Supplies
* one chair for each player
Set-Up
Using chairs, create two circles, one inside the other. There should be an equal number of chairs in each circle. Each chair in the inner circle, should match up with a chair in the outer circle, all of them facing outward. There should be enough room between the inner and outer chairs, for someone to walk around them.
How to Play
Have everyone sit in a chair. If there are siblings in the group, you may want to keep both in the inner or both in the outer circle to avoid awkwardness. On the facilitators command, the inner group should walk clockwise, and the outer group should walk counter clockwise. When the facilitator says stop, everyone should sit in the closest chair. Those in the outer group will straddle the chair, facing a player from the inner circle.
Now give a topic. For 30 seconds, the player on the inside must talk incessantly about this topic to his/her partner. When the time is up, the outer player talks about the same subject for 30 seconds. If the subject isn't too personal, you may then call on a couple people to recount what their partner said to ensure listening.
Start again with everyone walking around to an new seat, using a new subject, and having the players in the outer circle start.
Subjects can be anything, ie:
* how was your day
* what did you read/hear in the news
* why is the sky blue
* what did you do on your birthday
* talk about your favorite animal
Note:
The purpose of this game is to get participants sharing ideas, feelings, etc with people they rarely talk to.
Showing posts with label Communications Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Communications Games. Show all posts
73) X Marks the Spot*
Supplies
* masking tape
* blindfold
Goal
To determine who's telling the truth, and thus, to find the "x" on the ground
How to Play
Have everyone form a large circle. Blindfold one player, who will be the "seeker." Now mark an "x" with tape somewhere within the circle. Each of the rest of the players must choose at this point, whether they want to help, or to lead astray, the seeker. They should not say what their choice is, but they should keep to it for the round. The players then shout out directions: "left", "right", "forward", "You're on it", "You're far away", etc.
The seeker's goal is then to move around the circle, trying to find the "x" on the ground (by relying on directions, rather than using hands). Once the seeker thinks he/she is standing on it (or as close as he/she's going to get), he/she says, "I found it!"
Mark the spot where the seeker is standing. After everyone plays, whoever comes closest, wins.
Strategy
The players will be trying to guess based on whether they think their friends would trick or help them, and based on how believable the various voices are.
*(my invention)
* masking tape
* blindfold
Goal
To determine who's telling the truth, and thus, to find the "x" on the ground
How to Play
Have everyone form a large circle. Blindfold one player, who will be the "seeker." Now mark an "x" with tape somewhere within the circle. Each of the rest of the players must choose at this point, whether they want to help, or to lead astray, the seeker. They should not say what their choice is, but they should keep to it for the round. The players then shout out directions: "left", "right", "forward", "You're on it", "You're far away", etc.
The seeker's goal is then to move around the circle, trying to find the "x" on the ground (by relying on directions, rather than using hands). Once the seeker thinks he/she is standing on it (or as close as he/she's going to get), he/she says, "I found it!"
Mark the spot where the seeker is standing. After everyone plays, whoever comes closest, wins.
Strategy
The players will be trying to guess based on whether they think their friends would trick or help them, and based on how believable the various voices are.
*(my invention)
72) Fortune Teller
Supplies
*stuff (sticks, rocks, bracelets, or whatever is around)
Preparation
Speak to two participants ahead of time(make it look natural to the rest of the group so they aren't suspicious), asking them to help you. Explain the following game, asking them to sit in the same manner as the person who moves the objects (legs crossed vs outstretched vs on knees, leaning back vs sitting straight vs forward, arms folded vs in lap, etc). Explain that if the object mover shifts positions, they should too. Give them an example to mimic, and make sure they understand ahead of time. You'll have two helpers, so this will give you a little insurance. Make sure they understand that no one else should know. They shouldn't act suspicious, staring or grinning at each other, etc. You may want to explain also, that if one of them is suspected, he/she can skip out of helping for a round to throw them off.
How to Play
Have the group, including your helpers (whom no one else should know as helpers), form a circle, sitting. Place a few small items in the center. Explain that you have a special gift, that everyone gives off this "energy" that enables you to know things that happen when you aren't there. Tell the group that you are going to leave the room, and while you are gone, one person of their choosing is to move/reposition the objects in the center. Then they should call you back in, and you will be able to tell them who moved the object (within 2/3 guesses).
Allow the group, if they demand it, to choose a person from the group, to watch and make sure you aren't "cheating." No matter who they choose, you'll still have at least one helper in the group.
