What is Mockumentary?
The Mockumentary icebreaker activity is a fun way to get to know your team members through the use of humor and creativity. It's perfect for team building, particularly if you work in a creative environment, and everyone needs to be on the same page to get the job done.
To play, team members are divided into pairs. One person is the 'documentary filmmaker,' while the other is the 'subject.' The subject is given a fictional occupation, and the filmmaker is tasked with creating a mockumentary interview about the subject's job.
The goals of the game are to get to know each other through the use of humor and storytelling, foster creativity, and improve communication skills. It's perfect for getting new team members to interact and serves as an energizer, bringing team members together and lifting spirits.
It's essential to keep in mind that this activity may not be suitable for all teams. If you have team members who are easily offended or are uncomfortable with being the center of attention, it's best to avoid this game. Additionally, it's recommended that the team has an established rapport before playing, as this activity relies heavily on trust and collaboration.
Tips for making the game more fun include encouraging team members to embrace their silliness, being creative with their fictional job titles and descriptions, and providing props or costumes to make the mockumentary more visually engaging. With a little creativity and a lot of laughter, the Mockumentary icebreaker activity can be a memorable and enjoyable team building experience.
Materials needed for Mockumentary
- 1 Camera or Smartphone (For filming the mockumentary)
How to play Mockumentary
- Gather the group: Start by gathering a group of people who are willing to participate in the activity. The more the merrier!
- Choose a topic: Decide on a topic for the mockumentary. It can be anything funny or absurd, like a documentary about fictional creatures or a day in the life of a cheese addict.
- Assign roles: Assign roles to each participant. You can have a director, interviewer, actors, and even a cameraperson. Be creative with the roles and make sure everyone has a part to play.
- Prepare the script: Work together as a group to come up with a script for the mockumentary. You can write funny dialogues, create quirky characters, and add some unexpected twists to make it entertaining.
- Gather props: Collect props that will enhance the mockumentary experience. These can be costumes, fake props, or even simple items that fit the chosen topic. The more ridiculous, the better!
- Lights, camera, action!: Once everything is set, start filming the mockumentary. Encourage participants to stay in character and have fun with their roles. Remember, it's all about creating a hilarious and memorable experience.
- Watch and enjoy: After filming, gather everyone to watch the mockumentary together. Laugh, share funny moments, and enjoy the creative outcome of your collaborative effort. It's a perfect opportunity to bond and have a good time!
Benefits of Mockumentary
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 Mockumentary include:
- Increases team collaboration: Playing the Mockumentary icebreaker activity helps to break down barriers and encourages team members to work together towards a common goal.
- Improves communication skills: As the activity involves creating a fake documentary, team members need to communicate effectively and clearly to ensure that the final product makes sense.
- Fosters creativity: The activity allows team members to tap into their imagination, creating a unique and entertaining storyline.
- Enhances problem-solving skills: As the team works on creating a storyline and filming the mockumentary, they will encounter challenges that require collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Reinforces active listening: In order to create an entertaining storyline, it's important for team members to actively listen to each other's ideas and build upon them.
- Promotes a fun and relaxed atmosphere: The activity is designed to be fun and lighthearted, promoting a relaxed environment where team members can interact and have fun.
Why we like Mockumentary
We like this game because it's a fun and creative way to tell stories, explore different perspectives, and practice improvisation. It's also a great way to develop your communication and presentation skills!
Reflection questions for Mockumentary
Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Mockumentary.
- What was your initial reaction to the concept of Mockumentary? This question invites the participant to reflect on their first impression of the activity itself and how they felt about potentially acting in a comedic way.
- Were you nervous to act in front of your peers during the activity? This question allows the participant to explore and process any feelings of discomfort or nervousness they may have experienced while participating in the icebreaker.
- How did you feel about the character you portrayed during the activity? This question asks the participant to reflect on the character they created and whether they were able to fully embody that character.
- What did you learn about your fellow participants through this activity? This question prompts the participant to consider what they may have learned about their peers based on the roles they played or the jokes they made during the icebreaker.
- What elements of the Mockumentary activity stood out to you the most? This question encourages the participant to think about what aspects of the icebreaker they enjoyed or found particularly memorable.
Which skills does Mockumentary build?
- 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.
- Teamwork - Teamwork skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they foster effective communication, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of unity among team members, leading to better problem-solving and increased productivity.
- Communication - Communication skills are essential for icebreakers and team building because they facilitate effective and open dialogue, allowing team members to connect and understand each other better, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
- Humor - Humor skills can help break the ice and create a positive, lighthearted atmosphere in team building activities. It brings people together, boosts morale, and promotes better communication and collaboration among team members.