The Dialogue Handbook

This is repeated a couple of times. Then ‘2’ is replaced with stamping a foot. Finally three is replaced with a jump. The exercise carries on for a few rounds until the energy has built.

3. Laughing game: A fun exercise with a challenge This exercise may seem awkward in a shy group, but it is hilarious if participants get stuck into the game.

Participants sit or stand in pairs facing one another, ideally in one long row. The game is that one of the two should get the other to laugh. You set aside 2-5 minutes (no more, or it can become too awkward). Those who fail to get their partner to laugh can seek help from others. As the facilitator provides instructions, she must have the courage to pull funny faces and clown about to show that this is safe to do. If there are several of you as facilitators, it is a good idea to have just one facilitator who stands aside, managing the process and keeping time, while the others join in the game.

Tip: In some groups, this game works better some time into the workshop, when participants feel at ease with one another.

4. Finger game: A quick and effective energy booster This exercise sharpens attention and concentration.

All participants stand in a circle. Raising their right-hand index finger, they all point into the air. Their left hand, flat with fingers stretched out, is placed an inch or so above the left-hand neighbour’s lifted and pointing index finger. The facilitator counts down: 3, 2, 1 now! On ‘now’, everyone tries to catch their neighbour’s finger with the left hand, at the same time as they try to avoid their own right-hand index finger getting caught. You can increase the level of difficulty by counting down at different paces. Participants can also take turns to count.

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