Leave the room, and wait for them to call you in. When you come in, stand in the circle, focussing on the objects, as if they hold a clue. You may feel them, pretending they're warm, or giving off a certain light, etc. Then look around the group, noting who might be sitting like your helpers. Chances are, there will be more than one person sitting in this manner. Give it time. Focus back on the objects, like you just aren't sure. You may narrow it down, and tell the group who you are trying to choose between, or say, "I know it's on this side of the circle." Players will soon shift positions, and your helpers will too, and this will narrow down your choices. When you guess correctly, the group will have new challenges for you, new guards, etc. They'll talk while you're out, reminding everyone not to look at the object mover, having no one move it, or a helper might decide to trick you by moving it him/herself. You have 2 or 3 guesses, and if you take time, you'll almost definately figure it out. If you don't, just explain that your powers are getting weak, and you need some time to rebuild your energy. Play 3 or 4 times, and end the game so that they remain mystified.
Strategy
"Allowing" the group to send guards, rather than suggesting it yourself, is beneficial. It implies that you are confident. They came up with a challenge, and you can prove that it won't stop you. If you suggest it, they will guess that you figured this into the game.
Often, the players follow this pattern:
first round, there's no "challenge,"
second round, there's a guard,
third round, they may send two guards (in case one is teamed up with you), and at the same time, remind each other not to stare at the object mover.
fourth round, they may bend the rules: no object mover or multiple movers.
If you suspect that the group had multiple movers, or are bending the rules, state this..."I get the feeling that there were more than one..." like you're considering it. This in itself will surprise them. If they grin confidently at each other, you say, "no, nevermind." If their eyes widen, like you found out their secret, then you make your "feeling" official, and you remind them that your powers aren't strong enough to know exactly who, but you do think that so-and-so was involved.
*stuff (sticks, rocks, bracelets, or whatever is around)
Preparation
Speak to two participants ahead of time(make it look natural to the rest of the group so they aren't suspicious), asking them to help you. Explain the following game, asking them to sit in the same manner as the person who moves the objects (legs crossed vs outstretched vs on knees, leaning back vs sitting straight vs forward, arms folded vs in lap, etc). Explain that if the object mover shifts positions, they should too. Give them an example to mimic, and make sure they understand ahead of time. You'll have two helpers, so this will give you a little insurance. Make sure they understand that no one else should know. They shouldn't act suspicious, staring or grinning at each other, etc. You may want to explain also, that if one of them is suspected, he/she can skip out of helping for a round to throw them off.
How to Play
Have the group, including your helpers (whom no one else should know as helpers), form a circle, sitting. Place a few small items in the center. Explain that you have a special gift, that everyone gives off this "energy" that enables you to know things that happen when you aren't there. Tell the group that you are going to leave the room, and while you are gone, one person of their choosing is to move/reposition the objects in the center. Then they should call you back in, and you will be able to tell them who moved the object (within 2/3 guesses).
Allow the group, if they demand it, to choose a person from the group, to watch and make sure you aren't "cheating." No matter who they choose, you'll still have at least one helper in the group.
Leave the room, and wait for them to call you in. When you come in, stand in the circle, focussing on the objects, as if they hold a clue. You may feel them, pretending they're warm, or giving off a certain light, etc. Then look around the group, noting who might be sitting like your helpers. Chances are, there will be more than one person sitting in this manner. Give it time. Focus back on the objects, like you just aren't sure. You may narrow it down, and tell the group who you are trying to choose between, or say, "I know it's on this side of the circle." Players will soon shift positions, and your helpers will too, and this will narrow down your choices. When you guess correctly, the group will have new challenges for you, new guards, etc. They'll talk while you're out, reminding everyone not to look at the object mover, having no one move it, or a helper might decide to trick you by moving it him/herself. You have 2 or 3 guesses, and if you take time, you'll almost definately figure it out. If you don't, just explain that your powers are getting weak, and you need some time to rebuild your energy. Play 3 or 4 times, and end the game so that they remain mystified.
Strategy
"Allowing" the group to send guards, rather than suggesting it yourself, is beneficial. It implies that you are confident. They came up with a challenge, and you can prove that it won't stop you. If you suggest it, they will guess that you figured this into the game.
Often, the players follow this pattern:
first round, there's no "challenge,"
second round, there's a guard,
third round, they may send two guards (in case one is teamed up with you), and at the same time, remind each other not to stare at the object mover.
fourth round, they may bend the rules: no object mover or multiple movers.
If you suspect that the group had multiple movers, or are bending the rules, state this..."I get the feeling that there were more than one..." like you're considering it. This in itself will surprise them. If they grin confidently at each other, you say, "no, nevermind." If their eyes widen, like you found out their secret, then you make your "feeling" official, and you remind them that your powers aren't strong enough to know exactly who, but you do think that so-and-so was involved.
67) Telephone
Supplies
* none
How to Play
Non-Competitive:
Have group form a circle, and start with one person, by whispering a "message" in that person's ear. He/she must then pass the message along, each person whispering the same statement into the ear of the next, until the last person has heard it. Anyone who is unsure what he/she heard, may say, "operator," and have it repeated once. If the player is still unsure, he/she must do his/her best, saying what it sounded most like. He/she cannot ask in return, "Did you say.....?" When the message gets to the last person, that person must say aloud, what they heard the message to be. The group may want to try again several times (with new messages to different individuals) to get it right.
