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Psychic Handshake

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Two people shaking hands thinking of different number, as seen in Physic Handshake ice-breaker and random group-splitting exercise

Psychic Handshake

Innovative, random & fun group-splitting technique.

  • Simple, rapid execution
  • Highly interactive
  • Breaks down cliques
  • Random group-splitting method
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Assuming you need four groups, ask everyone to think of a number 1, 2, 3 or 4 (adapt as necessary.)
  2. Invite each person to mingle and shake hands with as many people as possible.
  3. Each person should only shake their own hand (and arm) the number of times of the number they are thinking, and then firmly stop shaking.
  4. When two people shake hands the same number of times, they belong in the same group.
  5. No talking, extending fingers or clapping is allowed, but laughter is permitted.
  6. Invite people to continue interacting with others until every one discovers their group, and the required number of groups has been formed.

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Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (1)

  1. David Piang-Nee

    Good start to grouping .. as Mark says, the groups are hardly ever even but it gets people mixing and laughing and moving around.. good fun. I use this to move people about the room and readjust where people are standing

    Reply

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