20 Communication Activities, Games & Exercises for Employees

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Settle the Room

   Gather employees in a comfortable, focused room where pairs can talk without overhearing each other.

   5 min
2. 2

   Pair Up and Assign Roles

   Pair participants and assign one as the speaker and the other as the listener for the first round.

   5 min
3. 3

   Share a Story

   Speaker shares a personal or professional story while the listener focuses fully on understanding it.

   5 min
4. 4

   Paraphrase It Back

   Listener paraphrases the story in their own words to confirm understanding and catch any missed details.

   5 min
5. 5

   Swap Roles

   Switch roles with a new story so both partners experience speaking and listening.

   5 min
6. 6

   Debrief the Experience

   Lead a brief discussion on what active listening felt like and how paraphrasing changed the conversation.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Active Listening Pairs?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Set the Space

   Gather employees in a large, comfortable area so everyone has room to draw without distractions.

   5 min
2. 2

   Hand Out Supplies

   Distribute a pencil and paper to each participant so they are ready to capture the description.

   5 min
3. 3

   Describe the Image

   Trainer describes an original image using clear, precise language about shapes, positions, and how objects connect.

   5 min
4. 4

   Set a Time Limit

   Optionally set a time limit to add focus and urgency to the drawing round.

   5 min
5. 5

   Reveal and Compare

   Reveal the original image and compare it with each participant's drawing to see how close they came.

   5 min
6. 6

   Pick a Winner

   Declare the participant whose drawing most closely matches the original as the winner.

   5 min
7. 7

   Debrief Together

   Discuss what caused differences, moments of clarity, and how attention to detail shaped the results.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Listen and Draw?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Line Everyone Up

   Arrange employees in a straight line with each person facing the back of the person ahead.

   5 min
2. 2

   Share the Secret

   Trainer secretly shares a fun, interesting message with the first employee in the line.

   5 min
3. 3

   Pass It Down

   First employee whispers the message to the person behind them in a single quiet pass.

   5 min
4. 4

   Keep It Moving

   Each employee in turn passes the message to the next person using only a whisper.

   5 min
5. 5

   Announce the Ending

   When the message reaches the last employee, they say it aloud for the whole group to hear.

   5 min
6. 6

   Reveal the Original

   Trainer reveals the original message so the group can compare it with the final version.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Broken Telephone?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Pair Up Back-to-Back

   Gather employees in a large, comfortable area so everyone has room to draw without distractions.

   5 min
2. 2

   Describe the Image

   Distribute a pencil and paper to each participant so they are ready to capture the description.

   5 min
3. 3

   Draw What You Hear

   Trainer describes an original image using clear, precise language about shapes, positions, and how objects connect.

   5 min
4. 4

   Compare the Results

   Optionally set a time limit to add focus and urgency to the drawing round.

   5 min
5. 5

   Swap Roles and Retry

   Reveal the original image and compare it with each participant's drawing to see how close they came.

   5 min
6. 6

   Pick a Winner

   Declare the participant whose drawing most closely matches the original as the winner.

   5 min
7. 7

   Debrief Together

   Discuss what caused differences, moments of clarity, and how attention to detail shaped the results.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Back-to-Back Drawing?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Build the Course

   Choose a large area and set up the minefield with soft obstacles spread across the floor.

   5 min
2. 2

   Form Pairs

   Divide employees into two-person teams so each pair has a navigator and a walker.

   5 min
3. 3

   Blindfold the Walker

   One partner is the navigator while the other is blindfolded and placed at the starting point.

   5 min
4. 4

   Guide With Words

   Navigator gives precise verbal directions like three steps forward and two steps right to steer the walker.

   5 min
5. 5

   Reset on Contact

   If the blindfolded employee touches an obstacle, the pair restarts from the beginning.

   5 min
6. 6

   Cross the Finish

   The team that reaches the finish line with the fastest time wins the round.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Minefield?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Pair the Players

   Divide employees into pairs so each duo can rehearse and perform together.

   5 min
2. 2

   Assign Roles

   Assign Partner A as the reader and Partner B as the non-verbal communicator for the scene.

   5 min
3. 3

   Hand Out Scripts

   Distribute a short script so each pair has the same lines to work from.

