Time: 3 minutes
Overview: This activity provides an opportunity for each person in the room to make a brief connection with everyone else in the room. When and Why: “Greeting Frenzy” lifts up the energy in the room and reinforces positive connections, by name and face.
SEL Focus: This activity builds Relationship Skills (Social Engagement, Building Relationships)
Steps:
Explain: “You have XXX minutes, and within that time your job is to introduce yourself, greet everybody in the room, by name, and make some brief physical contact. It could be a handshake, high five, fist or elbow bump; there may even be some huggers in the room...” (Groups of 12 or less, one minute; larger groups, two minutes; huge groups, three minutes: “…greet as many people in the room as possible…”)
Set the timer and use an agreed-upon attention signal to bring the room to full quiet before the debriefing comments.
Debrief by asking one or more of these questions: “How’s your energy? Notice a lift in the room? (Draw attention to the physiological and emotional aspects noted by participants.) Why do you think that’s the case?”
Modifications and Variations:
Closing Frenzy:
“We’ll take two minutes for our closing activity today, and within those two minutes please connect with as many people as possible in the room, greeting them by name and making a physical connection (handshake, high five, hug…whatever is mutually comfortable) and thanking them for engaging in our work today, either as a general appreciation, or if you can, with a specific thank-you for an inspiring comment, intriguing idea, or act of kindness that you noticed during our work time (meeting) today. (PAUSE.) Take a moment to look around and think about appreciations you may wish to share. (PAUSE.) Ready? Go!”
Set the timer and use an agreed-upon attention signal to bring the room to full quiet. “Thank you for that optimistic closing! I can feel my energy lifted for what lies ahead!”