TEAM BONDING: THE COMMUNICATION GAME

Written By Deanna Tetner

A Dose OF Danspiration- “Team Bonding: The Communication Game.” Originally posted November 11, 2024

Taking the time out of practice to participate in team bonding exercises gives the dancers an opportunity to learn and understand one another on a more human level. This leads to more empathy, patience, and willingness to resolve conflicts.

 Here is a fun game to play with your team to work on communication!

 Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • 1 notebook per pair

  • 1 pen/pencil per pair

  • 2 basic pictures per pair each in their own separate envelope (it does not need to be different pictures per pair. Maybe have at least 3-4 pictures, but if you want different per group, go for it! Just keep them very basic.)

How To Play:

1.      Pair up the dancers.

2.      Give each pair a notebook & pen/pencil.

3.      Give each pair a basic picture hidden in an envelope so that it cannot be seen, yet.

4.      Have each pair sit back-to-back. Person A has the pen and paper. Person B has the basic picture in the envelope. They must remain sitting back-to-back through the whole exercise and may not look over their shoulders at any time.

5.      Have person B open the envelope. Person A is not allowed to look at the picture.

6.      Person B will describe to Person A what they see on the picture using words only. Person A will then attempt to recreate the picture, through drawing, based on the description given by Person B.

7.      Give the group about 5 minutes.

8.      Once time is up, let them see how they did.

9.      Then repeat having Person A describe and Person B draw.

 

Here are a few communication breakdowns this game may illustrate:

  •  How our words can have the intention of one meaning, but be interpreted differently.

  • When communicating, be clear, thoughtful, and precise. This may lead to a better understanding and smoother team work.

  • By staying calm and unemotional, we can create outcomes with less conflict and frustration.

  • Assumptions can create undesirable outcomes, but by asking questions, we can create communication with more clarity and avoid conflict.

So often the tension that exists in our team environment comes from simple misunderstandings or the use of one misplaced word. If we can create an environment that fosters open communication and the ability to ask questions, and clarifications, many unnecessary conflicts can be avoided.

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For virtual or in-person assessments through the eyes of a judge combined with education through the heart of a coach, check out Impact Dance Consulting (@ImpactDanceConsulting5678 & ImpactDanceConsulting.com).

Deanna Tetner
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DANCER CHECK-IN- “ONE MONTH, ONE GOAL!”