   5 min
4. 4

   Read and Watch

   Partner A reads the lines aloud while watching Partner B closely for cues.

   5 min
5. 5

   Slip a Secret Emotion

   Give Partner B a secret emotion on paper such as rushing, boredom, or guilt to perform silently.

   5 min
6. 6

   Perform the Scene

   Work through the script together with Partner A speaking and Partner B expressing only through body language.

   5 min
7. 7

   Guess the Feeling

   Partner A guesses the hidden emotion based purely on body language and facial cues.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Wordless Acting?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form Small Teams

   Divide employees into small teams so everyone has a peer audience to pitch to.

   5 min
2. 2

   Pick a Passion Topic

   Each employee chooses a topic they feel passionate about and want to argue for.

   5 min
3. 3

   Write a Persuasive Piece

   Write a persuasive piece in any format such as essay, song, or poem within the set time.

   5 min
4. 4

   Swap Topics Midway

   Halfway through, swap topics with a teammate and adapt your persuasive style to the new subject.

   5 min
5. 5

   Read Aloud

   When time expires, read pieces aloud to the group with full conviction.

   5 min
6. 6

   Give Feedback

   Offer constructive feedback and respectful counterpoints to each pitch.

   5 min
7. 7

   Vote the Winner

   Employees vote on the most convincing piece across the round.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Convince Me?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form Two Teams

   Divide employees into teams of at least two participants each to debate the topic.

   5 min
2. 2

   Set the Topic

   Assign a debate topic with two clear opposing viewpoints for the teams to argue.

   5 min
3. 3

   Research and Prepare

   Teams research their assigned side and build arguments grounded in facts and persuasive strategy.

   5 min
4. 4

   Present First Round

   Teams present their initial arguments using persuasive techniques and logical reasoning.

   5 min
5. 5

   Switch Sides

   Instruct the teams to switch sides and argue the opposite viewpoint from scratch.

   5 min
6. 6

   Counter and Adapt

   Teams present counterarguments and adapt their persuasive strategies to the new position.

   5 min
7. 7

   Reflect Together

   Hold a group discussion about how viewpoints shifted and what adaptation felt like.

   5 min
8. 8

   Vote on Best Case

   Optionally vote on which arguments felt most compelling across the rounds.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Role Reversal Debate?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form Teams

   Gather employees and divide them into small teams ready to play.

   5 min
2. 2

   Build the Cards

   Each team prepares a card set with target words and three to five forbidden taboo words per card.

   5 min
3. 3

   Swap the Decks

   Opposing teams create cards for the describing team so the selection stays challenging.

   5 min
4. 4

   Describe the Word

   Each round, a describing team member picks an opposing team card and describes the main word without using taboo words.

   5 min
5. 5

   Guess Against the Clock

   Teammates guess the main word while a timer adds urgency and excitement.

   5 min
6. 6

   Rotate and Score

   Rotate roles so every member describes and guesses, and add double point or themed rounds to mix things up.

   5 min
7. 7

   Steal and Strategise

   Opposing team can steal points if they guess the word when the describing team fails, and bonus clues cost earned points.

   5 min
8. 8

   Debrief the Round

   After rounds, hold a brief discussion on strategies that worked and what to improve.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Taboo?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form Small Teams

   Arrange employees into smaller teams so the story can travel around quickly.

   5 min
2. 2

   Hand Out Materials

   Provide paper and a pen for each team to write their unfolding story.

   5 min
3. 3

   Give a Starter Line

   Give a starting sentence such as Once upon a time to launch every team's story.

   5 min
4. 4

   Write One Sentence

   Each team member writes one sentence within a short time limit without editing what came before.

   5 min
5. 5

   Stay Silent

   No editing of others' sentences and no talking during the writing rounds.

   5 min
6. 6

   Pass the Paper

   When the time limit hits, pass the paper to the next teammate to continue the story.

   5 min
7. 7

   Read Aloud

   After everyone contributes, each team reads its full story aloud to the group.

   5 min
8. 8

   Pick a Winner

   Judge the stories and crown the team with the most creative and compelling narrative.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Story Round Robin?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Gather the Team

   Gather the team in a spacious, comfortable area where everyone can stand in a loose circle.

   5 min
2. 2

   Bring the Yarn

   Provide a single ball of yarn that will become the connecting web across the team.

