Non-Verbal Improv Game

Non-verbal improv is a game that energizes participants while encouraging them to think creatively by finding ways to communicate ideas without speaking. It’s a great way to build team connections while generating some smiles.

This activity is an improvisation game where participants must use communication and non-verbal actions to communicate a phrase or idea to other players. A fun game that is a great way to open a discussion about better communication.

Split all participants into two groups – group A and group B – and ask them to pair up. Those in group A will have to communicate a phrase or idea to the person in group B without speaking – using mime, expression, and other non-verbal forms of communication.

For example, if the phrase was, “Would you like a drink?” the person in group A might mime pouring a drink into a glass and offer it to the person from group B. If the person from group B guesses it correctly, everyone wins!

Prepare a selection of phrases on the backs of pieces of paper and create a stack on a central table. Participants from group A will come to the central table, flip over the next phrase, and must then act it out to their partner.

Make sure you have enough phrases prepared for your group. Prepare 3 times the number of participants.

Make sure each participant selects a different phrase from the pile when they return to the table.

Instructions

Start by asking participants from group A to come to the table and select a phrase. Once everyone has a phrase, start the clock and have everyone return to their partner at the same time.

They must then communicate that phrase to their partner without speaking or making a noise. Use mime, props, and actions, but try to avoid mouthing the words of the phrase.

Once their partner has guessed, the person miming returns to the table, looks at the next phrase then must rush back to perform the next phrase to their partner! Whichever team guesses three phrases in a row first, wins!

Top tip: guessing the phrase exactly right is tough, so feel free to tell your group that very close is good enough. So long as the main points of the phrase are correct.

Swap roles and conduct a second round. Feel free to mix up teams if you like, but try to ensure everyone gets a go at miming

For the second round, you can either shuffle the set of phrases or use new ones if you have them.

Moment of Reflection

• What did you think when you discovered that you had to express yourself with your body and without speaking?
• What was the most difficult phrase to act out? Why?
  -How did the partners respond when they clearly did not understand the gestures being made?
• What were the easiest gestures or signals you responded to? Why?
• Can you think of any action or gesture that may have confused your partner? Why?
• What are examples of gestures or behaviors that can sometimes confuse you?
• Can you remember a non-verbal communication experience that was totally misinterpreted?

The topics of this publication: non-verbal communication, interactions, integration, observation skills