Charades Team Building Game (With Variations)

Do you want to conduct the charades game with your teams?

Charades is a powerful tool for team building, grounded in non-verbal communication theories. The activity encourages players to convey messages using only gestures, expressions, and body language. This process enhances empathy, improves observational skills, plus fosters creative problem-solving within a group. It demonstrates how much can be communicated without words, strengthening team cohesion.

In this article, let’s see how to use this classic game for professional development.

Here is an overview of the sections in this article:

• Objective of the Activity: Learn the key goals of using the charades game in a team setting.

• 5 Variations of Charades: Discover different ways to play, including the classic version.

• Tips for Successful Facilitation: Get advice on how to run the activity smoothly.

• FAQ: Answers to common questions about the game.

Objective of the Activity

The primary goal of the charades activity is to improve team dynamics through a fun and engaging exercise. It pushes participants out of their comfort zones, asking them to communicate ideas without their primary tool: words.

Here are the key objectives of this activity:

Enhance Non-Verbal Communication

Charades directly targets the skill of non-verbal communication. Participants must learn to encode messages using only their bodies, while their teammates must learn to decode these physical cues. This practice helps individuals become more aware of body language, facial expressions, and gestures in everyday workplace interactions. Improved non-verbal skills can lead to clearer communication, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger interpersonal relationships among team members.

Foster Creative Thinking

The game challenges players to think creatively under pressure. The person acting must find clever ways to represent a word or phrase. The people guessing must make creative leaps in logic to connect the gestures to the correct answer. This process stimulates divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate multiple unique ideas. Teams that practice this skill are better equipped to brainstorm innovative solutions to business challenges.

Build Team Cohesion

Working together to guess the clues creates a shared experience and a sense of unity. The laughter, occasional frustration, plus collective celebration of a correct guess all contribute to building stronger bonds. Charades breaks down formal hierarchies, allowing team members to see each other in a different light. This shared fun helps to build trust and a more positive team culture.

Improve Problem-Solving Skills

At its core, each round of charades is a mini problem-solving session. The team is presented with a problem (an unknown word) and must work together to find the solution within a time limit. This requires active listening, quick thinking, and the ability to build on each other’s ideas. The activity reinforces a collaborative approach to solving problems, a skill that is directly transferable to the workplace.

Promote a Positive Atmosphere

Introducing a game like charades into a work environment can significantly boost morale. It provides a welcome break from routine tasks, reducing stress and re-energizing the team. The lighthearted nature of the game encourages laughter and positive interactions, contributing to a happier and more engaged workforce. A positive atmosphere is essential for productivity, creativity, and employee retention.

5 Variations of the Charades Game

Here are 5 variations of charades you can adapt for your teams.

#1. Classic Charades

This is the traditional version of the game that everyone knows and loves. It serves as an excellent starting point for teams new to the activity.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Pre-written word cards, a timer, and a bowl or hat
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Divide the participants into two or more teams. One player from the first team draws a card from the bowl.

• The player acts out the word or phrase on the card for their team to guess. The player cannot speak or make any sounds.

• The team has a set amount of time to guess the correct answer – for instance, 30-60 seconds. If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they get a point.

• Then, it is the next team’s turn to play. After a few rounds, the team that made more correct guesses wins.

Debrief

• What was the most challenging part of conveying a message without speaking?

• How did your team work together to guess the clues?

• Which strategies were most effective for guessing correctly?

#2. Reverse Charades

In this twist, an entire team acts out the clue for a single person to guess. This version emphasizes team coordination and synchronization.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Word cards, a timer, and a bowl
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Ask each team to nominate one person as the first guesser. The guesser turns their back to their team.

• The rest of the team draws a card and has a few seconds to quickly plan how they will act it out together.

• The team then acts out the word simultaneously for their guesser. For example, for the word “orchestra,” team members might pretend to play different instruments.

• The guesser has a limited time to guess the word. Teams take turns, and the team with the most points wins.

Debrief

• How did your team coordinate its actions without speaking to one another?

• What was it like to be the sole guesser for your team?

• How did this version change the communication dynamic compared to classic charades?

#3. Pictionary Charades

This variation combines charades with drawing, similar to the game of Pictionary. It is great for teams that include visual thinkers.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Whiteboard or flip chart, markers, word cards, and a timer
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Divide participants into teams. One player from a team comes to the whiteboard.

• The player draws a card and must draw clues related to the word. The player cannot use letters, numbers, or spoken words.

• Their team tries to guess the word based on the drawings. For instance, for “camping,” the player might draw a tent, a fire, and trees.

• If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they score a point. The game continues with the next team.

Debrief

• How does communicating through drawing compare to communicating through acting?

• What made some drawings easier to understand than others?

• Did your team develop any specific strategies for interpreting the drawings? If so, why?