   5 min
3. 3

   Start the Web

   One employee holds the yarn end, asks a personal or professional question, and tosses the ball to another.

   5 min
4. 4

   Catch and Continue

   Next employee catches the yarn, answers, holds their strand, asks a fresh question, and tosses on.

   5 min
5. 5

   Keep the Pattern

   Continue with each employee catching, holding, answering, asking, and tossing the ball forward.

   5 min
6. 6

   Include Everyone

   Ensure every person participates so the yarn web fully connects the team.

   5 min
7. 7

   Reflect on the Web

   Gather the team to discuss the connections, insights, and what the web revealed about cohesion.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Question Web?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Set the No-Talk Rule

   Gather employees in a large, comfortable area so everyone has room to draw without distractions.

   5 min
2. 2

   Establish a Signal System

   Distribute a pencil and paper to each participant so they are ready to capture the description.

   5 min
3. 3

   Form the Line

   Trainer describes an original image using clear, precise language about shapes, positions, and how objects connect.

   5 min
4. 4

   Verify the Order

   Optionally set a time limit to add focus and urgency to the drawing round.

   5 min
5. 5

   Debrief the Signals

   Reveal the original image and compare it with each participant's drawing to see how close they came.

   5 min
6. 6

   Pick a Winner

   Declare the participant whose drawing most closely matches the original as the winner.

   5 min
7. 7

   Debrief Together

   Discuss what caused differences, moments of clarity, and how attention to detail shaped the results.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Birthday Lineup?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Open the Space

   Gather the team in a spacious area with plenty of room to move and rearrange.

   5 min
2. 2

   Explain the Task

   Explain that the team must line up by birthdays from January to December without speaking or writing.

   5 min
3. 3

   Set the Rule

   State clearly that only non-verbal cues like gestures and expressions are allowed.

   5 min
4. 4

   Add a Timer

   Optionally set a time limit to add urgency and challenge to the line-up.

   5 min
5. 5

   Observe the Strategy

   Observe how employees use gestures and expressions to signal birth months and positions.

   5 min
6. 6

   Review the Line

   When time ends or the team signals completion, walk the line and check the order together.

   5 min
7. 7

   Debrief Strategies

   Discuss the non-verbal strategies that worked, the challenges, and what could improve next time.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Silent Line-Up?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Prepare the Ball

   Gather employees in a large, comfortable area so everyone has room to draw without distractions.

   5 min
2. 2

   Form the Circle

   Distribute a pencil and paper to each participant so they are ready to capture the description.

   5 min
3. 3

   Toss and Answer

   Trainer describes an original image using clear, precise language about shapes, positions, and how objects connect.

   5 min
4. 4

   Follow-Up Questions

   Optionally set a time limit to add focus and urgency to the drawing round.

   5 min
5. 5

   Reflect on Themes

   Reveal the original image and compare it with each participant's drawing to see how close they came.

   5 min
6. 6

   Pick a Winner

   Declare the participant whose drawing most closely matches the original as the winner.

   5 min
7. 7

   Debrief Together

   Discuss what caused differences, moments of clarity, and how attention to detail shaped the results.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Beach Ball Questions?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Open the Room

   Gather the team in a spacious room so everyone has space to think and contribute.

   5 min
2. 2

   Hand Out Sticky Notes

   Distribute sticky notes, called elephant sheets, so each member can capture their obstacles.

   5 min
3. 3

   Define Elephants

   Explain that elephants are obstacles or issues that block the team but often go unspoken.

   5 min
4. 4

   Write the Elephants

   Team members write one elephant per sticky note within a five minute writing window with no names required.

   5 min
5. 5

   Sort With CIA

   Introduce the Control, Influence, Accept framework and mark each note as C, I, or A.

   5 min
6. 6

   Read and Cluster

   Trainer collects sticky notes, reads them aloud, and records each on flip charts labelled C, I, and A.

   5 min
7. 7

   Vote and Reclassify

   If notes pile up or time is short, the team votes on priority and checks if any A items can become C or I.

   5 min
8. 8

   Work the Four Ws

   For each C and I elephant, discuss the Why, What, Who, and When to define agreed actions.