The facilitator may then start a discussion. Try to find the point at which the message first changed, by asking what each person heard and said. It may be that someone believed that's what he/she heard, or had to guess because he/she couldn't hear the message. Occasionally, someone will purposefully sabotage the message. Use these factors to discuss gossip, which can be miss-heard, misunderstood, added to, or sabotaged/ purposefully changed.
Competitive:
Split group into two teams, and have each team form a line. Give the same message to both groups, and see who comes closest to the true message at the end.
Strategy
tongue-twisters, meaning-less phrases, and statements with many similar-sounding words can make the game more tricky.
from 2/4/07
* none
How to Play
Non-Competitive:
Have group form a circle, and start with one person, by whispering a "message" in that person's ear. He/she must then pass the message along, each person whispering the same statement into the ear of the next, until the last person has heard it. Anyone who is unsure what he/she heard, may say, "operator," and have it repeated once. If the player is still unsure, he/she must do his/her best, saying what it sounded most like. He/she cannot ask in return, "Did you say.....?" When the message gets to the last person, that person must say aloud, what they heard the message to be. The group may want to try again several times (with new messages to different individuals) to get it right.
The facilitator may then start a discussion. Try to find the point at which the message first changed, by asking what each person heard and said. It may be that someone believed that's what he/she heard, or had to guess because he/she couldn't hear the message. Occasionally, someone will purposefully sabotage the message. Use these factors to discuss gossip, which can be miss-heard, misunderstood, added to, or sabotaged/ purposefully changed.
Competitive:
Split group into two teams, and have each team form a line. Give the same message to both groups, and see who comes closest to the true message at the end.
Strategy
tongue-twisters, meaning-less phrases, and statements with many similar-sounding words can make the game more tricky.
from 2/4/07
66) Commonalities Relay*
Supplies
* optional: one sheet of paper for each group
* optional: writing utensil for each group
* optional: one chair for each participant
How to Play
Split group into 2 or more teams of at least 5 players. Have each team line up, sitting in chairs (optional), with paper readily available near the front of each line. At the facilitator's command, the first two players on each team will quietly talk together to come up with something they have in common, that they think may also be true of the rest of the team (you may want to add that the common factor must be not be physical, or in some way, obvious). Once the two come up with something in common, the second player turns to the third, and quietly asks if it is common of him/her. If yes, the third asks the fourth, and so on, until the person in the back of the line has agreed that he/she also has this trait/hobby/experience/etc. in common. At this time, the person in the back will run to the front, write the common factor on the team's sheet of paper (not seen by the other group)while the rest of the group moves back one seat, and then sit down at the front, and begin again, trying to find another common trait.
Any time a group finds that the potential common trait is not shared by the next person (which will most likely be often), they will relay the message back to the front, and the two at the front will try again with another trait. The first team to get one common trait for each of it's participants, wins.
The team may then read off their lists of common traits. See if any of them match the entire group.
Note: the lists are recommended, but if you do this on a whim, and don't have the supplies, require that each participant remember the common trait that he/she agreed to from the back of the line.
Strategy
For an easier game, designate more teams with fewer participants. For a harder game, create few teams with many participants.
*(my invention)
* optional: one sheet of paper for each group
* optional: writing utensil for each group
* optional: one chair for each participant
How to Play
Split group into 2 or more teams of at least 5 players. Have each team line up, sitting in chairs (optional), with paper readily available near the front of each line. At the facilitator's command, the first two players on each team will quietly talk together to come up with something they have in common, that they think may also be true of the rest of the team (you may want to add that the common factor must be not be physical, or in some way, obvious). Once the two come up with something in common, the second player turns to the third, and quietly asks if it is common of him/her. If yes, the third asks the fourth, and so on, until the person in the back of the line has agreed that he/she also has this trait/hobby/experience/etc. in common. At this time, the person in the back will run to the front, write the common factor on the team's sheet of paper (not seen by the other group)while the rest of the group moves back one seat, and then sit down at the front, and begin again, trying to find another common trait.
Any time a group finds that the potential common trait is not shared by the next person (which will most likely be often), they will relay the message back to the front, and the two at the front will try again with another trait. The first team to get one common trait for each of it's participants, wins.
The team may then read off their lists of common traits. See if any of them match the entire group.
Note: the lists are recommended, but if you do this on a whim, and don't have the supplies, require that each participant remember the common trait that he/she agreed to from the back of the line.
Strategy
For an easier game, designate more teams with fewer participants. For a harder game, create few teams with many participants.
*(my invention)
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