What is Connecting Stories?
Connecting Stories is a fun and interactive icebreaker activity that helps break the ice and get people to know each other better. It’s a simple game that requires no equipment or preparation, making it an easy go-to for events, meetings, or even casual gatherings with friends.
To play Connecting Stories, participants form a circle and take turns saying a random word that pops into their head. The next person has to think of a word that is somehow related to the previous one, and so on. The goal is to create a connected story made up of all the words contributed by the group.
The beauty of Connecting Stories is that it can be played in any setting, whether it’s a professional setting or a social one. It’s a great way to introduce people to each other and create a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere, especially if people don't know each other very well.
To make the game more exciting, encourage participants to be creative with their word choices and try to think outside the box. It’s also important to remind them to listen carefully to what others are saying, so they can continue the story in a way that makes sense.
Overall, Connecting Stories is a fun and easy icebreaker activity that can help bring people together in a meaningful way. Next time you’re in a situation where you need to get people to know each other better, give Connecting Stories a try!
Materials needed for Connecting Stories
Connecting Stories requires no materials or tools to play. Just bring yourself and a few others and you'll have a great time!
How to play Connecting Stories
- Gather participants: Bring together a group of people who will be participating in the icebreaker activity. Make sure there are at least three people.
- Explain the game: Briefly explain the rules of Connecting Stories to the participants. Let them know that it's a fun icebreaker activity where each person will contribute a sentence to create a collective story.
- Start the story: Ask the first person to start the story by saying a sentence that begins with 'Once upon a time'. Encourage them to be creative and set the tone for the story.
- Pass the story: After the first person finishes their sentence, the next person continues the story by adding their own sentence. Remind participants to listen to the previous sentence and build upon it.
- Continue the rotation: Keep going around the group, with each person adding a sentence to the story in turn. Encourage participants to be imaginative and try to keep the story coherent.
- End the story: Decide on a predetermined or spontaneous ending point for the story. This can be after a certain number of sentences or when someone feels the story has reached a satisfying conclusion.
- Reflect and discuss: After the story is finished, allow the participants to reflect on the experience and discuss their favorite parts or any funny or surprising twists that occurred. This helps create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Benefits of Connecting Stories
Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver.
Some of the benefits of Connecting Stories include:
- Encourages collaboration: Connecting Stories requires participants to listen to each other's stories, creating an atmosphere of cooperation that fosters teamwork.
- Develops empathy: Sharing personal experiences helps to put everyone on the same level and promotes understanding and compassion throughout the group.
- Inspires creativity: Players have the freedom to present their stories in unique and original ways, which promotes creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
- Builds relationships: Sharing personal stories can help build trust and familiarity, creating strong bonds between participants.
- Enhances communication skills: Listening and speaking skills are both essential in this game, so players can improve their ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively.
Why we like Connecting Stories
We love how this game sparks creativity and collaboration among players, and how each story is completely unique!
Reflection questions for Connecting Stories
Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Connecting Stories.
- What did you learn about others during the Connecting Stories activity?
This question prompts participants to reflect on what they learned about their group members, such as shared experiences or interests.
- How did connecting with others through storytelling make you feel?
This question invites participants to think about their emotional responses to the activity, such as feeling validated or empowered.
- Did you notice any common themes or struggles in the stories shared during the activity?
This question encourages participants to identify patterns or shared experiences that emerged during the icebreaker.
- What did you learn about yourself during the Connecting Stories activity?
This question prompts participants to think about how the activity impacted them personally, such as gaining self-awareness or discovering a new perspective.
- How can you apply what you learned during the Connecting Stories activity to future interactions with your group members?
This question prompts participants to think about how they can use their newfound knowledge and connections to strengthen relationships moving forward.
Which skills does Connecting Stories build?
- Storytelling - Storytelling skills can help create a warm and engaging atmosphere during icebreakers and team building activities. They can captivate and connect people, fostering a sense of camaraderie and bringing teams closer together.
- Listening - Listening skills in icebreakers and team building promote effective communication, understanding, and empathy among participants, fostering a positive and cohesive team dynamic.
- Creativity - Creativity skills can greatly enhance icebreakers and team building by allowing participants to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions and ideas. This promotes collaboration, boosts morale, and fosters a positive and innovative environment within a team.
- Connection building - Connection building skills are key for icebreakers and team building as they help create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, allowing team members to feel comfortable and open up. They also promote strong relationships and collaboration among team members, leading to better communication and teamwork.
Jon Zajac
