Christie Sterns – Seriously Fun Tips – Training Makes Cents***********************************************************4-20-12 – Poker Review – Particularly helpful for training multiple classes on the same topicObjectives: Energizer and new content review for people who answer repetitive questions on a topic (Call centers, public inquiry units, trainers and customer service areas)Time: 15 minutesResources: 1 gallon–size plastic bag, 10 index cards with questions and answers, three decks of poker cards, list of winning poker hands (Flip chart or PowerPoint), Prize (Certificate, post-it notes, pens, etc.), Instruction:

Before class: Print questions and answers from Word doc., cut into ten slips and fix to ten index cards. Shuffle the poker decks together. During class: Give cards to participants who asked question during class. Display the winning poker hands. Have class line up. Each person answers one question. They receive a poker card for each correct answer. Keep mixing up the cards so people don’t get the same question every time. This review works best with groups of 10 or less or one questioner for every ten people. Continue till everyone has at least 5 poker cards.After the review: Read down the list of poker hands. Give prize to the participant with the highest hand (I usually have three prizes in case of a tie but I have run this training review 20 times and yet to have a tie)

Source: Debra RileyTraining Officer Ohio Bureau of Workers’ CompensationEmail: Deb.R.1@bwc.state.oh.us

Question:

Answer

Question:

Answer

***********************************************************6-28-12 – ***********************************************************6-28-12 – 60 Second Challenge  Objective:  This energizer works great during that 2 PM slump. Timing:  2 minutes  Resources:  Whiteboards/flipcharts for each team, Markers Instructions:

1. Split the team into multiple groups (ideal team is 3-5 people).  2. Each team stands next to a flipchart. The flipchart should be turned away so the other team(s)

cannot see what is being written.  3. Tell the group that you will be announcing a topic and that they will have 60 seconds to write down

as many answers as possible on that topic.  The team that has the most non-shared answers wins. e.g. the topic could be Disney characters, the teams have 60 seconds to write down as many Disney characters as possible.

4. At the end of the 60 seconds, everyone turns their flipcharts and shows what they have written.  If more than one team has written, for example, Mickey Mouse, they must all cross it off.  It will not count.  If a team has written a name that is unique to that team only, they get a check mark.  The team with the most check marks win.  

Topics I've used in the past are:*    Disney characters*    Disney movies*    Cities that start with the letter M (feel free to change the letter)*    80's musicians*    Academy award winning actors/actresses*    The list is only limited by your creativity

Source:  Tarun Suri              Training & Development Specialist             B2B Bank             Email:  tarunsuri@rogers.com

***********************************************************5-17-12 - Paper Ball Review   Thanks to Amy Burke for this submission through the Seriously Fun Training Tips Contents. An energetic review technique, ideally suited for the afternoon when everyone's energy is running low. 

 Objective:   To review content while also energizing the learners. Timing: 10 minutes  Resources:

Two sheets of paper for each person Pens for everyone

Instructions:1. Write one question on each piece of paper. The questions should be about material covered in the

program.  The written questions can be ones people know the answers to or ones they would like the answers for.

2. Once participants have written their questions down, crumple the papers into balls.3. Each participant throws the balled papers to different people in the room.  4. Each participant picks up the paper balls and throws them again (repeat this four or five times to

get the participants moving and laughing).5. Take turns opening the paper balls and reading the questions.6. If the person holding the paper can give the answer, do it. If not, ask the others to try answering it.7. If no participant knows the answer, either the facilitator answers or the question is set aside and

revisited later in the day.

Source: 

Amy BurkeTraining and Development ConsultantProfessional Development TeamManulife Financial25 Water Street South, KC-4Kitchener, ON, N2G 4Y5(519) 747-7000 ex. 238189  amy_burke@manulife.com***********************************************************12-15-11 – 7 Key Words   This quick energizer will get people moving around and having fun.  Objective:  Energize your group. Review material Timing: 5 minutes

Resources: Index cards, Markers, Small box Instructions:

Give each participant an index card and pen. Ask them to write something about the day’s lesson in exactly 7 words - no more, no less, and then put the card into the box. It can be something related to content, methods, room or something they will change when they go back to their office.

Participants stand up, pick a card from the box, and try to identify what part of the lesson it relates to. They go up to one of the other participants to see if they are correct. When they find the right person, they sit down.

People keep walking around until they find the right person (they can approach people sitting down.) Continue until everyone is identified.***********************************************************9-15-11 – 5 Incredibles   This energizer is a quick way to infuse some fun into the day.   

Objective:  Break up the day and just have a little fun.   Timing: 5-10 minutes

Resources: Index cards, flipcharts

Instructions:

Before the training, create a list of topics and write each topic on a separate index card.

5 Incredible employer stories 5 Incredible injured worker stories 5 Incredible ways to create a safer environment

(For pure fun, write topics that are entertaining and a little "off the wall." Here are some ideas. Feel free to be creative and customize ideas your group will enjoy.  

5 Incredible ways to appear interested when you are really bored 5 Incredible ways to make time go more slowly 5 Incredible ways to clean your house without lifting a finger 5 Incredible ways to clean out your "inbox" without losing a message 5 Incredible ways to persuade a skeptical person to do what you want 5 Incredible ways to look 5 pounds thinner without losing weight 5 Incredible ways to throw a party in 15 minutes or less)

Participants work in small groups at flipcharts. They select a card, and everyone has 5 minutes to brainstorm as many ideas as they can.

Call "time." Everyone walks around and reads the other ideas. They can vote for the best ideas, and you can award a small prize, if desired.

Option:

You can also use this as a fun review exercise by completing the "5 Incredible Ways to" with topics that were covered in the training.***********************************************************9-1-11 – Fast Talk A quick review activity to remember key points

Objective: A fun way to remember important information.   Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: 3-5 flipcharts, Markers, Lively music    Instructions:

1. Before the training, think of several key categories where you want participants to focus and retain information and ideas.

2. It could be broad categories such as: "leadership, strategy, delegating" or more concrete categories such as "new software, invoicing, vacation policy."

3. Set up flipcharts and write one category at the top of each flip chart. Play some music to keep it lively.

4. Ask participants to move around the room and write at least one quick tip they want to remember for each category.

5. After 3 minutes, stop the music and survey the answers.

Debrief:   Ask participants to vote for the best ideas. Print the answers and distribute them to everyone after the training.  ***********************************************************8-25-11 - Surviving the Shark TankShark Tank is the US version of the popular Canadian business show Dragon's Den. This review exercise is based on those shows.

Objective: A lively review exercise to consolidate the training.  Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: Flipcharts, Markers        Instructions:

1. Pick 3 people to be judges.  2. Participants work in pairs to try to "sell" an idea from the training that they want everyone to put

into action. They have 2 minutes to think about the idea and put together a short pitch.3. Each pair has 30 seconds to present their idea to the judges, and convince them that their idea is

the most important one to implement. 4. The judges confer and decide on the best idea. They can award a small prize, if desired.

Debrief Questions:

Ask the judges how they based their decision, and discuss whether other participants agree or disagree.

***********************************************************8-4-11 – Key WordsThis fun exercise helps participants become familiar with BWC programs

Objective: To help participants build confidence in working with BWC programs.

Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: Name tents or paper to create name tents, Markers, Table to place the name tents        Instructions:

Ask participants to imagine they are putting up a program website. What keywords would lead people to them?

Give them 3 minutes to brainstorm at least 6 keywords or keyword phrases that describe their program. The phrases can be up to 5 words long.

Here are some examples to show on a flip chart or PowerPoint slide:

Incentive, mandatory, debit, credit, EMOD, rate Ask them to write the keywords on their name tent, in sequence, separated by commas. Then ask

them to place their name tent on a table. Ask everyone to gather around the table to read the name tents, and match the program to their

keywords.

Debrief:

Ask if anyone found out anything surprising about another program. 

***********************************************************7-21-11 - It's like...  This quick review technique uses metaphor and analogies.

Objective:  Metaphors and analogies give the brain something to hold onto, which helps make information stick. 

Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Index cards, PensInstructions:

1. Before the training, identify the key information that you want participants to remember. List the topics on a flipchart or PowerPoint slide.

2. Ask participants to work in teams to create a metaphor or analogy to help everyone remember the key point or topic. They should begin with: "It's like...."

For example: When discussing change in an organization, participants might say: "It's like being lost on a country road with no road signs."

Debrief:

Ask teams to read their metaphors out loud. You can post them on the wall, and vote for the best one.***********************************************************7-14-11 - Press the Reset Button Everyone loves transformations, and this review activity helps participants remember and share what they want to change as a result of the training. Objective:  Help participants transfer training into action. Timing: 5-10 minutesResources:  Index cards, Pens Instructions: Ask participants to work in groups of 5-7. On an index card, each person writes one thing they were doing before the training that was addressed in the training. They then pass their card to the person on their right. Each person reads the "before" on their card, and "presses the reset button" to suggests the best new activity, based on the training. Examples:

Before: I was cold-calling clients without a script. Reset: I will use a script to cold-call clients.

Before: I frequently forgot to send in my expense reports on time. Reset: I will send in my expense reports within 3 days.             

 Debrief:   Ask for volunteers to read out loud the "before" and "reset" on their cards. Ask if anyone has an even better "reset" to add to the card.  

***********************************************************6-30-11 - Raising the Bar  This quick review technique is easy and fun.

 Objective:   Help participants review material and make it stick.    Timing: 10 minutes  Resources:  None  Instructions:    

1. Have participants sit in groups of 4-6. If you are a small group you can do this together. 2. One person begins by saying something they found valuable about the training. 3. The next person repeats it, and raises the bar by adding, "Not only that, but also......" and adds

something more. 4. The next person repeats the ideas from the first 2 people, and adds something more. Continue in

this way until they run out of ideas or time.Option: You can have someone record the ideas, and then share the best ideas with everyone.  

