Virtual Background Stories
Share stories about your virtual background - learn about teammates through their chosen imagery.
10-15 min
3-30 people
low
None needed
About This Game
Virtual Background Stories leverages video call technology for team connection. Each person chooses a meaningful virtual background and explains why it matters to them. This reveals interests, memories, and aspirations in a low-pressure, visual way.
Objectives
- Leverage virtual meeting tech for connection
- Share personal stories through imagery
- Learn about teammates interests and values
- Practice brief storytelling
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"Today we're using our virtual backgrounds to share stories! Before our next meeting (or in the next 3 minutes), choose a virtual background that represents: a place you love, a dream destination, a hobby, or something meaningful to you."
Actions:
- Give instructions clearly
- Give 2-3 minutes for people to choose backgrounds
- Test that everyone knows how to change backgrounds
Tips:
- • Send instructions in advance for async prep
- • Have backup stock images ready
- • Zoom, Teams, Google Meet all support this
Facilitator Script:
"Great backgrounds! Let's go around - share your background and tell us why you chose it. 1 minute each. I'll start: This is..."
Actions:
- Go first to model good sharing
- Keep to 1 minute per person
- Ask 1 clarifying question per person if time allows
- Screenshot the group at the end
Tips:
- • Celebrate variety of choices
- • Allow follow-up questions
- • Notice common themes
Facilitator Script:
"Love the variety! Feel free to keep your backgrounds or return to normal. Let's get started with our agenda."
Actions:
- Thank everyone
- Optional: keep backgrounds for the meeting
- Transition to work
Tips:
- • Take group screenshot for team channel
- • Repeat monthly with new prompts
Facilitator Tips
- Variation prompts: favorite book cover, current mood, dream vacation, hometown, pet photo
- For ongoing teams: rotate prompts monthly
- Save screenshots - creates visual team timeline
- Some may not have background capability - make it optional
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
Everyone uses theme: favorite movie scene, dream office, childhood memory
Everyone swaps to a teammate's background and guesses whose it was
teams have used this game