What is it particularly suitable for

Topics à la carte is always good when you want to reduce triviality or redundancy in personal exchange. It can also help when the "quiet ones" in a group don't get through so well with their own topics of conversation. It is particularly suitable for the following occasions:

1. Celebrations in the family circle, where you already know each other well and always talk about the same things
2. Celebrations with friends or colleagues where you are not sure whether you are allowed to bring up a topic or who is even interested in your own topics.
3. Celebrations with friends or colleagues, where you don't know each other very well and don't know who else would be interested in which topic.

Why we love it

Because it is low-threshold, leads to very funny and unexpected incidents, works even if there is not full participation; and last but not least, because it is good for a surprising, new acquaintance.

Procedure

1. At the beginning of your meeting, hand out slips of paper and pens and invite each participant to write down a few topics she feels like talking about today.
2. The slips of paper can then be circulated or left lying or hanging somewhere where they are accessible to all. If desired, the topics can also be read out very briefly.
3. Whenever someone feels like it, she looks through the slips of paper for an interesting topic and grabs the topic giver. A new conversation has arisen, which might not have existed without the "mediation" via the slips of paper.
4. The method works even if not everyone is actively participating - whoever is having a good time, fine!

Insider tips or "this is what we think is important".

1. The suggestions do not have to be identified by name. It can help to loosen up (and possibly get to know) having to search for the person on the topic first.
2. You can also start collecting topics in advance of your meeting, for example in a group chat.

Attitude

1. Don't be put off by scepticism in the group. It is neither important nor very likely that everyone will participate. If only 20% of the participants take up the impulse, it is still a gain for these 20%.
2. Fun is allowed, even when naming topics. Even completely absurd suggestions can lead to entertaining conversations - or just a laugh.

By the way: For a better readability we change the gender form per method.