Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in the modern workplace. It is the glue that holds teams together and the catalyst that drives productivity.
However, fostering effective communication is not always straightforward.
This is where team building activities focused on developing communication skills come into play. We hear this from customers that regularly use of our training courses.
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Definition of Key Terms
Team Building Activities: These are structured events, games, or exercises designed to improve team cohesion and performance.
They can range from simple problem-solving tasks to complex simulations and multi-day team development workshops.
Communication Skills: These are abilities that allow an individual to effectively exchange information, both verbally and non-verbally.
These skills include listening, speaking clearly, expressing ideas, understanding others, and interpreting non-verbal cues.
Why Team Building Activities Focused on Developing Communication Skills Matter
In the workplace, communication is more than just talking. It involves understanding the perspectives of others, expressing ideas clearly, and working collaboratively towards common goals. Team building activities can help to break down barriers, improve understanding, and foster a culture of open and effective communication. They can also help to reduce conflict, improve morale, and increase productivity.
17 Team Building Activities Focused on Developing Communication Skills
1. The Blindfold Game
Steps: Divide the team into pairs. One person in each pair is blindfolded. The other must guide them through a simple obstacle course using only verbal instructions.
Resources Needed: Blindfolds, space for an obstacle course.
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: Even number, minimum of 4.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage clear, concise instructions. Debrief by discussing the importance of clear communication and active listening.
2. Picture Pieces Game
Steps: Give each team a different jigsaw puzzle. The goal is to complete the puzzle as quickly as possible, but the team can only communicate non-verbally.
Resources Needed: Jigsaw puzzles.
Time Requirements: 1 hour.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage non-verbal communication and teamwork. Debrief by discussing the importance of non-verbal cues in communication.
3. The Minefield Game
Steps: Create a “minefield” with random objects. Teams must navigate through the minefield with one member blindfolded, guided only by the verbal instructions of their teammates.
Resources Needed: Blindfolds, random objects to create a minefield.
Time Requirements: 45 minutes.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage clear communication and trust. Debrief by discussing the importance of trust in communication.
4. The Human Knot
Steps: Have everyone stand in a circle and reach out to grab the hand of someone across from them. The goal is to untangle the “knot” without letting go of each other’s hands.
Resources Needed: None.
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: 8-12.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage problem-solving and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of collaboration and communication in problem-solving.
5. The Silent Line-Up
Steps: The team must line up in order of birthdate, but they cannot speak or write anything down.
Resources Needed: None.
Time Requirements: 15 minutes.
Number of Participants: Any number.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage non-verbal communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of non-verbal cues in communication.
6. The Marshmallow Challenge
Steps: Teams must build the tallest free-standing structure they can with 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow must be at the top.
Resources Needed: Spaghetti, tape, string, marshmallows.
Time Requirements: 18 minutes.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage creativity, collaboration, and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving and innovation.
7. The Egg Drop Challenge
Steps: Teams must build a contraption that will protect an egg from a high drop.
Resources Needed: Various crafting materials, eggs.
Time Requirements: 1-2 hours.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage creativity, collaboration, and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving and innovation.
8. The Barter Puzzle
Steps: Each team is given different puzzle pieces. They must barter with other teams to get the pieces they need to complete their puzzle.
Resources Needed: Puzzle pieces.
Time Requirements: 1 hour.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage negotiation and communication skills. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in negotiation.
9. The Desert Island Scenario
Steps: Teams must decide on five items they would bring if they were stranded on a desert island. They must justify their choices.
Resources Needed: None.
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage collaboration and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in decision-making.
10. The Lego Challenge
Steps: Teams must replicate a structure made of Lego bricks. Only one member can see the original structure and must communicate to the others how to build it.
Resources Needed: Lego bricks.
Time Requirements: 1 hour.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage clear communication and active listening. Debrief by discussing the importance of clear communication and active listening.
11. The Survival Scenario
Steps: Teams are given a survival scenario (e.g., lost at sea) and must rank a list of items in order of importance.
Resources Needed: Survival scenario and item list.
Time Requirements: 45 minutes.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage collaboration and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in decision-making.
12. The Storytelling Circle
Steps: Each team member adds a sentence to a story, building on what the previous person said.
Resources Needed: None.
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: Any number.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage creativity and active listening. Debrief by discussing the importance of active listening in communication.
13. The Charades Challenge
Steps: Teams must guess what a team member is acting out. The catch is that the actor cannot speak.
Resources Needed: Charades prompts.
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: Any number.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage non-verbal communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of non-verbal cues in communication.
14. The Tower of Babel
Steps: Teams must build the tallest tower they can with the materials provided. The catch is that each team member can only use one hand.
Resources Needed: Building materials (e.g., blocks, Lego).
Time Requirements: 30 minutes.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage collaboration and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving.
15. The Scavenger Hunt
Steps: Teams must find a list of items or complete a series of tasks as quickly as possible.
Resources Needed: Scavenger hunt list.
Time Requirements: 1-2 hours.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage collaboration and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving and decision-making.
16. The Chain Reaction
Steps: Teams must create a chain reaction with the materials provided. Each team’s reaction must connect to the next team’s.
Resources Needed: Various crafting materials.
Time Requirements: 2-3 hours.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage creativity, collaboration, and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving and innovation.
17. The Escape Room Challenge
Steps: Teams must solve a series of puzzles and riddles to “escape” from a room.
Resources Needed: Escape room setup.
Time Requirements: 1-2 hours.
Number of Participants: 4-6 per team.
Facilitator Tips: Encourage problem-solving and communication. Debrief by discussing the importance of communication in problem-solving.
Conclusion
Effective communication is vital in the workplace. It fosters understanding, reduces conflict, and drives productivity.
By incorporating team building activities focused on developing communication skills, organizations can create a culture of open and effective communication.
These activities not only improve communication but also build trust, improve morale, and increase productivity.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway and is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
