round-robin sharing
• Setting: In-person or virtual (show an object on camera)

How to run

1. Ask everyone to find one object on their person or nearby that is meaningful to them (wallet photo, lucky charm, favourite pen).
2. Give 1 minute to choose.
3. Go around the group: each person holds up their object and shares its story in 30–60 seconds.
4. Encourage one follow-up question per share.
5. Close by noting any themes.

Materials needed

• None (participants use their own belongings)

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• "I don't have anything": Reassure them that even a phone case or coffee mug counts.
• Stories too long: Gently time-box to keep it flowing.
• No follow-up: The questions are what build connection — encourage at least one.
• Too many participants: Beyond 20, split into smaller circles.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Works well virtually — participants hold objects up to their camera.
• No physical movement required.
• Participants who prefer not to share a personal item can describe a virtual object or concept.
• Accessible across cultures.

Variations

• Desk tour: Show 3 items from your desk and explain the arrangement.
• Object swap: After sharing, swap objects with a partner and introduce each other's item.
• Digital object: Share a screenshot or photo of something meaningful.

When NOT to use this

• When participants don't have personal items with them (e.g., clean-room environments).
• In very large groups where the round would take too long.
• When personal sharing feels premature for the group's trust level.

Source & further reading

• Used in design thinking workshops to practice storytelling.
• Rooted in show-and-tell traditions from education.