Elevator Air
A gentle, yet experiential way to introduce the desired tone of your program.
At A Glance
People cross to the other side of the circle in which they are standing in the manner of various ‘mind-states.’
What You Need
- A flat, open area to accommodate a wide circle.
- Minimum of 10 people.
- 5 – 10 minutes.
What To Do
Everyone knows what it means to be in an elevator. You step in, no one looks at you, you press the button for your floor. Doors close, and you instinctively glance up at the numbers blinking above the doors as if it holds the answer to the meaning of life. Moments pass, and you glance up again and can’t believe that you still have 10 floors to go. You can’t wait to get out… you know how it goes.
Share a little of this with your group, to get them ready for the what’s next. It will often spark a chortle or two, perhaps even a few comments about how dumb this all seems. Which, if this happens, is just perfect, and I recommend you allow it to occur.
Starting with a large circle, invite every person to simply walk to the other side of the circle from where they are standing as if they had just entered an elevator. No talking, barely any eye contact, and certainly no interaction. Take note of what happens, how it feels, etc. This is ‘Elevator Air.’ Ask your group to comment on how it felt for them.
Okay, ask everyone now to return to their original spots in the circle, but this time as if they were entering a room full of people they knew and had not seen in a long time. This is ‘Long Lost Air.’ Again, observe what happens. Without even saying it, I can guarantee they will instinctively go out of their way to interact with one another.
Now, put it to the group, which atmosphere felt the most comfortable? Which atmosphere do you believe would be the most productive? You can probably see where this is heading, right?
Take just a few moments to establish what caused the difference, and to connect this to your program. Typically comments such as “it was safer”, “I felt trusted”, “I knew everyone better”, “I was able to take risks” will be offered. Fantastic! Suggest that this is exactly what you hope to achieve with your program, and importantly, you invite every member of your group to take responsibility for creating this atmosphere right here, right now. You’re ready to move on.
Variations
- If your group needs a little warming up between ‘Elevator’ and ‘Long Lost’ Air, try ‘Highway Air’ – you know, that generally friendly, safe and more curious way we are with others when we are driving our cars as we acknowledge others in the vehicles. But of course, avoid any ‘road rage’ suggestions.
- Add a further (final?) crossing in the manner of walking into a wild party. Discussion can still follow which looks at the impact of “being” this way with people. For some, this will be very positive / fun, but for others, perhaps scary.
Taken and adapted from ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment’
If you know of a cool variation to this ice-breaker, please add a comment…
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Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
This blog shares some of the most successful group games, team-building activities & programming tips I know.
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