#4. Themed Charades

In this version, all the words or phrases relate to a specific theme. The theme could be company values, industry terms, or a fun topic like movie titles.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Themed word cards, a timer, and a bowl
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Before the game, create a list of words or phrases that fit a specific theme. Announce the theme to all participants.

• Divide everyone into teams. The game proceeds like classic charades.

• A player from one team acts out a word from the themed list. For example, if the theme is “office life,” a word could be “deadline” or “team meeting.”

• Teams take turns acting and guessing, scoring points for correct answers.

Debrief

• How did knowing the theme help your team guess the answers?

• Did this version help you think about the theme (e.g., company values) in a new way? If so, why?

• What was the most creative clue you saw related to the theme?

#5. Sound-Only Charades

This challenging variation removes the visual element entirely. Players must rely on sounds, but not words, to convey their clue.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Word cards, a timer, and a bowl
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Break the participants into teams. A player from the first team draws a card.

• The player must convey the word using only sounds. They cannot use any recognizable words or gestures.

• For instance, for the word “lion,” the player could make a roaring sound. For “car,” they could make an engine noise.

• The team guesses the word, and if correct, they score a point before the next team takes its turn.

Debrief

• What was it like to communicate using only sounds?

• Which types of words were easiest or hardest to convey with just sounds?

• How did your listening skills come into play during this version of the game?

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Tips for Successful Facilitation

Running a charades game that is both fun and meaningful requires thoughtful facilitation. A well-managed game ensures everyone participates, feels comfortable, and learns from the experience.

Here are some tips to help you facilitate a successful charades session:

Prepare Words in Advance

The quality of the words or phrases is crucial. Choose words that are familiar to the group but still offer a bit of a challenge. Avoid obscure jargon or overly complex concepts. Create categories like objects, actions, movie titles, or even company-specific terms. Having the words pre-written on slips of paper and ready to go makes the game flow smoothly. It also ensures fairness, as every team draws from the same pool of options.

Set Clear Ground Rules

Before starting, explain the rules clearly to everyone. Cover the basics: no talking, no pointing at objects in the room, and no mouthing words. Define the time limit for each turn, and explain how scoring works. Also, clarify any rules specific to the variation you are playing. For example, in Pictionary Charades, specify that no letters or numbers are allowed in the drawings. Clear rules prevent confusion and arguments, keeping the focus on fun.

Create a Safe and Positive Environment

Some team members may feel shy or self-conscious about acting in front of their peers. As the facilitator, your role is to create a supportive atmosphere. Encourage applause and positive reinforcement for every player, regardless of their acting skills. Frame the activity as a low-stakes game focused on teamwork, not individual performance. You can start with a simple icebreaker to help everyone relax before the main activity begins.

Manage Time Effectively

Keep the game moving at a brisk pace to maintain energy levels. Use a visible timer so everyone knows how much time is left in a turn. Stick to the predetermined time limits for each round. If a team is struggling, it is okay to let the time run out. Moving on to the next team keeps the momentum going. A well-paced game feels exciting and prevents participants from becoming bored or disengaged.

Lead a Meaningful Debrief

The debrief is where the real learning happens. After the game, gather the group to discuss their experience. Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection. Guide the conversation toward the activity’s objectives, such as communication, creativity, and collaboration. Help the team connect the lessons learned during the game to their day-to-day work. A strong debrief transforms charades from just a game into a valuable team-building exercise.

Final Words

Charades is more than just a party game; it is a dynamic tool for professional development. The activity strengthens non-verbal communication, sparks creative problem-solving, and builds team unity. Its simple setup and flexible rules make it accessible for any group. By incorporating this exercise, you can create a positive and collaborative environment. Ultimately, charades offers a fun way to improve how your team works together.

FAQ: Charades Game

You might have these questions in mind.

How do you pick good words for the charades game?

Select words or phrases that are commonly known but require some creativity to act out. Use a mix of nouns, verbs, and titles. For corporate settings, you can include industry-specific terms, company values, or project names to make it relevant.

What if some team members are too shy to participate?

Create a low-pressure environment. Emphasize that it is about team fun, not individual performance. Start with group variations like Reverse Charades, where nobody has to perform alone. Never force anyone to participate who is truly uncomfortable.

How long should a game of charades last?

A typical game for a team-building session should last between 10 and 30 minutes. This includes explaining the rules, playing several rounds, and the final debrief. Keeping it relatively short ensures the team stays energized and engaged throughout the activity.

Can this exercise be played virtually?

Yes, this exercise works well for remote teams. Use a video conferencing platform where one person can pin their video to act. The host can send the word or phrase to the actor via a private chat message. This is an effective way to bring some interactive fun to virtual meetings.

What is the ideal group size for team charades?

For the best experience, divide your total group into smaller teams of 3 to 8 people. This size is large enough for diverse ideas during guessing but small enough to ensure everyone gets a chance to act. It keeps the game moving quickly and maximizes participation.

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