The Game of the Top Gesture

Top Gesture is a fun icebreaker game played in a circle that helps to exercise concentration and energize the group.

Explain that the only thing superior to the fox is a fox-trap but human beings are superior to traps because we know to avoid them. However, the only thing superior to a human might be a big fox.

Instruct your group to mimic and practise a series of three unique gestures representing:

• Fox: hold slightly-cupped hands on top of head
• Trap: extend both arms in front with open/close action
• Human: stand upright with hands on hips

Form a circle, and nominate one person to stand in the centre as the Initiator. Instruct the Initiator to stand directly in front of any person in the circle and quickly demonstrate one of the three gestures.

The Responder (standing in the circle) is challenged to immediately perform the superior gesture, eg if fox is initiated the Responder must perform a trap. Explain that timing and accuracy are critical.

If the Responder performs the superior gesture quickly, the Initiator will try again with another person. If the Responder reacts too slowly or with the same or inferior gesture, they are invited to swap roles with the Initiator.

Continue playing for several minutes or until your group begins to lose interest.

The topics of this publication: integration, interactions, observation skills, disinhibition, distension