Show and Tell (for Adults)

How to Play

Setup

1. Clarify time and group size: plan roughly 1 minute per person plus 15–30 seconds for transitions. For 8–15 people, expect 15–30 minutes. Larger groups should use breakouts.
2. Prepare a visible timer (phone, web timer, or slide countdown) and decide the speaking order (alphabetical, random draw, or popcorn).
3. In-person: Ask participants to choose a nearby, safe-to-hold object (e.g., mug, notebook, keychain). Arrange chairs in a circle or semi-circle. If possible, provide a small basket of neutral items for anyone who can’t find something.
4. Virtual: Invite participants to grab an item within reach or be ready to screen-share a photo if movement is difficult. Recommend “speaker view” for the share. Encourage names visible on screen.
5. Share the prompt in chat or on a slide: “Show us your object and tell a 1-minute story about why it matters—connect it to a value, memory, or lesson.”

How to Play

1. Model first: The facilitator goes first with a concise 60-second story to set tone and depth.
2. Establish expectations: Encourage curiosity, respect, and voluntary depth. Remind participants they may pass and rejoin later.
3. Call the first speaker and start the timer.
4. Each speaker:
   • Holds the object up (or shares a photo) so others can see it clearly.
   • Tells a 45–60 second story: what the object is, where it came from, why it’s meaningful, and how it connects to work or life.
5. After each share, allow one quick appreciation or question (10–20 seconds). Keep it optional to protect time.
6. Continue around the group. If time runs short, switch remaining shares to a 30-second lightning round or carry over to the next meeting.
7. Close with a brief reflection: “What did you learn about a teammate?” or “What theme surprised you?”

Rules

1. Timebox: 1 minute per speaker; facilitator manages the timer kindly but firmly.
2. Respect and safety: Stories must be work-appropriate; avoid confidential or sensitive client details.
3. Opt-in participation: Passing is allowed; participants can join later if they change their mind.
4. Active listening: Cameras on if possible, mics muted while others speak; use reactions/emojis for encouragement.
5. Physical safety: Choose non-fragile, non-hazardous items; handle objects carefully.
6. No judgment: Ask curious questions; do not offer advice unless invited.

Tips

• Offer starter ideas: a tool you use daily, a souvenir with a memory, or a desk item that reflects a personal value.
• Use a visible countdown to reduce anxiety and keep momentum.
• Model the depth you want—warm, concise, and personal but not oversharing.
• Celebrate each share with a quick clap or emoji reaction.
• For large groups, use breakout rooms of 5–7 with a timekeeper and rotate who starts.
• Capture themes on a whiteboard or in chat (e.g., resilience, family, learning) to reinforce shared values.

Variations

• Themed Round: Choose a theme like “resilience,” “first job,” or “creativity” to guide object choice.
• Photo Edition: If someone can’t access an object, allow a phone photo or screen share.
• Pair-and-Share: In pairs, take 90 seconds each; then rejoin and introduce your partner’s object in one sentence.
• Guessing Twist: Before the story, invite the group to guess what the object signifies.
• Rolling Icebreaker: Do 1–2 shares at the start of recurring meetings to keep it under 10 minutes.