The 30 Second Monologue

The 30 Second Monologue is a short icebreaker activity works well at the beginning of a training session. It is ideal to use it in training sessions with a communication theme, particularly when participants are challenged with giving key information in very limited time.

Also be used during a programme that requires participants to be able to think quickly on their feet.

Tell the group that before session starts they will have 30 seconds to tell the group something about themselves the group are unlikely to know. The monologue MUST be truthful, but can be humorous or serious.

The trainer or facilitator person calls time (Bell or whistle) after the first 30 seconds and the next person clockwise around the table must then start. Continue until everyone has spoken.

Possible Variations:

• Participants can be seated at more than one table in which case all tables go simultaneously
• You can set the topic(s) by putting slips of paper in a hat with topics such as: my perfect day
• The monologue can also be reduced to 15 seconds

The topics of this publication: interactions, adaptability skills, improvise