***********************************************************6-16-11 – About.ItThis is a creative content review.  Objective:  Help participants get acquainted with new material in a fun way.  

Timing: 15 minutes Resources: Index cards, Colored pens or pencils Instructions:

Explain that About.It is a website where people post essential information about the subject to their online clients, listing their profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or anywhere else online.

Ask each person to create an About.It profile with the following:          

*  A few words about the main points of the topic *  Most important point learned today *  Where more can be found at OhioBWC.com

Participants walk around the room, meet and shake hands, and exchange what they have written on their cards. After 3 minutes, call "time" and ask them to meet someone new, and get to know them as well. Continue as time permits.

Debrief:

Invite people to look-up additional information about the topic online if they wish to.***********************************************************6-9-11 – Tweet for SuccessThis is a creative review activity based on Twitter.   

Objective:  Help participants review content and remember it. Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: A few laptops, Blackberries or IPhones, Index cards, Pens

Instructions:

Ask how many participants are on Twitter (most groups will have at least a few). For anyone who is not, explain the simple premise: to write a message of 140 characters. People who are not on Twitter can sign up immediately on the laptop, at no cost, or can "share" someone's account for this exercise.

Option:

You can take this completely offline, and assign a limit of 20 words to be written on the index cards.

Ask someone who is familiar with Twitter to set up a group (#group name) and give everyone the hashtag.

Each person Tweets the best tip they learned from the training. The group receives all the tips, in a handy format.***********************************************************6-2-11 - The Like List  This is a creative review technique. 

Objective:  Help participants review material in a fun way.  Timing: 10 minutes

Resources:  Large sheets of paper and pens, tape

Instructions: Participants work alone to create a "like list" of things they learned in the training that they want to

remember and apply using the alphabet as the first letter of "like" they want to remember. 

For example:A - always be thoroughly prepared for sales calls, especially when time with the customer is shortB - be customer focused at all times  C - capture the customer's attention with a story related to the message being delivered, etc. 

Have them tape their like lists to the wall, and walk around to read each other's lists.

Options:

They can vote on the most creative or most complete list; you can award a small prize to the winner.

You can also publish the best lists in a company newsletter or on the Intranet.***********************************************************5-26-11 – Word Blast  This review exercise is a fun way to recap the training.   Objective: Participants review materials in an "out of the box" way. Timing: 10 minutes  Resources: PowerPoint slide or flipchart.  Instructions:  

1. Use the following list of phrases, or create your own. You can pick up any magazine and read the titles or captions for more ideas.

2. Write your list of phrases on a PowerPoint slide or on a flipchart. 3. Divide participants into groups of three. Ask them to use as many phrases as possible to tell a story

about key content from the training. They should be as imaginative as possible, but the story still has to make sense.

4. Give them 5-10 minutes to create their story. Then have each group read the story aloud.    Ideas for phrases:

  Tip of the iceberg Finishing touches Fringe benefits Fresh start A new dawn Rock it Trust Us Piece/peace offering Metal detector Hot mess Middle management Most wanted We'll drink to that Go bigger Slam dunk Between the lines

Debrief:

 Ask them what they liked about the stories, and how a story can help them remember content. Option: You can ask them to vote for the most imaginative story, and award a small prize to the winning team. ***********************************************************5-12-11 – Five Steps to Success  This is a quick review exercise to help participants transfer learning to the real world.

Objective: Review material in a fun way. Timing: 5 minutes

Resources: Index cards, FlipchartsInstructions:

1. Before the training, think of the main topics you want to review, and write one topic on each index card.

2. Divide participants into groups of about 5 or 6. Ask each group to select one index card and move to a flipchart.

3. Tell them they have 3 minutes to think of the five key steps to success for that topic, and write it on the flipchart.

Debrief:

Review all the flipcharts with the whole group. Ask if there is anything missing that can be added, and now these steps can help them use their new knowledge back on the job.

You may want to send them a recap of all the steps, after the training.***********************************************************4-14-11 – Tell Us About ItThis quick review technique taps into participants' creative juices and encourages them to use newly acquired material.

Objective:  A review technique that reinforces learning.  Timing: 5-10 minutes

Resources: Flip chart paper for each group , Colored markers for each groupInstructions:

1. Divide participants into groups or 3-5. 2. Ask groups to choose one key learning from the training, and create a magazine or newspaper

advertisement to promote what they learned. 3. Tell them they have 5 minutes to complete a group ad. They should be as creative as possible,

using drawings and words.4. Display the "ads" and vote for the best one. Award a small prize to the winner, or to everyone for

their efforts.

***********************************************************3-31-11 – 67 Seconds of Fun (Review)This energizer is a fun break for participants.

Objective:  Participants stretch their legs. Timing: 5 minutes

Resources: Choose one (content) category, such as food, music, movies, sports, or hobbies (rates, coverage, programs).

Instructions:1. Give everyone a second to think about what their (new content fact) favorite item is in that

category - e.g. for the food category my favorite would be peanut butter (entity type, EM factor, experience period).

2. Tell participants that they have 67 seconds to circulate around the room, and find out the favorite item for the category chosen, from as many people as possible. They can write the name and item on an index card, or try to remember it. (Writing will take more time, so it's a time/memory game).

3. After 67 seconds, ask them to stop. The person who can remember correctly the most people's favorite items (content tip) wins.

4. Repeat this game several times as time permits, using different categories.

***********************************************************3-10-11 – What's Your Number?This activity is a fun way to review key topics.

Objective: Review key information in a lively, active game. Time: 10 minutes

Resources: Index cards, A few sets of dice, A stopwatch or timer Instructions:

1. Divide participants into 2 or more teams. Give each team a set of index cards, and a set of dice. 2. Give teams 2 minutes to brainstorm the 5 most important topics or concepts that were covered in

the training. Ask them to write one topic on each index card. 3. Collect all the cards and shuffle them. Distribute 5 cards to each team. 4. One team goes at a time. A team member selects an index card and  throws the dice. That person,

with the help of their team, has to come up with the number of ideas or points on the dice. For example, if the dice rolls to 6 and they select a card on "better customer service" they have to come up with 6 ideas for better customer service.

5. Give each team 30 seconds (or as long as you think is appropriate for the topic.) If they come up with the right number of appropriate answers, they get a point.

6. Continue with the next team, and so on, as time allows. You can provide a small prize for the winning team.

***********************************************************2-24-11 – Memory Hunt

This review activity uses cards to help participants match definitions to their meanings.Objective:  Review key concepts and terms quickly, in a fun way. Timing: 5-10 minutes Resources: Index cardsInstructions:

1. Ahead of time, write key concepts on index cards, one per card. On a second set of cards, write a definition for each key concept, one per card. For larger groups, create a few sets so participants can work in teams.

2. Ask participants to gather around, and help each other. Place all the cards, face down on the table.3. Each person takes a turn to turn over 2 cards. If the concept matches the definition, they win a

point. If not, they turn the cards face down, and the next person takes a turn. 4. When someone remembers where to find the matching cards, they can jump in and select them. 5. Keep playing until all the cards are matched up. 6. There is no individual winner. When all the cards are matched, everyone wins. 7. In larger groups working in teams, the first team to match all the cards wins.

***********************************************************2-17-11 – Inspire, Persuade, ConsultIn this review activity, small teams of participants have to "sell" or "teach" a concept or idea to the larger group, using one of these methods: Inspire, persuade, consult.  Objective:  Help participants review and solidify material.  Timing: 10 minutes Resources:    Choose a specific concept or area of material to review. Create slips of paper. Each slip should have one of these words: Inspire, Persuade, Consult

Write the following concepts and explanations on a flip chart or PowerPoint slide.

Inspire: Create enthusiasm by appealing to people's values, ideals and aspirationsPersuade: Use logic and facts that lead to attaining the desired resultsConsult: Involve people in planning the strategy, activity or changeInstructions: 

1. Break participants up into small teams of 2 or 3.2. Each team selects one slip of paper. 3. They have 3 minutes to devise a strategy to sell or teach their concept to the larger group, using

the method on their slip of paper. 4. They have 2 minutes to sell or teach their concept or idea to the larger group. 5. After all the teams have finish, everyone votes for the team that was more effective in teaching the

concept, using the method they selected.  ***********************************************************

2-10-11 – Race to the Finish This is a fun review activity for teams.  Objective:  Have teams work together to review material.  Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: Before the training, create a crossword puzzle using key words from the training. You can create one puzzle, or a few different ones, using one of the many free crossword puzzle makers online (www.varietygames.com).

Instructions: At the end of the training, give each group a crossword puzzle to complete. The first team to complete it correctly wins a small prize.

Option: If participants have laptops, you can ask each team to create their own crossword puzzle, using a specific number of words from the training. Teams switch puzzles, and compete to see which team finishes first.

***********************************************************2-1-11 - Draw the Perfect...Objective: A visual icebreaker or review activity. Time: 10 minutes

Resources: Flip chart sheets, MarkersInstructions:

Ask participants to draw "The perfect________". You fill in the category: employee, customer, product, sale, process, boss, etc...

After a few minutes, ask teams to explain their drawings to the group or others at their table. If you've used it as an opener, you can use the drawings as a form of needs analysis. What topics recur from group to group?

If you've used it as a review exercise, ask the group to help you extrapolate the key learning points, and see if they have anything to add.

***********************************************************1-27-11 – The Shape of Things to ComeObjective: Keep participants reviewing and adding fresh ideas. Time: 10 minutes Resources: 3 large sheets of flipchart paper, posted around the room. On each sheet, draw one of the following shapes: a large square, a large circle, and a large triangle

Instructions:

To complete an activity, or at break time, ask participants to go to one or more shapes and write any ideas they want to remember. In the square: An idea that resonated or "squared" with them, which they want to put into action In the circle: An idea that came full circle - something they knew before, but were not putting into action; they now have a fuller understanding and can put it into action. In the triangle: Something they are looking at from a new angle, as a result of the training. At the end of the day, give participants an opportunity to read the ideas in each shape, and add any final ideas. At the end of the activity, ask participants to ideally pick one idea from each shape and put it into action.

