Teambuilding is a major challenge for companies wishing to improve team cohesion. Among the many possible activities, improvisation games are particularly effective in strengthening bonds between employees while developing their creativity and ability to communicate. Find out more about the benefits of these fun exercises, as well as a few examples to put into practice at your next corporate event.
The benefits of improv games in team building
Improvisation games enable participants to learn to work together while having fun. Here are some of the main benefits of this approach:
- Development of verbal creativity: Improvisation encourages participants to express their ideas freely, helping to stimulate their imagination and richness of language.
- Improved communication: Through spontaneous, authentic dialogues, employees learn to better understand and respect the needs and expectations of their interlocutors.
- Increased self-confidence: By performing in front of their colleagues, participants become more aware of their abilities and gain in self-confidence.
- Team-building: The spirit of collaboration and conviviality that reigns during improvisation games encourages exchanges and helps break down existing hierarchical or relational barriers.
To discover other ideas for team-building activities, take a look at our dedicated article.
Examples of theatrical games for successful teambuilding
The baccalauréat game
This classic game is very simple, but helps to develop team spirit and stimulate verbal creativity. Players choose a letter at random, then find a corresponding word for each category (common noun, adjective, profession, etc.). The first player says the word he or she has found, and the others have to respond with a word starting with the same letter in the same category. You can add further constraints, such as a specific theme or syllable.
Impossible dialogues
In this exercise, two participants are invited to create a dialogue, following a specific instruction: each sentence must end with a word beginning with the next letter of the alphabet. A variation might be to forbid certain letters or sounds. The difficulties introduced as the exchange progresses force the players to listen and adapt, while at the same time calling on their powers of reflection and invention.
The statue game
The Statue Game is the ideal way to introduce the notion of body language. Participants must move freely in space, then stop when a signal is given. The leader can then suggest a situation or theme (fear, joy, a significant moment in their lives…). Each person is then asked to create a statue representing this idea through his or her body and facial expressions. The aim is to learn how to use the body to communicate, which also builds self-confidence.
Tips for organizing improvisation games in the workplace
Choose the right exercises
Depending on the objectives of the teambuilding and the profile of the participants, different games can be chosen:
- To improve non-verbal communication, opt for exercises focusing on body language and emotions.
- If you want to work on oral expression and verbal creativity, opt for situations involving dialogue and language constraints.
- Theatrical games with predefined roles are interesting for breaking down hierarchical barriers and encouraging collaboration between all team members.
Create an environment conducive to improvisation
To encourage everyone’s participation and commitment, it’s crucial to create a relaxed, caring atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to stress the importance of respect, listening and mutual support within the group.
Be attentive to participants’ needs
Throughout the activity, make sure you listen to the reactions and feelings of each player. Adapt the exercises if necessary to take into account the constraints or difficulties encountered by certain people.
In short, improvisation games are an excellent way of strengthening team cohesion while developing the individual skills of each member of staff. It’s up to you to choose the exercises best suited to your objectives and incorporate them into your teambuilding program!
