It's All In the Hips

Working on book #3, Presentation Wizardry Volume II, www.calderonconsulting.com and thought you might like to see a draft of one of the activities or ideas.

This, very simply is an energizing moment for a group. It is fun and lively and changes the pace.


It’s All in the Hips

Key Learning Points
Uniqueness
Niche
Right place

What Happens
Knock a matchbox over with your nose

Connection
Using our unique strengths can create better teams.

What You Need
one matchbox

What You Do
Instruct your volunteer:
"Kneel on the floor.
Extend one arm in front with your elbow touching your knee reach out along the floor."
Where his fingertips end place a small matchbox on its end.
Continue with the instructions.
"Put your hands behind your back.
Bend over and try to knock the matchbox over with your nose."

What’s Happening
Men and women have different centres of gravity. Men, with their broad shoulders usually have their centre of gravity higher than women. Having a lower centre of gravity, women have an advantage in this activity because they don’t become overbalanced.

Sample Patter:
As we can plainly see, some people are better equipped to do this job than others. Although the men in the room might want very much to win this round, most of them simply cannot because of the build of their bodies.

Now I realize that there isn’t much call for employees who can push matchboxes over with their noses, but this activity does make a point: Knowing what we can do that others can’t is a start to finding our niche.

What helped you find your niche?


Wizard’s Tips



Activities like this one illustrate some of the differences between men and women. Rather than go to a male versus female point, concentrate on linking the concept of specific skills to unique individuals.
Choose your volunteers wisely. Not everyone wants to get down on the carpet in front of the group. Check for clothing limitations. There is always someone, though, who would relish the job.




Cautions
Warn the volunteer not to wipe out into the carpet.



Other Bright Ideas
It is important in life to know what we can do, what we can do if we really try and what is beyond our ability to do no matter how hard we try.