***********************************************************1-20-11 - Chewy Takeaways

A quick, fun review activity to use at the end of the day, or at any point when you want to make sure participants understand the material you covered.Objective: Helps participants clarify and solidify information. Time:  5-10 minutesResources: Paper and pensInstructions: Ask participants to write their five best takeaways from the training on a piece of paper. Underneath, they write their favourite type of chewing gum, and their name and address.

Ask them to crumple their papers into balls, and toss them into the middle of the room.

Each person picks up a ball of paper and reads the takeaway. They take the paper home and send it back to the owner in 30 days, along with a piece of their favourite chewing gum.

Tell them that when they receive their original ideas in the mail, they should enjoy the gum and "chew on the ideas" while they put their ideas into action.

***********************************************************1-13-11 - Buoyant Reviews

Objective: This is an interactive way to review content. Time: 10 minutes 

Resources:  Balloons, Question on slips of paperInstructions:

Prepare slips of paper with questions that review content from the course. Insert one slip of paper into each balloon, and blow up the balloons. Create bouquets and tie the balloon bouquets to chairs around the room.

Ask participants to select a balloon and bring it back to their table. At their tables, participants take turns popping their balloons and answering the questions inside. If they can't answer the question, they can ask for help from others at the table.

Debrief Questions:

Were there any questions you could not answer at your table? Can anyone else in the room provide the answers?

***********************************************************12-30-10 - Red Hot QuestionsThis icebreaker activity helps participants find out some unique traits about their colleagues.Objective: Give participants a fun way to get to know the "real" person they are working with. Use to determine the questions the group has about the topic.Use as a refresher on important points of the content. Time: 10 minutes Resources: Index cards or slips of paper. To make this more fun, write the questions in red ink.  Instructions:

Print one "red hot" question on each index card or on slips of paper - enough for all the participants. Or be creative and write your own "red hot" questions that are appropriate for your group. Hand each table group enough questions, faced down. They take turns pulling a card and answering the questions. If the question is too "red hot" and they prefer not to answer it, they can ask if anyone else wants it. If someone answers the question, the person next to them takes the next question. Continue until everyone has answered at least one question.

1. Tell the group one thing about your cultural heritage.2. Tell the group one idiosyncrasy about you.3. Tell everyone about one embarrassing moment, and how you dealt with it.4. Name 3 foods that you ate in your car or at your desk in the last week.5. What is the silliest name you ever gave a pet or someone in your family?6. Name one famous person that you would love to meet, and how you would act if you actually met

that person.7. Tell the group your worst habit.8. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? How close did you come? 9. Who most influenced you (positively or negatively) when you were growing up?10. What is your most irritating task at work? What is your most fun task?

1. What is the most significant thing you learned about the subject?2. How can you apply what you learned today?3. When is this material going to affect your daily work?4. Who else should know about this topic?5. List three new things you learned about the topic.6. How will this information change your daily routine?7. How can this information improve your operation?8. What else would help you in your daily operation?9. Are there any remaining questions about the topic?10. What other areas are affected by this information?

There is no right or wrong way to do this. As long as participants keep answering questions, they will break the ice in an enjoyable way.

***********************************************************12-23-10 – New Ads from Old This review activity is actually good for the environment, because you are recycling ads!

Objective: Review the training in a creative way.   Resources: Magazine ads Time: 5-10 minutes

Instructions:

Before the training, look through old magazines and tear out some full page ads for products. You can use anything from business magazines, to fashion or food magazines. You can increase the challenge by choosing a magazine that is completely different from the subject of the training, such as fly fishing or muscle building.

Note:

Make sure there are words on the ad, not just pictures. For example, an ad for shampoo or body lotion may have words such as: clean, fresh, relax, fragrance, shiny.

1. Choose a concept or process you are teaching, such as "Leadership" or "new payroll software."2. Team up participants. Give each group one ad, and ask them to create a short new ad to describe

the designated concept or process, using as many of the words from the ad as possible.3. After 5 minutes call time. Have each group present their original ad, and their recycled ad to the

larger group. 4. The larger group can vote on the most creative ad. Award a small prize to the winner. (optional)

***********************************************************11-4-10 – Let Me Entertain You Objective: Review material to help it stick. Time: 10 minutes Resources : noneInstructions:

At the beginning of a training day or series of days, divide participants into groups, and tell them that they are responsible for creating an entertaining way to review a specific topic.  If there is enough time, entertainment could include producing a short video, writing a song, creating a skit, choreographing a dance, etc... If there is limited time, they can draw a picture, write a dialogue or interview each other, etc... Give them some time to create their entertainment. At the end of a training day, or during breaks, different groups can entertain (and educate) the other groups.***********************************************************10-***********************************************************10-21-10 – PuzzledObjective: To energize the group.  Timing: 10 minutesResources: Take 3 or more pictures of your key products, or get pictures from company brochures or your website about your key services. Another option is to get pictures from magazines related to your products or industry.

Enlarge the pictures to at least 8 x 10 inches, and mount them on foam core or cardboard. Then cut them into puzzle pieces.

Instructions: For smaller groups, everyone works together. For larger groups, you may want to have a few sets of the puzzles, and have people work in teams.

Put all the puzzle pieces into a pile on a table, and ask participants to put them together.

Set a time limit, and see how fast participants can figure out the puzzle. You can also have teams compete to see who is fastest. To make it even more difficult, ask them to work in silence.

You can award a prize to the winning team.

Debrief: To turn this into a review activity, once they have completed the puzzle, they have to prepare a list of the benefits customers (or employees) receive from their product or service.***********************************************************10-7-10 - Leaps & Bounds

Objective: Review material and re-energize a tired group. Time: 5 minutesResources: NoneInstructions:

Here are several scenarios when you can have participants move ahead in "leaps and bounds."1.  Quick tell: Ask everyone to stand up (or jump, if they feel like it). Tell them that in order to sit

down, they have to tell their table group, or the whole group, something they learned that they will put into action.

2. Slow poke is out: Ask everyone to stand or jump up and stretch. The last person in each group to stand up has to tell the group the best thing he/she learned so far.

3. Earn a break: Just before a break, ask a few people to take a turn and stand/jump up, and offer their best tip or idea so far.

Note:   This can be more or less vigorous, depending on the ages and make up of your groups. Make sure there is enough room for people to stand up easily.  

It's amazing how revved up people get from standing or jumping up!***********************************************************9-30-10 - Balloon Beacons Objective: A fun, active review.  Materials: 4 or 5 balloons of different colors, Colored dots, 4-5 flip charts & markers Time: 10 minutes  Instructions:

Blow up the balloons. On each one, write a different subject that you will cover in the training. Towards the end of the training, tape each balloon to a flip chart, placed in different areas of the room. Spread a group of colored dots on each table, and ask each participant to take one; or randomly hand each person a colored dot. Ask participants to move to the balloon of the same colour.  Ask them to list as many key points about the subject as they can remember. You can give them a time limit if you like.   Debrief:

Ask participants to circulate and look at the key points for the other subjects. Encourage them to ask questions and share their most relevant key learnings.  After the training, send a list of all the key points from the flip charts.***********************************************************9-2-10 - Idea Bandits Objective: Get participants moving around the room and having fun as they review content from the training.  Time: 10 minutes Resources: Index cards - Pens for each participant Instructions:

Hand out a card to each participant. Ask them to write their top 3 ideas or "takeaways" from the training on the cards.  Tell them they have 2 minutes. Ask them to move around the room and show their best ideas to each other. When someone sees a good idea, they "steal" it and write it on their own cards. Call "time." Ask people to add up the number of ideas they "stole."  The person with the most new ideas wins.  Debrief:

Ask the winner to read out loud all the new ideas. Anyone else is welcome to steal those ideas as well.  Optional: provide a small prize for the winner***********************************************************8-26-10 - A Song to Remember Objective:  Use music to review course content. Timing:  10 minutes

Resources: Radio or IPod with speakers to play music, Sheets of paper, Pens, Tape Instructions:

Group participants at the flip charts. Ask them to brainstorm the three most important ideas they got from the workshop and write them on the flip chart.  

Start the music, and ask people to circulate at a brisk pace. Stop the music. Ask participants to regroup at the nearest flip chart (you can ask them to move to

make the groups more even). Now ask participants to select one idea from the nearest flip chart, and think of a song that will help

them remember the idea. They write the name of the song on the paper.

Debrief:

Ask each group to sing or hum part of their songs out loud (if they are brave), and have everyone guess their idea or song. If it's too hard to guess, have them tell the others the idea, and the name of their song.*********************************************************** 8-19-10 – Ideas Lunch box Objective:  Bring up problems and find solutions from the training. Timing:  10 minutes

Resources: 3-5 Flip charts, Index cards, Some dollar-store plastic lunch boxes or pails, or other kinds of baskets Instructions

Distribute the flip charts around the room, or tape up large sheets of paper. Put a lunchbox or basket beside each flip chart.

At the beginning of the day, ask participants to go to the flip charts and write 1-3 problems or challenges they are facing. For example, "How can we....?" "What's the best way to deal with....?"

After the questions are written, the facilitator goes around the room and puts a number beside each question.

After lunch, or part way through the training, give each participant a few index cards. Ask them to move around the room to look at the questions. They write suggestions on their cards, with the number of the question, and put them in the lunchbox.

Debrief:

Towards the end of the day, team up participants and ask them to go to a different lunch box. They take turns selecting an index card, and discussing the problems and solutions. They can add any new ideas they have, and read them out loud to the group.***********************************************************7-29-10 – Playing ReporterObjective: A fun review exercise to help participants get the best out of the training.

Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Paper, Pens, Photocopied sheets of the following questions for each participant, with space for answers Instructions:

Tell participants that if you want to get the best of out of something, you have to ask questions and listen carefully. Give each participant a sheet of questions. Pair up the participants, and assign them A or B.

"A" begins by being the reporter and asking "B" the questions. Then switch roles.1. What are the most valuable lessons you learned today?2. What was most challenging for you to learn? Why?3. What is the biggest mistake to avoid in doing your job?4. What do you do to stay up to date, or to continue learning?5. If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting your job, what would it be?

Debrief:

Ask participants to share the most interesting or valuable things they heard when they were the reporter.

***********************************************************7-22-10 – Tricks of the Trade

 Objective: There is always a better way to do things. This review activity helps participants share the best way to do things and reinforce the key parts of the training in a fun, innovative way.  Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Index cards, Pens, A bulletin board and pins, or tape to attach the cards to the wall Instructions:

Ask participants to work in small groups. They should each come up with at least one new thing they learned in the training, and discuss how they can now do it better or how they will apply the new learning on the job..  They write each new "trick of the trade" on an index card and hand it to the facilitator. The facilitator should attach all the index cards to the wall, so everyone can read them. Debrief:

Participants read the cards, and take turns telling the group which "trick of the trade" they like the best, and will put into action.  Option: Add the best "tricks of the trade" to your company newsletter or Intranet.***********************************************************7-15-10 – “Coles/Cliff Notes" for Training  Objective:

As trainers, we know how challenging it is to help participants retain the training after the session ends. This review exercise helps participants remember key parts of the training.  Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Paper, Pens Instructions: Ask participants to imagine that they are creating a set of "Coles/Cliff Notes" "to make a long story short."  Assign each group a different section of the training. They should work in small groups to write the most important thing they learned, in 15 words or less.  Debrief:

Each group presents their "Coles/Cliff Notes" to the rest of the group. You can collect them afterwards and put them together, so everyone has an abridged version of the course. ***********************************************************4-29-10 – Take 5Objective: Use as an icebreaker to help people meet and connect or as an energizer for fun. Timing:  5-10 minutes Resources: PowerPoint slide or flip chart with the sentences listed below.Instructions:On a slide or flip chart, write these 5 sentences:

1. I've always wondered about...2. I've always wondered about (content)...3. If I could stay at any age, I'd like to be...4. If I could do anything at BWC, it would be…5. If I had the day off tomorrow, I would...6. The one thing that would make today successful for me would be…7. The most fun thing I did this year is...8. The most fun thing about my job is…9. I've always wanted to (but never had the courage to) ....10.If I was training this class, I would be sure to…

11.If I was the manager, the first thing I would do is…12.If I could choose any job it the world, it would be…

Participants work in groups. They have 3 minutes to quickly complete each sentence. Then they share their ideas. This is a lot of fun!***********************************************************3-9-10 – Is That a Fact?

Objective:  Review information in an interactive exercise.  Timing:  5 minutesResources:  NoneInstructions:

1. Define the topic you want to review. For example: Facts about the new XYZ program. 2. Define what a "fact" is: Something that you know has happened, or is true. (source: Oxford ESL

Dictionary).  3. Select two judges, and divide the rest of the participants into two teams. Ask the teams to sit in two

circles. Flip a coin to see which team goes first.

Going quickly around the circle, each person has to say a fact they learned about the topic. They can't repeat a fact that someone else stated. This can become surprisingly difficult to do without repeating facts or introducing opinions.

If someone says something that the other team doesn't think is a real fact, or that has been stated before, they can challenge it by saying "Is that a fact?" The judges decide if it is really a fact or not. If it's not, the first group loses a point.

After a few rounds, when you see people are running out of facts, the team with the most points wins.***********************************************************2-18-10 – Prove It  Objective:  A quick review or preview of the content.  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:   Index cards and Pens Instructions: 

 Group participants, and ask them to come up with 2 statements to prove or disprove. They write one on each index card. The statements can tie in with the topic of your training, or can be just for fun. Examples:

o Customers respond better to open-ended questions than to closed questions. o Nobody here likes winter

Participants walk around the room and talk to as many people as possible. They poll the other participants to see if they agree or disagree with the statement, and put a checkmark on their card each time someone agrees.  

If time permits, they continue with their second statement.

Debrief Questions: What have you proven, based on the opinions of fellow participants.

************************************************************2-16-10 - Toilet Paper Icebreaker Objective:  A fun review to help participants remember what they learned. Timing:  5-10 minutes Resources:  A roll of toilet paper per group Instructions: 

1. Form participants into groups, and hand a roll of toilet paper to each group. 2. Ask each participant to take as many squares of toilet paper as they wish, and then pass it along,

until everyone has some. 3. Participants count the number of squares they have, and then have to tell that many things to the

group about what they learned or what they will do differently on the job.

Variation:  Use this as a review exercise. Participants have to say the number of new things they learned in the training, according to the number of squares of toilet paper they took.  ************************************************************2-4-10 - Green is the New...Objective:  Review content and ideas from the workshop. Timing:  10 minutes Resources: Flip charts and markersInstructions:   

1. Form groups of up to 6 at each flip chart. 2. Ask participants to take 3 minutes to brainstorm things they learned in the training that are

completely new, or that build on something they knew before. 3. Ask the groups to come up with a catchy way to remember at least three new things they learned,

using (New idea) is the new (old idea). For example: "Open-ended questions are the new brain dump," or "Twitter is the new cell phone." 

Debrief: Ask each group to present one or more catchy phrases to help them remember the key concepts of the learning. ************************************************************1-28-10 - A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Objective:  An original way for participants to get acquainted with an idea. Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  Paper and colored pencils or crayons for each participant  Instructions: 

1. Explain what a mind map is, and draw an example on a flip chart to illustrate it. A mind map is a diagram that uses single words, or numbers, dates, symbols and illustrations, to visually connect ideas and information. It usually begins with a word in the middle (the person's name or a key concept), and has lines branching out like a tree. You can see an example here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

2. Ask each participant to write the concept in the middle of a piece of paper, and then create a mind-map of the idea, using words, numbers, dates, symbols and illustrations. They can include information about related ideas and interactions (their role or job duties), etc...  

For example:   A safety person might draw a ladder Someone who doesn't have a cell phone can draw a cell phone with a line through it; A person who used to live in Dayton might draw an airplane A person who works in DSH can draw a picture of a safety sign 

They should include a mix of obvious and less obvious information.  3.    Ask them to have fun decoding each other's mind maps! Debrief Questions:  

What did you learn about each other and about the concept? 

Did you find this an easy or more challenging way to get to discuss the concept?************************************************************1-21-10 - My Crazy Day Objective:  Add fun and humor to technical training. Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:    A flip chart or PowerPoint slide and a deck of cards per groupInstructions: On the flip chart or slide, make a list like the following.  Cards:

Ace: exciting

2: Deductible 3: Group Retro 4: heroic 5: romantic 6: fun 7: stormy 8: almost fatal 9: "staycation" (cheap) 10: 10 Step Safety Plan Jack: amazing Queen: weird King: whatever you like

1. Group participants at tables, and give each group a deck of cards.  2. Have the group select one participant to begin. He/she chooses 5 cards, and describes an employer

visit or conversation using the words related to the cards. The conversation can be fabricated - the most important thing is that it's imaginative and entertaining.

3. The storyteller returns the cards and reshuffles the deck, and the person to his/her left selects 5 cards and tells the story of his/her employer interaction.

Continue as time allows. You may want to set a time limit, so each person in the group has 3 minutes to tell their story.  ************************************************************12-31-09 – What's Your Take On This?Objective: Participants create different kinds of questions to ask each other, to make the learning stick.   Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Flip charts and markers or paper and pens at each table Instructions: 

1. Divide participants into small groups at flip charts. Give each group a different category, as follows: Sense, feel, interpret, act.

2. Ask the groups to come up with questions that they could use to review the training, or ask customers, based on their category.

Examples:  Sense: What are some of the key actions that you can see we need to take?Feel:  How do you feel about.....?Interpret: What trends do you see in the area of...?Act: What will you do first to put .... into action?Circulate around the room as participants develop their questions, and give them feedback.Then form groups of four, with one person from each category in the new group. Have them ask and answer the questions they created. Debrief Questions: What different perspectives did you uncover by asking different kinds of questions? How can you use this with customers, or in other areas of your work?************************************************************12-17-09 – Questions on the Walls Objective:  Helps participants solidify information during the training.  Timing:  10 minutes Resources: A #10 envelope per person, Masking tape, index cards Instructions: Each person takes an envelope, and puts it on their table, so the back of the envelope faces towards them, and the flap is up. (The front of the envelope, where you write the address and place a stamp, is face down).  Each person writes his/her name on the flap of the envelope, and a question they need help with, on the body of the envelope. Then they attach the envelope to the wall. 

Ask participants to circulate, read the questions, and find one or more questions they can answer. They write their answers on an index card, and insert the index card in the envelope. They can also include their name and contact information if they want to let their fellow participants know that they can act as a resource, or provide additional support in the future.  Ask participants to retrieve their envelopes, and read the answers.  Debrief: 

What creative answers did you receive for your questions? How did you enjoy getting help from group members?

Source:Adapted from "50 Creative Training Closers" by Lynn Solem and Bob Pike. Jossey-Bass, Pfeiffer ************************************************************11-5-09 – At the End of the Day Objective:  Recap key concepts or terminology.   Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  NoneInstructions:Divide participants into groups of 3-5, and ask them to imagine it's the end of the training session, or a project they are working on. They should imagine the session or project was completed successfully, and they are toasting a job well done. Ask the group to write the three accomplishments that they are most proud of, or the key information or skills they learned that will help them when they are back on the job.  Debrief Questions: Ask each group to relate one of their accomplishments or key learnings. Point out that by imagining the best possible outcome, they are creating the ideal scenario for completing their project or making the training a success. Now encourage them to put all these ideas into action! ***************************************************************10-22-09 – Truth or Lies?Objective:  Discover what people really learned! Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  index cardsInstructions: Prepare index cards with the following questions on them (or create your own questions). Create one set of cards per group.

