It sounds weird, but yes using a puzzle activity called “Handcuffs” is a great way to get your group started with an “unofficial start.”
Before we go into what are “Handcuffs,” let me first introduce you to the unofficial start. This is a term I picked up from Mark Collard of Playmeo. When getting ready for your program you may experience one or even a few of the following:
- Early arrivers
- Late comers
- Lack of engagement with others
- Not sitting together
- Focused on other things like checking email
But what if you could do something to get them engaged, that was fun, focused on what is to come, simple to do, and provided low supervision as you were getting ready? Welcome the unofficial start. Defined, it is any strategy you can use as they arrive, to help amplify the productivity of your program and align your audience towards the subject about to be presented.
For “unofficial starts” to be successful, give multiple choices of what to do. Such as Wordles, stick puzzles, and or Play-do. But one of my favorites is having string on the tables to do “Handcuffs.” Below is a video of how to play.
As the video mentioned, you can either have two people participate or do individual challenges. My suggestion is not to let the activity drag on. After two or three minutes, give them the hint mentioned in the video. Then after another two to three minutes give the solution or have those that solved it give the solution.
Again, this has been great for me. After introducing myself officially to start training, I ask follow-up questions about the activity. All to get them aligned to the content of the training.
Example questions might include:
- Where in your ________ do you feel limited like you have been handcuffed?
- Today we are about to talk about ________. What about this subject would you like to break free of? Or receive the solution to escape?
- What do the handcuffs represent for you in regard to the topic of __________?
I mentioned a few, above. What are your go-to questions to lead your participants into a workshop? Have you ever used unofficial starts and if so, what do you use? I want to hear about them. Just comment below and let’s start a conversation.
Barry Thompson
Whenpeopleplay.com
P.S. Do you want to share with a friend? Send them an invitation! As a mentor once told me, “Rising tides make all ships float.”