Stand up if
short, fun, energizing team activity
Library of facilitation techniques
Opening Workshop Activities
Tools and techniques activities to effectively kick-off a meeting, workshop or training session.
65 results
Check-in / Check-out
Either checking-in or checking-out is a simple way for a team to open or close a process, symbolically and in a collaborative way. Checking-in/out invites each member in a group to be present, seen and heard, and to express a reflection or a feeling. Checking-in emphasizes presence, focus and group commitment; checking-out emphasizes reflection and symbolic closure.
Snowball
This is a great activity to get people up and moving around in a playful way while still learning about each other. It can be related to any topic and be played at any time during the group's life.
Rollercoaster Check-In
This playful method creates a powerful shared picture of the feelings in the group. Checking-in is a simple way for a team to start a meeting, workshop, or activity. By using the metaphor of a rollercoaster this alternative version supports participants to think differently about how they are feeling. People place themselves at different points on the rollercoaster, explaining their dominant feeling right now.
I EXPECT
An opening exercise to clarify expectations in any workshop or training situation
IDOARRT Meeting Design
IDOARRT is a simple tool to support you to lead an effective meeting or group process by setting out clear purpose, structure and goals at the very beginning. It aims to enable all participants to understand every aspect of the meeting or process, which creates the security of a common ground to start from. The acronym stands for Intention, Desired Outcome, Agenda, Rules, Roles and Responsibilities and Time.
Draw a Tree
With this game you can raise awarness about being more mindful, and aware of the environment we live in.
Best and Worst
This activity could easily break the ice at the beginning of a workshop, enabling participants to get to know each other in a fast process.
Awareness Circle
This activity helps participants to get-to-know each other without saying a word.
Translated Rant
One person rants for 60 seconds. The second person translates their rant into what they care about and value.
What are you bringing to the meeting
A good way to start a meeting/workshop/training to see how participants are feeling, what might be distractions that they are carrying with themselves into the room and how low/high their energy level is.
Quick Change
This opening activity works well for topics that deal with the challenges of change. It is adapted from an activity developed and used by Crestcom, a management and leadership development company.