What is the most recent process for…? When does the … happen? What part of your job do people in a different line of work have no idea that you do? What is the most helpful thing that you learned today? What job-related nightmare will this information solve for you? What new process will you incorporate from this class? What piece of information will you share with your co-workers? Which process that you do has the most impact on other people’s jobs at BWC? Who has the most important job at BWC? What's the most important part of your job? Why?

Ask participants to work in groups. One person begins by selecting a card, and answering the question - truthfully, or not. Other members of the group have to vote as to whether the person is telling the truth.  If the majority votes correctly, the person who answered the question selects another person to choose a card and answer the next question. If the majority is wrong, the first person answers another question - for up to two rounds. After two rounds, the first person chooses another group member to select and answer a question. 

Debrief Questions:  What answers surprised you?

What interesting information did you learn about the topic?Questions for icebreaker:

If you could do one aspect of your job with super-human speed, what would you do faster? What is the slowest hour of the day for you? What part of your job do people in a different line of work have no idea that you do? What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you while doing your job? What job-related nightmare do you have? What's the best business book you ever read? What's the worst piece of business advice you ever received? If you could hire someone to do the parts of your job that you like the least, what would you ask

them to do? If you could trade places with anyone at your company, who would you trade places with? What's the most fun part of your job?

************************************************************** 10-8-09 – A Toast to Learning   Objective:  Help participants feel good about the training, and retain more information from it.   Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Wine glasses, cups or mugs and  wine or fruit juice Instructions:Ask each participant to give a toast to the group or someone they enjoyed working with, and mention the best thing they learned.  This is a great way to show appreciation to other team members, and remember the key points from the training.************************************************************** 10-1-09 - Your Name in Acronyms Objective:  Timing:  10 minutes Help people remember each other's names, and find out some interesting information about them.  Resources:  Paper and pens (optional)  Instructions:Give participants 5 minutes to think of interesting facts about themselves that correspond to the letters of their names.  For example, "Chris" could say: C is for cheerful, because I'm a cheerful person. H is for healthy, because I'm a runner. R is for relax, because I love to relax at the end of the day. I is for independent, because I like to do things my own way. And S is for sympathetic, because I'm a sympathetic person.  Ask participants to share their acronyms in groups, or with the whole room.  Variations: Have participants create acronyms about a current project or something they are working on.

Debrief questions: What did you learn about each other? Who came up with a really creative way to describe him/herself? What is the advantage of a creative description?************************************************************** 9-17-09 – Use this quick review activity to wrap up a session in a fun way.  The Object of My Desire   

Objective:  To add a bit of fun and energy to the review process.  Timing:  5-10 minutes  Resources: – A large gift bag filled with small objects, such as miniature toys, an eraser, candy bars, and other office supplies or items from a dollar store.  Instructions: – At their tables, one person from each group pulls an object from the bag. The groups have 30 seconds to make up a story about something they learned in the training, using the object. For example, "This eraser will help me erase all the ineffective ways I was talking to my customers, so I can use the effective ABC techniques I learned today." "This deck of cards will help me trump the competition when I use the XYZ strategy we discussed this week."  Debrief: – Each group tells their story to the whole group. Ask if the stories weave together to cover all the key learning points. Was anything important left out? **************************************************************9-10-09 – Idea Shuffle Objective:  An engaging review session.   Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  Index cards – Pens – Music Instructions:

Distribute 4-5 index cards to each participant. Ask participants to jot down on their index cards important ideas they want to remember from the

training, as these ideas come to them. At the end of the day, ask participants to stand up, and start the music. Ask them to circulate, and find a partner when the music stops. They compare notes, and if they find something on the other person's list that they don't have, they

write it on their cards. After 5 minutes, ask for a volunteer to read their ideas out loud.  

Debrief Questions: What are the best ideas you picked up from someone else?**************************************************************9-3-09 – Rate the Answers Objective:  To review important material in a fun way.   Timing:  15 minutes  Resources: Flip chart paper – PensInstructions:

Divide participants into three groups: A, B and C.   Ask groups to write two questions about the materials covered, on the flip charts. They can use any

course materials provided, but after they write the questions they have to put the materials away. Ask Group A to pose a question to Group B. Group B answers as thoroughly as possible. Group C rates group B's answers, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best possible answer. If the

group scored lower than 10, group C should explain how the answer could have been improved. Group B poses a question to Group C, and group A rates the answers in the same way. Continue the process until each group has asked at least one question to each of the other groups.

If time allows, continue until all of the question are asked. 

Debrief:What were the most useful questions and answers you heard?**************************************************************

8-20-09 – 1,2,3 Connect – Objective:  To learn about each other and create bonds.  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  Index cards and PensInstructions: Ahead of time, choose 6-8 of the questions below, and print one on each index card. Assemble a package of cards for each table group.  

1. Ask participants to work at tables. 2. Put a package of cards at each table. 3. Ask one person to begin by selecting a card, and reading the question out loud. 4. Each person responds to the question in turn. 5. Continue with two more rounds, so each group answers a total of 3 questions.

Debrief:

What commonalities did you find in your group? Did you find out anything surprising?

Questions: 

1. Excluding your own, who would you most like to be your parents, and why? 2. What talent would you most like to have, and why? 3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 4. If you had to choose one adjective to describe yourself, what would it be? 5. What is your favorite holiday or tradition? 6. What single, non-living item would you rescue from a fire? 7. What's the best piece of advise anyone ever gave you? 8. If you could go anywhere for two weeks, where would you go? 9. What is your favorite city, and why? 10. If you had to compare yourself to any animal, which animal would you pick? 11. If you could pick a favorite age to stay for a while, what age would you pick and why? 12. What are you most proud of about yourself or your achievements?

**************************************************************8-6-09 – What if? What else? Why not?  Objective:  To brainstorm and solve problems in a fun way.   Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  A flip chart, with the three questions written on it: What if? What else? Why not?

Instructions: 

Ask participants to work in groups, and to appoint a group recorder. You can give each group a different problem to discuss, or give everyone the same problem.

Explain the questions, as below, and give them 5 minutes to brainstorm solutions.

What if? Write down the first things that pop into your mind about your challenge, no matter how outrageous. What else? See if you can expand on each idea, either with a new idea, or a variation of your idea. Why not? Figure out why an idea would not work. If there's a genuine impediment, discard that solution.   Debrief questions:

How many do-able ideas did you find?

What did you find that did not work? Why not?  

Source:   

By Maria and Charlie Girsch, www.creativitycentral.com; in Creative Training Techniques May 2003**************************************************************7-30-09 – 99 Words  Objective:  To review content using 99 words - or as close as possible.   Timing:  15 minutes  Resources:   Paper and pens or computers  Instructions: The idea is to review important content, and remove anything unnecessary.   Assign a topic from the training, or allow participants to choose their own topic to present. It could be the definition of a concept, a step-by-step procedure, or a report on some aspect of the training.

Ask them to write a 99 Word piece on their topic, in a clear, straight-forward style. They should begin with a fast draft, remove unnecessary words, and edit by deleting or adding words to bring it to the required length.

Debrief: Ask participants to volunteer to read their 99 words aloud. Listen to as many participants as time allows.   Source:  THIAGI GAMELETTER: March 2009

Sign up for the Thiagi newsletter at: http://thiagi.com**************************************************************7-23-09 – Poker Motivator  Objective:  Encourage group participation Timing:  Throughout the session  Resources: 

Deck of cards

Instructions: When participants do something you want to reward, such as asking questions, returning from breaks on time, or participating in discussions, reward them by giving them a playing card.

 At the end of the session, provide instructions as to what constitutes a good poker hand. Ask the participants to create the best poker hand they can with the cards they have received.  Those with the most cards have the best chance of winning. 

Source: Marsha D. Egan, Leadership Lights; http://www.Leadershiplights.com**************************************************************7-16-09 – Roving Experts Objective:  To review content interactively  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Place Flip charts in the four corners of the room MarkersInstructions: Ask for four volunteers to go to the corners of the room. Ask them to each write a topic where they feel they could answer questions for the content covered in the workshop. Ask participants to spread themselves evenly at the flipcharts. Someone from the group is to ask "the expert" a question about the topic listed. When the "expert" (volunteer in the corner) answers the question correctly, he or she joins the group and the question asker becomes the content expert.   If volunteers don't know the answer, they stay in their place for another round. After that, they can ask someone to take their place, and they join the group.  Ask everyone to move with their group to the next corner, and repeat.

Debrief Questions:

How did you feel as the content expert? Did any questions stump you? How did this help you review the material?

**************************************************************7-9-09 – Kinesthetic Evaluation Objective:To conclude a training session on an upbeat and playful note; to explore how we assign meaning to an activity.  Timing:  2 minutes  Resources:  None Instructions: Give the following instructions. Perform each action as you give the appropriate instruction.

Please stand up. Close your eyes. Keep them closed tightly. Now open your eyes. Make sure your eyes are open for

the rest of the activity. Turn around completely 360 degrees so that you are facing the same direction you started with. Raise your right hand and make a fist. Bring it down and touch the left side of your chest three

times. Please lower your hand.

Debrief: Keep a poker face and explain the meaning of the activity in a serious tone: In a few minutes, you will be filling out the standard smile sheet for evaluation purposes. I thought we should precede it with a whole-body evaluation activity. 

Later, if anybody asks you about today's training session, you can truthfully say:"It brought me to my feet. It opened my eyes. It turned me around completely. It touched my heart." Ask participants if they learned anything else from the activity. Explain what you learned: It is not the activity, but the meaning that we attach to it, that makes it important.  Source:  THIAGI GAMELETTER: March 2009Sign up for the Thiagi newsletter at: http://thiagi.com**************************************************************7-2-09 – Trading Up Objective:  Review content and make it stick.  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  Index cards, Pens or markers

Instructions:

1. Give each participant three cards, and ask them to write down three new behaviors or skills they learned in the workshop that they would like to use in the workplace, one on each card.

