Curveball Question Deck

Use these 25 unexpected prompts to challenge students’ quick thinking. Print each as an individual card and shuffle thoroughly.

1. If you were a brand, what would your tagline be and why?
2. Sell me this stapler (or the nearest object) in 30 seconds.
3. How would you explain the internet to a 5-year-old?
4. If you could have any superpower at work, what would it be and how would you use it?
5. Describe the taste of rain to someone who’s never experienced it.
6. How many tennis balls could fit inside this classroom? Show your reasoning.
7. You must teach a 10-minute class on something you know nothing about—what is it and how do you prepare?
8. Invent a new ice cream flavor and pitch it to a grocery chain.
9. If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and placed in a blender, how would you escape?
10. What’s the color of success—and why?
11. You have one minute to recruit people to join your team; make your elevator pitch.
12. If your life were a movie, what genre would it be and who’d play you?
13. How many windows are in New York City? Outline your estimation method.
14. You can only ask the interview panel three questions—what do you ask?
15. Describe an ordinary object (e.g., a paperclip) as if you’re unveiling the next big innovation.
16. If you could eliminate one U.S. state, which would it be and why?
17. Teach me your favorite dance move—use words only (no demonstration).
18. You’re an elevator—what three floors (skills or traits) do you stop at—and why?
19. Pitch a new social media platform—what problem does it solve?
20. If you could talk to one animal, which would you choose and what’s your first question?
21. How would you organize a charity event to raise $10,000 in one week?
22. You have to live inside one emoji— which one and how does it represent you?
23. Describe your work style in three words—and give a 15-second example of each.
24. If you found a time machine, would you travel to the past or future? What’s your first task?
25. Without naming it, describe a common object until someone guesses what it is.

Peer Feedback Debrief Discussion Guide

Purpose: Facilitate a respectful, structured reflection on our Interview Insanity role-play. Identify strengths, growth areas, and direct connections to our Ace Your Interview Tips.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials: Whiteboard or digital chart, markers.

1. Setting the Stage (2 minutes)

• Invite everyone back to the circle.
• Establish feedback norms: Be specific, Be kind, Use “I noticed…” or “I wonder…”.

2. Whole-Group Reflection Questions

1. One-Word Check-In: Share a single word that captures how you felt answering your curveball question.

1. What surprising ideas or approaches stood out to you during someone else’s response?

1. Structure Spotlight: Which answer best used the STAR framework (see Ace Your Interview Tips)? Describe which element shone (Situation, Task, Action, or Result).

1. Body Language & Tone: Recall a moment when non-verbal cues (eye contact, posture, pacing) either strengthened or weakened a response.

1. Strengths & Leverage: Identify one strength you observed—in yourself or a peer—and how you’ll leverage it in a real interview.

1. Growth & Next Steps: Choose one area for improvement (clarity, confidence, conciseness, etc.) and propose a concrete action step.

3. Facilitator Tips

• Capture key themes on the board as students share.
• Encourage quieter students to speak: “Would you like to add?”
• Link feedback back to our materials: Curveball Question Deck prompts and Ace Your Interview Tips.
• Model constructive language: “I noticed…,” “I suggest….”

4. Transition to Wrap-Up (1 minute)

• Remind students of the final reflection from the Insanity Session Guide.
• Ask everyone to write down one personal action step before leaving.