I’m a big fan of the show, “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” and the host, James Lipton.
Mr. Lipton concludes each interview by asking the actors 10 questions, aka the Proust Questionnaire, made popular by French journalist and interviewer, Bernard Pivot.
I’m always looking for an ice breaker to help teams loosen up to get to know each other.
Photo courtesy of nffcnnr.
Have fun with the questions and provide your own answers in the comments section below.
1 – What is your favorite word?
Dad
I’m so lucky I had the chance to be one.
2 – What is your least favorite word?
Retard
This word, used as a slang for idiot, dehumanizes people with intellectual disabilities. Turns my stomach, every time I hear it.
3 – What turns you on creatively, emotionally, spiritually?
Producing a play
I was fortunate to produce eight plays for community theatre. One of the greatest experiences of my life.
4 – What turns you off?
Insincerity
There are so many with ulterior motives. What happened to authenticity?
5 – What is your favorite curse word?
Shit
I rarely curse. When I do, this is the one I say the most.
6 – What sound or noise do you love?
My children, Steven II and Michaline, laughing.
When they laugh and call me Dad? That’s a double hit of serotonin.
7 – What sound or noise do you hate?
Smoke alarm
The one time I was glad to hear the annoying alarm is when I burnt the roux while making macaroni cheese. The smoke consumed the house. The fire shot up from the pan and melted the microwave above. Not a pretty sight.
8 – What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
PGA Tour Caddy
As a youngster, this is how I made money. I caddied for my uncle in several tournaments, Gene Borek, who was a PGA club professional. Last year, I caddied in my first LPGA tournament on the Symetra Tour. The experience was a rush.
9 – What profession would you not like to do?
Skyscraper Window Washer
I’m big time scared of being high up on the outside of anything. Though, I’d jump at the chance to take a ride into space. If anyone has pull with Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic, please text me his cell phone number.
10 – If Heaven exists, what would you like God to say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Though at times you had your doubts, now what do you think?
Try these questions at your next team meeting. You’ll discover something new about someone.
Hi Steve:
How are you?
Loved your questions –
But loved the answers even better.
Will definitely keep coming back to read more questions
And get those great insights that you share.
Thanks for the share.
Take care.
Best wishes and regards.
Veena 🙂
Would like to hear your answers Veena.
Favorite Word=Glad. Not sure why but I just like the sound of it.
Lease Favorite Word=Galore. I think it is impossible to sound intelligent while speaking this word.
Turns me on=Any thought that keeps me up till 2 am
Turns me off=Prejudice. Talk about a proven and guaranteed way to display your ignorance!
Favorite Curse Word=Damn. Seems to sum it all up
Sound I love=Rain hitting a canopy roof. Reminds me of camping with my family when I was a kid
Noise I hate=High pitched scream. Damn, I hate that noise!
Profession=Hermit. Doesn’t pay well but does provide an atmosphere void of high pitched screams.
Profession not to do=Slaughterhouse Technician. Not sure if that is what the position is called but, wouldn’t want to do it.
Words at Heaven’s Gate=”Wow, what a surpise!”
Slaughterhouse technician does NOT sound fun at all. And pre-judging anyone is a surefire way to convey your ignorance.
Ha! Is there a Professional School for Hermits?
I tried thinking of a sentence to respond to your list using the word -galore.- I couldn’t do it.
Rain hitting a canopy roof. I can feel that one. Nice.
Thanks for your list Tom.
I don’t know how I missed this post, but a very good icebreaker I must say.
1. Favorite word? Conspiracy. In its true Latin form it is to conspire or to come together, harmonize. I like the idea of that despite the negative connotation it garners today.
2. Least favorite word? Money. Money is really just an offshoot of what the world knows as currency. Currency is what allows trade to happen.
3. Creative, emotional, spiritual turn-on? Fair capitalism in a global scale. I don’t believe in the idea of a proud ‘buy America’ or ‘buy (insert nationality here) because we’re beyond that. However, I like the idea of outsourcing for the same funds, not lesser that I would pay out to a partner, to anyone on the globe.
4. Turn-off? Greed. It is that which is everything wrong in today’s world.
5. Favorite curse word? I don’t often curse. I suppose dammit if in a stressed mood.
6. Sound or noise which I love? The harmonica. Big blues fan.
7. Sound or noise that I hate? Crying children in public places. A chill just went down my spine.
8. Profession I would like to attempt? Though I haven’t watched it since I was a wee old lad, I would like to lace up my boots and try out professional wrestling, just once.
9. Undesirable profession? Sign holder. I feel obligated to give a tip to the Little Caesar’s or Liberty Tax sign holders which I drive by every so often; if anything, because that must be the worst job out there.
10. If heaven exists, what would I like God to tell me? You could have given more effort.
Interesting answers Ryan!
I’ve always wondered about those kids holding the signs outside of Little Caesar’s. I saw one standing in the pouring rain the other day. Felt sorry for him.
Answer to #10 was brutally honest and reflective for many, including myself.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for the engaging post! I can agree that ‘retard’ and the common derogatory use of it is a major turn off. You were a caddy for a pro golfer? Wow! Better gear up for this summer, young man!
Let’s go play 18!