2. Collect the cards and shuffle them. 3. Deal out the cards so everyone receives three new cards. If they randomly receive their own card,

that's fine. 4. Ask participants to circulate around the room and "trade up" by exchanging cards to better fit their

own needs and ideas. Give them enough time to make a few exchanges. 5. Ask them to select one card to keep, and sit down. They should be ready to commit to the behavior

on this card for one month, and agree to put it in a location where they can see and review it regularly.   

Debrief Questions:  What good ideas did you read? What idea are you committing to? 

**************************************************************6-25-09 - What Do You Want to Know?  This icebreaker helps participants ask their most pressing questions, and helps you to clarify their expectations of the training.Objective:  Get people involved and focused on the content for the course.  Timing:  10 minutes Resources: Index cards, Pens or markersInstructions:

1. Review the course learning objectives and agenda. 2. Hand out a few cards per participant, and ask them, in light of the agenda and course objectives, to

write their most pressing question they hope the course will address. 3. Collect the cards, shuffle them, and hand one card back to each participant (this maintains

anonymity). 4. Ask them to answer the question the best they can. Even if they only have a little information, it will

help them clarify what they know. If they have no idea, that's OK.  They should just put the card aside.  

Debrief: Ask each participant to read the question on their card and their answer (if they have one) to the group. Let them know which questions will be addressed and which ones won't.  For those questions that will not be addressed, explain why it is outside of the scope of the workshop and if possible, point them in a direction where they can get this information.  **************************************************************6-18-09 – Music to Remember By  Objective:  Reviewing course content by using music and movement, to help people form stronger connections with the ideas. Timing:  10 minutes 

Resources:  Radio or IPod with speakers to play music (you may want to pre-select some lively music) Sheets of paper Pens Tape  

Instructions:1. Ask each participant to write the three most important ideas they got from the workshop, one per

sheet of paper, and tape the papers to the walls. 2. Start the music, and ask them to circulate around the room at a brisk pace. 3. Stop the music. Ask each participant to read out loud the idea closest to them, and then remove it

from the wall. 4. Play the music again, and continue several times until all the ideas have been read out loud and

removed. 5. Ask them to return to their seat with the ones they removed.

Debrief: 

Ask for volunteers to read out the best idea they collected from the ones they removed from the wall and consider how they will apply it on the job.  **************************************************************6-4-09 – Team Tangle Objective:  Have teams work and laugh together.   Timing:  20 minutes Resources: A ball of yarn; A pen and paper for each groupInstructions: Form teams, and ask one person in each team to begin by telling one new thing they learned in the training, or important point they were reminded of from the training. Once they have, wrap the yarn loosely around his/her wrist. That person throws the yarn to another team member, who shares their thoughts, wraps it around his/her wrist, and so on, until everyone has shared and no more ideas come up.  Have the teams move to the pen and paper. This will be a challenge. When they get there, ask the person with the nearest birthday to jot down the ideas the team expressed. They will have to work as a team to accomplish this.  Now ask them to take their wrist out of the web. Does the web hold up without them? Expect laughter. Debrief Questions:

How well did you work as a team? What did you learn from this exercise?  How do you see the web?

Adapted from Marsha D. Eagan's Leadership Lights. www.Leadershiplights.com**************************************************************5-28-09 – And the Winner is...  Objective:  To review course content and end the training on a fun note.    Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Ballot box, Ballots prepared ahead of time as outlined belowInstructions:Ahead of time, prepare 5 ballots for each participant.  Pre-record one category (see below) on each ballot:

Most engaging or helpful segment of the training Best idea from a participant Most interesting question asked Most useful comment Idea most likely to be used 

Give each participant their 5 ballots. Ask them to fill in the ballot with the winning idea for each category and put them into the ballot box.

 Have each person select one ballot and read it to the group. They can comment or elaborate on it if they wish.  Debrief questions:

Do you agree with the winners? Why or why not? Was anything important left out? 

As time permits, select and discuss other "winning" ballots.**************************************************************5-21-09 – Connect the Dots  Objective:  Help participants review material in a fun way.   Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Flipcharts – Markers – Paper – Pens Instructions: Participants work in small groups at flipcharts.  1. Ask each group to make three large circles on their flipchart, and write three topics they learned

about in the workshop, one in each circle. For example:  

Four step process for opening a presentation in a dynamic way Ways to handle Q & A session effectively Interactive techniques to engage the audience 

2. Ask groups to circulate to another flipchart and look at the topics listed by their colleagues. They should now "connect the dots" by writing down more specific things about that topic that they learned such as:

recording the actual four steps that constitute a good opening planting a question in the audience to make sure important concepts are brought up and discussed naming a specific technique to engage the audience such as "Think; Pair; Share"

3. As time permits, have them circulate again.  Debrief: Ask the whole group: What concepts from the course were you reminded of as you circulated around and connected the dots?**************************************************************4-23-09 – Star Gazing  Objective:  Help participants review material in a fun way.   Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Flip charts, Markers, Coloured stars Instructions: Group participants into small teams at flipcharts, and ask them to choose a group recorder. (Example: the person with the longest first name).  

1. Tell them they have three minutes to write as many key points as they can from the workshop. Encourage them to come up with at least 5 items. Call "time" after three minutes.

2. Ask them to move to the next flipchart. Give them one minute to read the list and put a star next to the most interesting and valuable items.

3. Ask them to move again to the next flipchart. They can add a second star to anything they did not see before that they think is valuable.  

Debrief: This is a creative way to share takeaways.    Ask the whole group to look at the flipcharts, and see which items have one or more stars. These should be the most important things for them to remember. This can provoke interesting discussions about the most important information from the workshop.  

**************************************************************4-9-09 - Weddings   

 Objective: To review material from the training.  Timing: 15 minutes  Resources:  None  Instructions: Ask participants to work in small groups, and share the following information:

1. Something OLD that you already knew about the content. This could include something you forgot and relearned. 

2. Something NEW that you learned in this session. 3. Something BORROWED: something you learned from a manager, colleague or peer about the

content. 4. Something BLUE: something you hope for in your job, or in future training (blue being the color of

the heavens, and of hope).

Debrief: Ask people to share their best ideas with the larger group. Contributed by Hélène Meloche of Hélène Meloche CommunicationsPhone:  (819) 772-8463. **************************************************************4-2-09 – Say It In 3 Objective:  To review material from the training. Timing:  15 minutes  Resources: Paper – Pen    Instructions: Ask participants to think of something significant they learned in the training, and explain it to a partner or small group in three sentences. Sentences can be up to 15 words, but not longer. Give them about 5 minutes to write their sentences, so they explain their ideas clearly and succinctly. Then ask them to share their sentences with their partners or groups. 

Debrief: Ask several participants to share their stories with the larger group. 

Adapted from an icebreaker by Marilyn Duncan-Webb**************************************************************3-26-09 –The Same, But Different    Objective:  Open up discussions about similarities and differences of content to what they already know or have already done.  Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  None Instructions: Ask participants to work in small groups of 3 or 4. Give them two minutes to find all the similarities between this process or operation and other operations that they do, such as skills and subjects. Now give them two more minutes to find out all the differences of this content to other operations. Debrief: Ask questions such as: How do the similarities help you work with this process? How can you use the differences to remember the process?  **************************************************************3-5-09 – The Writing on the FloorObjective:  This icebreaker helps participants learn about each other, while tying in to your topic.Timing:  5-10 minutes  Resources: Papers with quotesInstructions:

1. In advance, prepare slips of paper with quotes on them.  You can tie the quotes to a skill or subject you are teaching, or have motivational quotes to get people to laugh together and bond. There are hundreds of websites with quotes. Just type the word Quote and your topic into a search engine.  

2. Before the workshop begins, scatter the slips of paper on the floor. 3. Ask participants to wander around the room and shop for a quote they like.

4. Participants work at tables, or with the whole group, and read the quote they selected out loud. They can add a story or say what the quote means to them, or just let the quote speak for itself.

Debrief:  Ask the group which quotes meant the most to them, and why.  **************************************************************2-19-09 - A "To-Don't" List Objective:  Review technique  Timing:  10 minutes Resources: Flipcharts, Markers Instructions:Divide participants into equal groups around the flip charts. Assign each group a different part of the content you covered.  Ask them to review what they learned, and write as many Don'ts as they can. These can be things they should stop doing, or not start doing because they are ineffective.  Debrief: What To-don'ts did you find? What should you do instead?    **************************************************************2-12-09 – Two Truths & a Lie -The New Way   Objective:  To review content and help make the learning stick.  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources: Paper – PensInstructions: You've probably heard of the activity "Two Truths and a Lie" as an icebreaker, where people use it to find out more about each other. In Bob Pike's Creative Training Techniques Newsletter, he provides another way to spin this enjoyable game.  Why not use it as a review technique? Have participants work in groups of three to brainstorm two facts about the content covered in the training, and one lie.  Then re-form the groups of three.  Participants share their two truths and the lie, and the others try to guess which of the three "facts" is actually a lie. This is a great way to have fun while reviewing.  Debrief:  Ask participants to share anything they were surprised about.   * Adapted from Creative Training Techniques, newsletter July 2007 ***************************************************************1-22-09 – Yellow, Green, Black and Blue  Objective:  This activity is a fun way for people to ask questions. It can be used to break the ice when you start a new topic, or for review at the end of a workshop. Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  Flip charts and markers in yellow, green, blue and black  Instructions: Put one of the following questions and examples at the top of each flip chart: Brown questions: neutral, objective (What is our biggest challenge?)Green questions: creative (What if we...? Suppose we...?)Blue questions: positive, optimistic (What about ....? Why don't we try...?)Black questions: negative (What should be avoid?)   Assign a topic you have covered, or a new topic you will cover (to see how much they know about it). Group participants at flip charts, and ask them to come up with as many questions as possible for that category, related to the topic you gave them.  Debrief: Ask a leader from each group to read out their questions. Point out all the types of questions you can ask about a topic, and how the questions you ask can lead to different type of answers. Ask them to select the questions that are most important to them, and tell them you will try to answer

them during your training, or in your summary at the end of the session (if appropriate). 

