Either or questions (also known as "this or that" questions) are the perfect icebreaker tool for any group setting. Whether you're leading a team meeting, hosting a party, or trying to get to know new people, these simple choice-based questions create instant engagement and reveal fascinating insights about personalities and preferences.
What Are Either Or Questions and Why They Work So Well
Either or questions are simple choice-based prompts that ask participants to choose between two options. The beauty lies in their simplicity - there's no right or wrong answer, no pressure to be creative, and they require minimal thinking time while still sparking meaningful conversations.
These questions work because they tap into our natural decision-making process while eliminating analysis paralysis. When faced with just two choices, people can respond quickly and confidently, leading to more authentic reactions and genuine personality reveals.
The Psychology Behind Either Or Questions
Research shows that either or questions engage the brain's decision-making capabilities in a low-stakes environment. This creates several psychological benefits:
- Reduces social anxiety by providing structured conversation topics
- Encourages quick, instinctive responses that reveal authentic preferences
- Creates opportunities for follow-up discussions and shared experiences
- Builds connections through discovered similarities and differences
- Generates laughter and positive emotions in group settings
Benefits of Using Either Or Questions in Different Settings
For Team Building and Workplace
- Break down barriers between team members
- Create inclusive environments where everyone can participate
- Boost employee engagement and morale
- Facilitate better collaboration by understanding colleague preferences
- Add energy and fun to long meetings or conferences
For Social Gatherings and Parties
- Help guests get to know each other quickly
- Create entertaining conversation starters
- Generate laughs and memorable moments
- Work well for groups of any size
- Require no special equipment or preparation
For Educational and Training Settings
- Warm up groups before learning activities
- Encourage participation from shy students
- Practice decision-making skills in a fun way
- Create memorable learning experiences
- Build classroom community and rapport
How to Use Either Or Questions Effectively
Basic Game Rules
- Present two clear options to choose from
- Give participants a moment to think (but not too long!)
- Go around the group for answers, or have people move to different sides of the room
- Encourage brief explanations for choices when time allows
- Keep the pace moving and energy high
Two Popular Gameplay Modes
Ask and Discuss Mode: Players share their choice and briefly explain their reasoning. This creates deeper conversations and helps people understand different perspectives.
Rapid Fire Mode: Quick successive questions without explanations. This keeps energy high and works well for large groups or time-constrained situations.
Pro Tips for Facilitators
- Start with light, fun questions before moving to more thought-provoking ones
- Mix different categories to keep things interesting
- Pay attention to group energy and adjust pace accordingly
- Be prepared with follow-up questions for interesting responses
- Include yourself in the activity - don't just facilitate
- Have backup questions ready in case some fall flat
200+ Either Or Questions by Category
Food and Drinks (25 Questions)
- Coffee or tea?
- Pizza or burgers?
- Sweet or salty snacks?
- Ice cream or cake?
- Breakfast or dinner?
- Cooking at home or eating out?
- Spicy food or mild food?
- Chocolate or vanilla?
- Fresh fruit or dried fruit?
- Wine or beer?
- Smoothies or juices?
- Pasta or rice?
- Tacos or wings?
- Soup or salad?
- Cereal or oatmeal?
- Sandwiches or wraps?
- Hot sauce or ketchup?
- Pancakes or waffles?
- Chinese food or Italian food?
- Popcorn or chips?
- Apples or oranges?
- Donuts or muffins?
- Iced drinks or hot drinks?
- Fast food or fine dining?
- Energy drinks or coffee for a boost?
Entertainment and Media (25 Questions)
- Movies or TV shows?
- Comedy or drama?
- Scary movies or romantic movies?
- Books or audiobooks?
- Fiction or non-fiction?
- Music or podcasts?
- Concerts or theater shows?
- Netflix or YouTube?
- Video games or board games?
- News or entertainment?
- Radio or streaming music?
- Marvel or DC comics?
- Reality TV or scripted shows?
- Stand-up comedy or comedy movies?
- Dancing or singing?
- Art museums or science museums?
- Sports on TV or attending live games?
- Documentaries or feature films?
- Social media or traditional media?
- Photography or videography?
- Classical music or modern music?
- Cartoons or live-action?
- Online streaming or cable TV?
- Magazine or newspaper?
