Zoom Cuckoo
Goal
The purpose of the game is to pay attention to each other, have fun, build on each other's offers, and succeed as a group. The goal of the activity is to have a certain number of people on screen at the same time. The whole group play simultaneously on Zoom.
Materials
Instructions
Have everyone be in gallery view on Zoom with cameras on. Everyone starts out of view of their camera.
Everyone plays at the same time. Each person decides on their own when they will come on screen. When you come on screen you say "Coo Coo!" and then you're allowed to stay in view for up to 10 seconds. The group's goal is to have no more than a certain number of people at the same time.
Recommended: 20% of people on screen at the same time. For example, if you have a group of 20 people, tell the group that the goal is to have 4 people on screen at the same time).
This game is always silly with the fun of jumping into view and saying Coo Coo! The tendency will be for many of people to jump on at once, then everyone jumps out. Over time the group develops their give and take.
Variations: The group may develop their own variations with bringing objects onto screen, coming in from different angles, etc.
Background
About this activity: Taught to me by Bård Brænde, at the 2022 Applied Improvisation Network Conference. Original creator(s) unknown to us.
About me: I am the owner of Erica Marx Coaching, a team coaching company based in Ithaca, NY. We take a relationship systems approach to creating cultures of collaboration in organizations. We offer retreats, workshops, trainings, keynotes, executive & team coaching, and longer-term engagements with organizations.
We specialize in times of transition, supporting teams through mergers, conflict, expansion, and strategic planning.
https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/
Author
I help teams connect, collaborate, and perform at their best in both virtual and in-person environments. As an executive and leadership coach, I design highly engaging experiences where people can think together, navigate challenges, and strengthen the way they work. With a background in leadership coaching, facilitation, and applied improvisation, I create interactive retreats, conferences, and networking events that energize participants and create lasting impact. My work creates the conditions for psychological safety, honest communication, and deep collaboration, allowing teams to build trust, navigate challenges, and achieve meaningful results together. I am deeply committed to mission-driven organizations. As a board member of the International Applied Improvisation Network, I partner with nonprofit and social justice leaders to help their teams thrive in fast-changing environments.
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