Word Tree

To launch the participants into a topic try creating a word tree.

For example, in a workshop on global climate change, ask participants to throw out words that relate to the topic:

.climate greenhouse gas erosion pollution carbon dioxide kyoto and so on. Write all the words on the board or on individual index cards. Then have the group cluster them into small word groups.

Define and discuss as necessary and launch into the topic.

Charades Down the Line

Here is a quick activity that is going to get people laughing and breaking down barriers.
Remember the game Telephone: the one in which a message is passed down a line until it is nearly unrecognizable? This is the same, but with Charades.

Ask a small group of 7 or 8 to leave the room and come up with an action that is a bit silly. Maybe diapering a baby, whipping cream, first kiss, whatever.

When the large group has a good idea, ask the small group to come back in the room. At this point one person shows the action to the first person of the small group, while the rest of the small group turn their backs. Then this person reveals the action to the next in line, and so on through every person in the small group. No sounds are allowed.

How I Would Use This

The final action may be unrecognizable because each person in line brings his or her own preference and interpretation to the action. In the same way, in communicating with others we have to keep these interpretations in mind and watch for them.

Variation.
You can do this in a large circle with the whole group. Everyone closes their eyes until touched. One person starts the action and the action is translated from person to person.

What's In A Name

I think it is a lot of fun for participants to play around with their names. The humour that is created is good energy. Try the following activity and see if you could use any of these names in your workshops.



Your Real Name? Deb

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 4 letters of real name plus izzle) Debozzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal) Scarlet Cat

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and childhood street): Ann Richmond

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name) Caldegra

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (The, 2nd favorite color, drink) The Blue Teal Steamer

7. YOUR BLUES SINGER NAME: (The mood you are in now, and the last name of any President) Lazy Lincoln (I don't think this works so well for Prime Ministers)

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (grandmother and grandfather's first name) Mary


9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one your pets) Black Happy

10. EXOTIC DANCER: (first pet and street name): Honey Sand Creek