Here is our guide to virtual show and tell.
We put this guide together after connecting remote teams through fun, interactive, engaging activities for years.
Virtual show and tell is an interactive activity where team members share personal items or stories with their colleagues via video conferencing platforms. This exercise fosters connection and empathy among team members by allowing them to learn more about each other’s interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. By engaging in virtual show and tell, teams can strengthen bonds, enhance communication, and build a sense of community. Ultimately, this exercise leads to increased collaboration and productivity in remote work environments.
Ideal group size:
6 to 15 players
Activity duration:
30 to 45 minutes
Cost:
Free
What you’ll need:
- Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
- Personal items or stories to share
- Presentation slides or digital sharing tools
How to do it:
Step 1: Introduce the Game and Rules
Before you start, explain the objective of virtual show and tell. Folks can start by sharing personal items or stories that provide insight into each team member’s interests and experiences. Be sure to emphasize respect and inclusivity, encouraging participants to actively listen and engage with each other.
Step 2: Establish a Sharing Order
To maintain organization and fairness, establish a sharing order either randomly or based on predetermined criteria. Consider using virtual tools like a random name generator or participant list to determine the order.
Step 3: Share Personal Items or Stories
Each participant will take turns sharing their chosen item or story with the group. Groups can provide context, anecdotes, or significance behind their selection to foster deeper connections among team members.
Step 4: Encourage Active Listening and Engagement
Participants actively listen and engage with each speaker by asking questions, offering compliments, or sharing related experiences. Active participation enhances team bonding and cultivates a supportive environment.
Step 5: Maintain Time Management
Be sure to monitor the time to ensure each participant has an equal opportunity to share. Consider setting a time limit for each sharing session to keep the game moving smoothly.
Step 6: Facilitate Discussion and Reflection
After each sharing session, facilitate brief discussions or reflections to encourage deeper connections and understanding among team members. Then, ask open-ended questions to spark conversation and encourage empathy.
Step 7: Foster Positive Feedback and Encouragement
Participants can provide positive feedback and encouragement to each other after sharing their items or stories. Genuine compliments and expressions of appreciation strengthen team morale and cohesion.
Step 8: Q&A Session
After each presentation, allow teams to ask questions about the item colleagues presented. Folks will get to know more about each other and bond this way.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Travel Souvenir
- Each participant selects a souvenir or memento from a memorable travel experience.
- Participants take turns sharing their chosen souvenir, describing its significance and the story behind it.
- Encourage participants to share cultural insights, personal anecdotes, or travel tips related to their souvenirs.
- Conclude with a discussion about favorite travel destinations, dream vacations, or cultural experiences.
- Consider incorporating virtual backgrounds or themed music to enhance the travel ambiance.
2. Workstation Showcase
- Participants showcase their remote workstations or home offices via video.
- Participants describe their workstation setup, including equipment, organization, and personal touches.
- Encourage participants to share productivity tips, ergonomic solutions, or creative workspace hacks.
- Conclude with a discussion about remote work challenges and strategies for maintaining work-life balance.
- Consider awarding virtual “best workstation” accolades based on creativity, functionality, or aesthetics.
3. Childhood Treasure
- Participants select a cherished item from their childhood.
- Each participant shares the story behind their chosen childhood treasure, including its sentimental value and associated memories.
- Encourage participants to discuss how their childhood experiences have shaped their personalities or interests.
- Conclude with a discussion about nostalgic moments, favorite childhood activities, or lessons learned.
- Consider incorporating childhood games or activities into the discussion to evoke fond memories and laughter.
4. Bookshelf Tour
- Participants give a virtual tour of their bookshelves or e-readers.
- Each participant selects a favorite book or literary genre to showcase and discuss.
- Encourage participants to share book recommendations, literary inspirations, or memorable reading experiences.
- Conclude with a discussion about the power of storytelling, diverse reading preferences, or the impact of literature on personal growth.
- Consider organizing a virtual book exchange or establishing a team book club based on shared interests.
Tips:
- Keep it concise: Set a time limit for each participant to ensure they can share without the session dragging on.
- Test tech beforehand: Encourage participants to check their audio, video, and internet connection to minimize disruptions during the activity.
- Provide clear instructions: Explain the objective, sharing order, and any rules or guidelines before starting to avoid confusion.
- Foster inclusivity: Create a supportive environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing, regardless of their background or experience.
- Encourage storytelling: Prompt participants to share personal anecdotes or experiences related to their chosen items to deepen connections.
- Be respectful: To create a positive atmosphere, remind participants to listen attentively, avoid interruptions, and offer constructive feedback.
- Embrace creativity: Encourage participants to think outside the box and share unique items or stories that reflect their personalities.
- Incorporate themes: Introduce themed sessions to add variety and spark interesting conversations.
- Celebrate diversity: Embrace the opportunity to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and interests represented within the team.
- Follow up: To reinforce connections, send a follow-up message or email thanking participants for their engagement and summarizing key takeaways from the activity.
Final Thoughts
Virtual show and tell is a powerful tool for fostering connection, empathy, and camaraderie among remote teams. By providing a platform for sharing personal stories and experiences, this activity creates meaningful bonds that enhance collaboration and morale. This exercise will allow colleagues to create new bonds and get to know each other better.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on making online meetings fun.
