The Pixar Story format:
Once upon a time there was________.
Every day, __________.
One day, ________.
Because of that ________.
Because of that ________.
Until Finally, _______.
The above is my favorite icebreaker. When introducing a diverse group who might not know each other very well, I use it to ask folks to tell their story.
It is also my favorite way to brainstorm the future. When I am stuck on how something might cause change in the future, use “once upon a time” and “every day” as the present and I use “one day” as the proposed change. From here I am able to begin the process of imagine how the future would look under that proposed change.
Try it and let me know how it goes.