   5 min
9. 9

   Plan the Follow Up

   Create a detailed implementation plan and agree how the trainer will keep coaching the team.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during The Elephant List?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Gather the Group

   Gather employees in a comfortable, focused space where everyone can hear each question clearly.

   5 min
2. 2

   Pick the Questioner

   Choose one employee to be the questioner for the round.

   5 min
3. 3

   Ask Anything

   Questioner asks any employee any question they like.

   5 min
4. 4

   Answer Without Yes or No

   Chosen employee must respond without saying the words yes or no.

   5 min
5. 5

   Out on a Slip

   If an employee uses yes or no, they are out and another takes over as responder.

   5 min
6. 6

   Keep the Pressure

   Questioning continues with the same questioner until an employee responds incorrectly.

   5 min
7. 7

   Crown the Survivor

   Continue until one employee remains who never said yes or no, then celebrate the winner.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during The No Yes or No Game?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Gather the Group

   Gather employees in a spacious area where everyone can see the speaker and stand up easily.

   5 min
2. 2

   Assign Topics

   Assign each employee an easy, engaging topic to talk about for a few minutes.

   5 min
3. 3

   Prep for Three Minutes

   Allow three minutes for participants to organise their thoughts before they speak.

   5 min
4. 4

   Speak Filler Free

   Each speaker talks for two to three minutes while avoiding fillers like um, uh, like, you know, and so.

   5 min
5. 5

   Stand on a Filler

   The team listens carefully and stands up together the moment they hear a filler word.

   5 min
6. 6

   Rotate Speakers

   Repeat the round so every employee gets a chance to practise filler-free speaking.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Stand Up for Fillers?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Gather the Group

   Gather all employees together in one room where they can hear the trainer clearly.

   5 min
2. 2

   Set the Rules

   Tell employees the trainer will read a word list, they must listen carefully, and no writing is allowed.

   5 min
3. 3

   Explain the Goal

   Explain that the activity tests memory retention under pressure.

   5 min
4. 4

   Read the Words

   Trainer reads a list of random words slowly and clearly to the group.

   5 min
5. 5

   Distract the Team

   After reading, the trainer discusses an unrelated topic for at least one minute to distract the team.

   5 min
6. 6

   Write From Memory

   Once the distraction ends, employees write down every word they can remember.

   5 min
7. 7

   Score and Reflect

   Trainer reviews the results, announces the winner, and discusses retention strategies.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Memory Test?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form a Circle

   Arrange teams in a circle so everyone can see and hear each speaker clearly.

   5 min
2. 2

   Prep the Year Box

   Fill a box with paper slips, each marked with a specific year, ready to draw from.

   5 min
3. 3

   Explain the Rules

   Tell employees they will draw a paper and share a thought, memory, or experience tied to that year.

   5 min
4. 4

   Handle Far-Back Years

   If a year is before someone's birth, they share a significant life event from a nearby year instead.

   5 min
5. 5

   Start the Draw

   Have a volunteer or chosen employee draw first to set the tone for sharing.

   5 min
6. 6

   Rotate Around

   Each employee takes turns drawing a year and sharing their story with the group.

   5 min
7. 7

   Hold Respectful Space

   Maintain a respectful and attentive environment so every story is heard fully.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during Penny, for Your Thoughts?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?

Prepare these items before the activity begins so the session runs smoothly.

1. 1

   Form a Circle

   Arrange employees in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.

   5 min
2. 2

   Introduce With an Adjective

   Each employee introduces themselves using an adjective that starts with the same letter as their name.

   5 min
3. 3

   Repeat the Chain

   Each employee repeats every previous participant's adjective and name before adding their own.

   5 min
4. 4

   Keep Order Tight

   Maintain the correct name and adjective order as the chain grows around the circle.

   5 min
5. 5

   Keep It Fresh

   Avoid duplicate adjectives so the chain stays unique and challenging.

   5 min
6. 6

   Stay Relaxed

   Encourage a relaxed atmosphere where mistakes are okay and teammates can help each other out.

   5 min

These outcomes should be reinforced during the debrief.

Use these prompts to convert the activity into workplace learning.

1. What did your team do first during The Name Game?
2. Which assumption turned out to be wrong?
3. How did communication affect the result?
4. Where did the team lose time or clarity?
5. What workplace situation feels similar to this activity?
6. What would you change if you ran the activity again?