**************************************************************1-8-09 – The Giraffe's Long Neck

Objective:  Participants review and reinforce their key learning points.   Timing:  5-10 minutes Resources: A small dictionary for each group; Paper; Pens   Instructions: Ask each group to choose a leader. The leader opens the dictionary to any page, and randomly chooses a verb or noun. For example, the leader picks the word "giraffe." Everyone has three minutes to use the word in connection with something you covered in your training.  At a course on presentation skills, the sentence might be, "A giraffe has a long neck, and we now have a long list of new ways to make training interactive."  Have each group take a turn to read out their most creative or funniest sentence. Option:  As time allows, do several rounds, choosing a new word each time.  Debrief: Ask how the words they selected made them think about what they learned in a new way.**************************************************************1-2-09 - Play it Forward Objective:  To review and solidify material   Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  Large cardboard – Flip chart or bulletin board – Sticky notes – PensInstructions:Place packages of sticky notes on each table. Each participant writes one or more great ideas from the training, that they want to tell other employees who didn't attend the training.  They can read them out loud in groups, or to the whole room. Then they place them on a large cardboard, flip chart, or bulletin board, which you can place outside the cafeteria or somewhere that other employees will see it.   Debrief: Ask participants to follow up after the training, and speak to one or more employees about what they learned. **************************************************************12-18-08 - On the Big Screen  Objective:  Icebreaker to help people prepare for learning.  Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  PowerPoint slide or flip chart and markers

Instructions: Write the three questions on a flip chart page or a PowerPoint Slide.

Explanation: Imagine that Hollywood wants to make a movie about this subject or process! They are looking for 3 main ideas, and three main characters for the movie.  

1. What three main processes or details will you feature in your movie? 2. Who are the 3 main characters (including you)? 3. A plot synopsis of the movie? (Have fun with this!)

 Participants have 3 minutes to quickly answer each question individually. Then they share their ideas in groups. This is a lot of fun! Debrief: Ask participants what they learned about the subject that was unusual or interesting. **************************************************************12-4-08 - What's your PSA? 

Objective:  To help people review and summarize what they learned  Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  flip chart – markers Instructions: Explain to the group that they are going to write a PSA (Public Service Announcement) that sells the benefits of your product or company. The PSA will be a 30-second commercial. Have the group select a reporter to share the PSA with the group.  Variation:  Select a song that represents your group or product.  Debrief: Ask them how they can incorporate any of the ideas into their sales calls or some aspect of their job. **************************************************************11-27-08 - Biggest Do's and Don'ts  (Content) Objective:  Review technique  Timing:  10 minutes Resources:  flip charts and markersInstructions:Divide participants into equal groups around the flip charts. Assign half the room the "Do's" and the other half the "Don'ts." Ask them to review what they learned, and write as many "Do's" or "Don't" as they can. Call time after 5 minutes.  Debrief: Ask them to walk around the room to see what other people wrote. Then select a few people to tell you a new "Do" or "Don't" that they discovered.  Collect the flip charts and write up their lists. Send them to all the participants after the training as a good reminder of what they learned.

**************************************************************11-20-08 – Take 5  Objective:  Icebreaker to help people meet and connect. Timing:  10 minutes  Resources:  PowerPoint slide or flip chart, or printed sheets with the sentences below. Instructions: On a slide or flip chart, write these 5 sentences:

1. My current state of mind is... 2. The most fun I ever had was when... 3. If I could do it all over again, I would... 4. I never met a ____________ I didn't like 5. Before I die, I must see.... 

Participants work in groups. They have 3 minutes to quickly complete each sentence. Then they share their ideas. This is a lot of fun! Debrief: Ask participants to share the most interesting thing they heard.  

**************************************************************11-6-08 – Fortune Tellers  Objective:   To break the ice in a fun way.  Timing:    10 minutes Resources: 

Strips of paper similar to what you find in fortune cookies, but a bit larger pens or pencils

paper bag or box

Instructions: Tell participants that they are writing fortunes to go in fortune cookies. They can write something

related to their team and projects they are working on, or more general fortunes. Remember: the fortunes must be positive. 

Collect the fortune strips in a box or bag. Then everyone selects a fortune and reads it out loud.

Everyone will have good luck after this!

**************************************************************10-23-08 – Key Words  Objective:  To help participants review and associate terms from the training. Timing:    10 minutes  Resources:  Paper, pensInstructions:

1. Ahead of time, prepare a list of terms or key words that you will be using in the training. 2. To review a section of the training, read out one key word at a time. 3. Ask participants to write everything they remember or associated with the key word. It can be from

information you covered, or their own associations with the word. For example, when you say: Customer Service, they might write: respect, service, complaints, communication, etc.

Debrief:Ask people to volunteer what they wrote. You'll find out what people are thinking, similarities in viewpoints, and possibly problem areas or topics that need to be addressed.**************************************************************10-16-08 – Ball Toss   Objective:  To review key concepts in a fun way. Timing:    5-10 minutes  Resources:  a large, soft ball such as a beach ball or koosh ballInstructions: Have the ball ready. Ask participants to reflect and write down some new ideas they picked up.  Tell them that you will be asking them to share their thoughts.  Gently toss the ball to someone who looks like they are willing to participate.  When they catch the ball, ask them to share their idea and toss the ball back to you.  Toss it to another participant and continue the exercise until everyone has contributed or until time runs out. **************************************************************10-9-08 - One-Minute Sales Presentation Objective:  To help participants remember and articulate what they learned. Timing:    3 minutes per participant Resources:  Paper and pens Instructions: Ask participants to think of how they would explain or sell the main idea of the course to someone who did not attend. They will have 60 seconds to convey the most important ideas.  Give them two minutes to think about it, and write their ideas on paper. Then ask each person to stand up and give a one-minute presentation that would "sell" their idea to someone else. For larger groups, or if time is short, you may only want a few people to present. They can also present in small groups, instead of to the whole room. 

**************************************************************

10-1-08 – 120 Seconds of Fun  Objective:  To review the main concepts from the training.  Timing:    5 minutes  Resources:  None Instructions: Ask participants to think of their biggest "take away" from the training session. Tell them they have two minutes to share their take away with as many people as possible. They circulate and exchange information. Call time, and ask a few people to share their idea with the larger group.    

**************************************************************8-7-08 What If?  Objective:  Team building, using your imagination, laughing together  Timing:    15 minutes  Resources:  Pen and paper for each person  Instructions:Ask each participant to write 3 "What if" questions on each piece of paper, leaving space for people to write answers underneath. The questions can be funny or silly, or something they have wondered about. Give a few examples to start them off: 

What if you had as much money as Bill Gates? What if your dog could talk to you? What if you had super powers?

Ask participant to pass their papers to the right. Each person answers one or more questions, using their imagination. After three rounds, ask each person to read their favorite question and answer from the page they have. You should have some funny results!

If time permits, you can do a second round of questions and answers.  *****************************************************7-24-08 It's Your Lucky Date   Objective:  Break the ice and have people get to know each other better.  Timing:    10 minutes  Resources:  Coins that participants have in their pockets or wallets.   Instructions: Ask each person to take a coin out of their pocket or wallet and look at the date. In groups, each person takes a turn to talk about something significant that happened to them in that year. If they can't remember anything significant from that year, they can talk about something that happened around that time in their life. 

*****************************************************7-17-08 Tallest, Strongest, Most Functional  Objective:  To improve team work and leadership skills Timing:    15 minutes Resources: For each group of up to 5 participants, a box of straws (not flexible straws), and a box of paper clips. Make sure the paperclips fit snugly into the ends of the straws.   Instructions:Ask the groups to build a structure together, using the straws and paperclips. Debrief:Look at the structures, and decide which is the tallest, strongest, most creative, and most functional.  Ask participants to describe how they used teamwork and leaderships skills to build their structures, and what they learned from the tasks.  

*****************************************************

7-10-08 My Compliments Objective:  Reinforce relationships and have everyone feel good.   Timing:    10 minutes  Resources:   1 piece of paper and pen per participant Instructions:Each person writes their name in the center of a piece of paper. Ask participants to pass their papers to the person on their right. That person writes something positive about the person whose name they receive. They don't have to sign their name. Continue in this way until everyone has written something on all the papers. When participants receive their own papers back, they will feel great seeing all the positive things people have written about them.**********************************

6-26-08 – Secrets RevealedObjective: To help participants get to know each other and work well together.  Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Blank index cards and pens Instructions: Ask each person to write something about themselves that others in the group don't know. It could be a hobby or interest they never talked about, somewhere they have travelled, or anything else that's unusual about them. They should not sign the cards.

Put the cards in a bag or box. Have each person select a card. Participants walk around the room and try to find the person that matches the card.  Debrief: Ask who learned something new and interesting about a co-worker.************************************************************6-19-08 - Alphabet Review – by Christie Sterns Objective: A quick, fun way to review content Timing: 10 minutes Resources: NoneInstructions: Ask participants to recite the alphabet together. After a few seconds, yell "Stop!"  Identify the letter where they stopped, and ask each person to say something they want to remember about the content, that begins with that letter.  Start the alphabet again, and stop 2 or more times in this way, as time permits.******************************

6-05-08 – TRAINING THE TRAINER – 12 Rules of Successful Safety Meetings, Part 1 of 2 – by Catherine Jones – Safety XChange newsletter

You've prepared and tested your PowerPoint presentation, arranged for demonstrations and gathered visual aids and props. Your workers know what the topic of discussion will be. You've come to accept your pre-talk jitters and recognize them as normal. All in all, you're feeling pretty well prepared for the weekly safety talk. Now you have to swing into action and deliver it. Here are 12 rules to ensure that your delivery is as effective as your preparation.

