Page 255 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 07 11/20/02 12:29 PM Page 244
244 The Creative Training Idea Book
name that is on the card by stating, “Good morning. I’d like to Introduce . . . .” The
person whose name was read should then stand and the entire class should enthusias-
tically shout in unison, “GOOD MORNING _____.” This participant should remain
standing until the person holding his or her card reads the remaining information about
him or her. Both people can then be seated. This process should continue, with people
randomly coming up to select a card and reading the name and information until all
participants have been introduced. After everyone has finished, you can say something
such as, “What a great group with wonderful strengths to add to today’s program. Let’s
get started by giving a round of applause.” Remember that you are trying to create an
environment of enthusiasm and excitement. Little things such as applause for acknowl-
edgment can help by recognizing and rewarding while raising the noise and energy levels
in the room. A nice side effect is that by clapping, participants increase their heart rate
and blood flow to the brain.

It’s My Birthday

This activity gives participants an opportunity to get acquainted and learn a bit of
information about one another. Have everyone stand. Tell them they have 3 minutes
to form a single line based on their birthdays. Once correctly in line, you can have them
form into groups of three or four participants to get acquainted or for any other activity
you designate.

Help Yourself

This is a standard get acquainted activity used by many trainers to help participants
learn more about one another in a fun manner. As such, you may want to caution any-
one who has participated in the activity in another session to not disclose how it is done
and to play along. To start, give each person a 3 × 5 index card in bold numbers (use
markers) and pass around a bag of shelled roasted peanuts, hard candy, plastic coins,
or any other easily handled item. You can also use a box of facial tissue, or a roll of
toilet paper or paper towels. As you pass the items around, encourage people to “help
themselves” and take as much as they like.
Once everyone has taken a share of the item, have them count the number that they
took and write the number on the 3 × 5 card. After they have done so, ask for a volun-
teer to show the number on his or her card. Once they do so, tell them that the pur-
pose of the activity is to get to know one another and that they should tell who they
are, their organization or job title, and bits of information about themselves equal to
the number on their 3 × 5 cards. For example, if soemone took 15 squares of toilet
paper or peanuts, he or she must share 15 professional or personal pieces of informa-
tion abot him- or herself. For example, someone might disclose that he or she is one of
nine siblings.