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- A Game to Learn Names
A Game to Learn Names
Spice up your next off site, conference workshop, or team onboarding
Okay — today’s newsletter cannot be half-assed. This game requires a ton of attention.
Even then, it will still break down over time. That’s the point. The breakdown is part of the learning experience so that you get better over time. Onward and upward.
I actually don’t know the name of this game.
This is a common thread with improv.
We are being trained to invent our surroundings, so we often invent new names for our exercises.
And yes, it does lead to confusion.
Goal
Get a group to learn each other's names and have fun doing it
How to Play
The group stands in a wide circle. Everyone takes a turn saying their name.
One person begins by pointing to someone across the circle and saying their name. E.g. Player A points to and says ‘Player B’
Player B says ‘Yes’
Once the ‘Yes’ is said, Player A immediately begins walking towards Player B to take their spot in the circle.
Player B may not leave their spot in the circle until they have said ‘Player C’ AND Player C has said ‘Yes’
The goal is for each player to say a name and walk quickly to avoid overlapping in the same space.
This game requires clear communication and extreme attention.
Key to success: It is encouraged to ask someone their name while in the circle. If you forgot, someone else probably forgot too.
Example
Remember above when I said improvisers invent new names for the same games? Yeah - that means I can’t find a video example on Youtube. If you have trouble playing, just reply with any questions.
Appropriate for✅ Event attendees who are strangers | 🕰️ Time to play10-15 minutes (including explanation) | 👨👩👦 Group sizeBest for: 6-15 people |
BONUS: Make it competitive.
After folks understand the rules, you can play with ELIMINATION. If someone is too slow to leave their spot in the circle, they are out. Go until 1 participant remains.
Great for work…
Play this game for two mornings and you’ll be amazed at how quickly people learn names.
Now a word from today’s sponsor
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Joyous Friday :)
Tyler
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