Level up your team-building with the ultimate party game: Pictionary!

What is Pictionary?

Are you looking for a fun way to break the ice during your next team building session? Look no further than Pictionary! This classic drawing game is a great way to get everyone laughing and interacting with each other.

To play, split everyone into teams and give each team a stack of index cards and a set of drawing materials. Each team takes turns selecting a card and sending one team member up to draw what is on the card for their teammates to guess. The team with the most correct guesses at the end of the game wins.

The goal of the activity is to encourage communication, teamwork, and creativity. Players must work together to come up with the correct guesses and support each other as they draw.

Pictionary is a great icebreaker activity for both small and large groups and can be played at any time. However, it is important to note that it may not be the best option for groups with members who are uncomfortable with drawing or for events where silence is necessary.

To make the game more fun, consider adding in themed cards or silly challenges, such as drawing with the non-dominant hand or using only words to describe the drawings. Whatever variation you choose, Pictionary is sure to be a hit with your team!

Materials needed for Pictionary

• 1 Pieces of Paper (Per team)
• 1 Markers or pens (Per team)
• 1 List of words or phrases ()

How to play Pictionary

• Gather the materials: Get a whiteboard or a large sheet of paper, along with markers or colored pencils for drawing.
• Form teams: Divide the group into teams of at least two players per team. Each team needs to have a designated drawing player and guessing players.
• Prepare the word cards: Write various words or phrases on separate cards, fold them, and put them in a container or bowl.
• Start the game: Choose a player from the first team to draw. They will pick a card from the container without showing it to anyone.
• Draw the word or phrase: The selected player has a limited time (usually one minute) to draw the word or phrase on the whiteboard or paper, while their own team tries to guess what it is.
• Guess the word or phrase: The other team members shout out their guesses while the drawing player is still drawing. They have to rely solely on the drawing to make their guesses.
• Switch roles: Once the time is up or the word or phrase is correctly guessed, it is the next team's turn to draw and guess.
• Continue playing: Keep taking turns between the teams, with each drawing player choosing a new word or phrase from the container.
• Determine the winner: The game continues until all the cards are used. The team with the most correct guesses wins the game.

Benefits of Pictionary

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 Pictionary include:

• Improves communication skills: Pictionary requires participants to convey their ideas without using words, which helps in improving communication skills.
• Encourages teamwork: Playing Pictionary requires teams to work together to guess the correct answer, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
• Boosts creativity: Pictionary allows participants to use their creativity to convey the given phrase or idea through drawings, which can help boost and develop their creative thinking skills.
• Fosters a fun and relaxed atmosphere: Pictionary is a fun-filled icebreaker activity that can help lighten the mood and release any tension or nerves among participants, resulting in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Increases engagement and participation: Pictionary is an interactive activity that requires active participation from all participants, making it an effective way to engage everyone and increase participation levels.

Why we like Pictionary

We love Pictionary because it's a great way to get everyone involved and it always leads to lots of laughs.

Reflection questions for Pictionary

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Pictionary.

1. What was your favorite word or phrase that you drew?
   This question invites participants to reflect on their personal experiences during the icebreaker activity. It encourages them to share their favorite moment in the game and express their thoughts and emotions associated with it.
2. Did you find it challenging or easy to convey the word or phrase without using any words?
   This question prompts participants to reflect on the communication skills they used during the game. It encourages them to think about the strategies they adopted to communicate the word or phrase and the effectiveness of their approach.
3. What was the most interesting or unexpected drawing that you saw?
   This question encourages participants to share their observations and insights about the drawings others made. It creates a conversation about the creativity and variety of ideas and styles used in the game.
4. How did you feel about the competition aspect of the game?
   This question invites participants to reflect on their feelings about winning or losing the game. It explores the impact of competition on their enjoyment of the activity and their interaction with others.
5. Did the icebreaker activity help you get to know your group better? How?
   This question prompts participants to reflect on the social aspect of the game. It encourages them to discuss how the game facilitated interaction and bonding among group members and how it helped them learn about each other.

Which skills does Pictionary build?

• Non-verbal communication - Non-verbal communication skills are key in icebreakers and team building because they help create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it easier for team members to connect and build rapport effortlessly.
• 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.
• Quick thinking - Quick thinking skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building as they allow individuals to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions in the moment, fostering a sense of spontaneity and collaboration among team members.