Debrief Sheet

Provide a structured 5-question reflection tool with a schedule session two nudge to help groups improve.
4 min read
Everyone

Debrief Sheet

You just finished your first session. A quick debrief—a short chat to share highlights and adjust—helps everyone learn what worked and what to try differently next time.

If you're new to how a session flows, start there.

What you'll learn

  • Five simple questions to guide post-session reflection.
  • How to celebrate wins and spot snags early.
  • When to debrief and how long it takes.

One person—often the Game Master (GM)—keeps time and reads each question aloud. Everyone answers briefly before moving to the next question.

The five questions

Set a timer for ten minutes. Go around the table and answer these:

1. What was your favorite moment?

Each person shares one highlight. No explanation needed—just the moment that stuck.

Example: "When the librarian turned out to be the spy."

2. What confused you?

Name one rule, decision, or scene that felt unclear. The group notes it without defending or fixing yet.

Example: "I wasn't sure when to roll and when to just describe."

3. What do you want more of?

Identify what felt fun or exciting. This guides what to lean into next session.

Example: "More chances to solve problems without fighting."

4. What do you want less of?

Name something that slowed play or felt awkward. Keep it specific and kind.

Example: "Looking up rules during tense moments interrupted the flow."

5. What will we adjust next time?

Pick one small change based on the answers above. Write it down where everyone can see it.

Example: "We'll agree on target numbers before play starts."

Try this (2 minutes)

After answering all five questions, go around the table once more. Each person repeats the one adjustment from question five out loud. Hearing it spoken by everyone reinforces the commitment.

Write the adjustment on a card where everyone can see it next session.

Common pitfalls

  • Skipping the debrief when tired—those ten minutes prevent bigger problems later.
  • Treating feedback as criticism—everyone wants the same thing: a better session next time.
  • Trying to fix everything at once—one adjustment per session builds habits without overwhelm.

Do this next: What Is a Tabletop RPG?