Rule #1 Start the meeting on time. If you run late, they start looking at the clock. Such distraction can ruin a carefully prepared presentation.

Rule #2 End the meeting on time. If you promised to keep it brief, keep it brief. If you promised to end by a certain time, end at that time. Understand that your audience wants to get back to work. Their time and patience is limited.

Rule #3 Observe the KISS rule. Keep it straightforward and simple. Zero in on just a few key points and don't bore your audience by reviewing the whole safety manual in a single session. When it comes to safety training sessions, less is more!

Rule #4 Stick to your agenda. Control the meeting and don't let it turn into a social hour or a beef session. You should be flexible enough to respond to concerns expressed during the session but still keep to the topic.

Rule #5 Encourage questions. Remind participants that there's no such thing as a dumb question. Questions enable you to make important points and get a sense of whether your message has gotten through. Repeat questions in your own words to make sure you understood and that everybody in the audience heard the question.

Rule # 6 You don't have to have all the answers. If a question comes up that you can't answer, don't fake it. Promise to look into the matter and report back at the next safety talk. Better yet, direct the question to your audience to see if any of the participants have an answer.

Rule #7 Find ways to involve participants. For example, ask them for examples of hazards and safeguards related to the topic. Another good idea is to have audience members pick a partner with whom they can take turns practicing the safety technique being discussed. Devices like these maintain audience interest and promote retention of the discussion.

Rule #8 Use Humor. This is another way to keep the attention of your listeners and help them remember what's been discussed.

Rule #9 Show interest in your topic. Trust me, you can't keep an audience engaged when the speaker appears bored with the topic. So be as animated as you can without resorting to acting or behavior that is unnatural for you.

Rule #10 Treat your audience with respect. Keep in mind that your participants may include workers who have years of experience on the job. Some of your participants might even have developed the safety procedures you're discussing. Draw on the collective wisdom in the room. Invite them to comment or demonstrate techniques. If the topic is familiar to your audience, treat it as a review. At the same time, guard against complacency. Remind participants that even experienced workers develop unsafe habits.

Rule #11 End your meeting on a positive note. Sum up the key points that are outlined on your copy of the talk along with any further action that you want workers to take to follow up on the safety meeting. Thank the audience for taking the time to participate in the session.

Rule #12 Honor your promises. If you promise to follow up on a safety concern for (or before) an upcoming meeting, make doggone sure that you do. There is no surer way to lose both credibility and respect than making promises you don't keep.

Conclusion

Weekly safety talks are an excellent way to keep in touch with current safety concerns in your workplace. They're also an excellent way of emphasizing any safety accomplishments that have been gained by the group. Next week, we'll look at 7 common safety meeting problems and how to troubleshoot them.

6-12-08 – SAFETY MEETING SUCCESS – Overcoming 7 Common Problems, Part 2 of 2 – by Catherine Jones

There is probably no such thing as a bad safety meeting. Any time people get together to talk about how to work safely, something good has to come out of it. But some safety meetings are certainly better than others. Last week, we covered the 12 rules of successful safety meetings. Today, here's a brief guide to help you avoid common safety meeting problems.

1. The Latecomers

Problem: Latecomers keep everyone waiting for the start of the meeting. Or they disrupt a meeting already underway.

Solution: Set a firm start time for your meeting. And enforce it. Start the meeting promptly at the designated time. Tell latecomers that you'll fill them in on what they missed after class.

2. The Department of Redundancy Department

Problem: Each meeting is exactly like the one before it, and the one before that one, and so on and so on.

Solution: Repeating the material may be necessary for learning. But there's a fine line between repetition and echoing. You can make the same points but present them in a variety of ways. Spice things up a bit. Change your approach, change your lesson plan, change your activity, change your tone of voice. Even change your speaker by inviting a guest speaker from time to time.

3. The Scene Stealing Gimmick

Problems: Trainers often use gimmicks such as skits, role-playing and other dramatic devices to spice up their presentation. This is something that should be encouraged. But don't let the gimmick steal the scene.

Solution: Make sure that whatever gimmicks you use supplement but don't become the message. Keep the focus on communicating the safety information. If a visual aid or prop is stealing the attention, say "this isn't working" and take back control of the meeting.

4. The Gripe Fest

Problem: The safety meeting turns into a complaint session in which participants air their grievances about everything from lack of parking spaces to holiday staffing arrangements.

Solution: Although safety sessions should be interactive, they should remain strictly about safety. Don't let irrelevant concerns elbow out the safety message. There's a time and place to discuss other matters. But it's not at your safety meeting. So if somebody raises a non-safety matter, cut off the conversation and bring the discussion back to safety, where it belongs.

5. The Hecklers

Problem: There may be people in the room who crack jokes or make harassing comments during your presentation.

Solution: Dealing with hecklers isn't easy. Don't get defensive; just smile and keep going. If possible, try to spin the heckler's comments to make them relevant to the point you're trying to make. If the heckling persists, you can turn the tables on the heckler by assigning him or her to conduct the next meeting.

6. The Chatters

Problem: It's not uncommon for individuals to conduct private conversations with each other during a safety presentation.

Solution: There are two ways to approach this problem. If you are moving about while giving your presentation, walk over to the chatters. Often, just by standing by them will be enough to quiet their conversation. Another technique is to draw the chatters in by asking them for their thoughts on the topic. You'll score more points if you can remain polite rather than snappish. But you do need to be firm and keep control over the meeting.

7. Inappropriate Remarks

Problem: Sad to say, the world is full of bigots. Sooner or later, one of them might attend one of your meetings and make an ethnic, sexist, religious, racial or otherwise inappropriate slur.

Solution: Put a stop to this kind of talk immediately. Don't do anything that even remotely suggests approval. For instance, don't smile at a sexist joke even if it draws a big laugh from the participants. There is absolutely no place for this behavior - in a safety meeting or anywhere else within your organization.

Christie Sterns – Seriously Fun Tips – Training Makes Cents

**************************************************************

My Strangest/Worst Job Ever – 5-9-08Objective: Participants get to learn something new about each other.

Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: None

Instructions: This can be done with the whole group, or by dividing participants into smaller groups.

Ask each person to talk about their strangest or worst job ever. This will often be their first job. Some people may have done some surprising jobs when they were teenagers.

Debrief: If participants were in smaller groups, ask them to tell the larger group the funniest or most surprising thing they heard. **************************************************************Me, Inc. – 4-24-08Objective: To help participants build relationships and work well together.

Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: Blank name tags, markers

Instructions: Give each person a name tag. Ask them to imagine they are a corporation, and think of a symbol to represent themselves. Give them 3 minutes to think of a logo or symbol, and draw it on their name tag. The logo should represent something they want other people to know about them.

Ask participants to mingle and read each other's name tags. They can ask questions to get more information.

Debrief: Ask the group what they found out that is new and interesting about each other.

Color Crazy – 4-17-08Objective: Participants have fun as they get to know each other better.

Timing: 10 minutes

Resources: Prepare a slide with the following information:

Red: the color of a stop sign - what would you like to "stop" that is going on in your life?

Orange: the color of motivation - what is motivating you right now?

Yellow: the color of creativity color - what is the best idea you had this week?

Green: the color of growth - what did you learn recently?

Blue: the color of the sky - what are you dreaming about that you'd like to happen?

Purple:the color of royalty: if you could rule the universe, what is one thing you'd like to change about today's world.

Instructions: Ask participants to get into small groups. Call out a color from the slide, and ask participants to discuss their ideas in the group.

Debrief: Ask a few people to tell the whole group the most interesting idea they heard.

The Big Give   Objective: Get to know more about each other. Timing: 10 minutes Resources: None Instructions: Divide participants into groups of about 5 or 6. Tell them to imagine that their group receives a gift of $10,000. The only caveat is that they can't keep the money. They have to find a cause or group that really needs the money, and give it away. They have 5 minutes to brainstorm and decide who they will give the money to. Debrief: Ask each group to explain briefly who they will give the money to, and why.**************************************************************David Letterman's Top 10s – 4-3-08 Objective: To easily recap information from the training. Timing: 15 minutes Resources: 4 flip charts and markers Instructions: Before the training, prepare the flip charts by writing four key topics discussed in the training, after the words "Top 10". For example, Top 10 Customer Service Strategies. 

At the end of the training session, divide the groups around the four flip charts. Ask them to list the top 10 ideas they learned for that category. After 4 minutes, ask them to rotate to the next flip chart, read it, and add anything they can think of. Rotate twice more, as time allows. Debrief: Ask one person to go to each flip chart, and read out 1 or 2 ideas they like the best. **************************************************************Training Makes Cents Inc. creates and delivers sales and communication skills training programs that produce the behaviour changes you want. To find out how we can meet your training needs, call me at (905) 820-0830, or 1 866 813-0716.

Sweet Spots – 3-27-08 Objective: Help people get to know their teammate's strengths, so they can work together more effectively. Timing: 10 minutes Resources: Index cards, pens, basket for each table Instructions: Divide participants into groups, and give everyone an index card.  Ask each participant to think of their own "Sweet Spot" - a skill they have or an area where they excel. For example, it could be in analyzing reports, thinking of creative ways to solve problems, or being great at organizing events.  Ask them to write their "Sweet Spot" on the card, starting with "My Sweet Spot is (skill)". They should not write their names on the cards. Ask them to put all the cards into a basket on the table.  Ask each participant to pick a card from the table, and try to guess who wrote it. If they can't figure it out, the person reveals himself/herself. This should lead to some interesting discussions on how they can best use their strengths in their team.  Debrief: Ask if anyone found out anything surprising about a teammate.