Participatory Methods

Connecting People

Connecting People is a participatory activity designed to encourage interaction, observation, and the recognition of details among participants. Inspired by speed-connection activities, this dynamic challenges participants to “reach out” to someone based on simple and observable descriptions, such as clothing, accessories, or physical characteristics. It’s ideal as an icebreaker for group events, meetings, or workshops, promoting fun and active engagement among participants.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Encourage interaction and break the ice among participants.
    • Develop observation and quick communication skills.
    • Create a dynamic and participatory environment.
  2. Prepare the materials:
    • List of descriptions (clothing, accessories, physical features, etc.).
    • A spacious area where participants can move around freely.
  3. Set up the space:
    • Arrange participants in a wide circle or in an area where everyone can move easily.
  4. To run the activity virtually:
    • Use collaborative platforms where participants can interact visually (e.g., with cameras on) and respond to descriptions in the chat or by taking turns.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduce the activity:
    • Explain to participants that they will need to “reach out” to someone based on the descriptions they hear.
    • Mention that it’s not a competition, but a chance to interact and have fun while observing others.
  2. Start with the descriptions:
    • The facilitator says a description like: “Find someone wearing glasses” or “Look for someone with red shoes.”
    • Participants should move quickly and “reach out” to someone who matches the description.
  3. Additional interaction:
    • Once they find someone, they can briefly introduce themselves or share something about themselves.
  4. Description rotation:
    • The facilitator continues giving different descriptions, ensuring that everyone interacts with several people.
  5. Closing and reflection:
    • At the end, reflect with the group about the experience: What did they observe? What did they learn about others?
Recommendations

Before the activity

  • Know your audience: Make sure the descriptions are inclusive, respectful, and relevant to the group. Avoid characteristics that might cause discomfort or conflict.
  • Adapt the descriptions: Design descriptions that align with the purpose of the event or workshop. For example, in a business context, focus on roles or skills.
  • Prepare a suitable space: If the activity is in person, ensure there’s enough space for participants to move comfortably. For the virtual version, use video-enabled platforms that allow smooth interaction.

During the activity

  • Encourage active participation: Explain that the goal is not just to find someone, but also to interact and get to know each other. Motivate everyone to participate enthusiastically.
  • Create a safe environment: Remind participants that the activity is an opportunity to connect and learn, not to judge or compete.
  • Keep it dynamic: Vary the speed and complexity of the descriptions to maintain the group’s energy and interest.

After the activity

  • Group reflection: Set aside a brief moment for reflection on how the activity helped participants observe, connect, and better understand each other.
  • Connect it to the event’s purpose: Link the interactions to key themes or takeaways from the workshop or overall activity.
  • Build on the experience: Use the outcomes of the activity as a foundation for follow-up tasks, such as discussions, teamwork, or reflection exercises.

Additional tips

  • Include themed rounds: Shift the focus of the descriptions each round to explore different aspects of the participants.
  • Personalize the descriptions: Use unique traits of the group (like roles in a project or shared experiences) to make the activity more meaningful.
  • Combine with other activities: Use this as an icebreaker before a deeper activity that requires connection and trust among participants.
Inspiration

Examples of descriptions

  • Wearing black shoes.
  • Has short hair.
  • Wearing large earrings.
  • Wearing something red.
  • Carrying a bag or backpack.
  • Wearing a sweater.
  • Wearing sunglasses.
  • Wearing something with a floral pattern.
  • Has a beard or mustache.
  • Wearing a digital watch.
  • Wearing something made of leather.
  • Wearing a T-shirt with a logo.
  • Wearing a hat or cap.
  • Has a visible tattoo.
  • Wearing a bracelet or wristband.
  • Wearing a vest.
  • Has painted nails.
  • Wearing lace-up shoes.
  • Wearing a long coat.
  • Has brightly colored hair.
  • Wearing a bold belt.
  • Wearing colorful socks.
  • Wearing something metallic as an accessory.
  • Wearing a plaid shirt.
  • Wearing something striped.
  • Wearing sportswear.
  • Wearing a large ring.
  • Has curly hair.
  • Wearing a neck scarf.
  • Wearing open-toed shoes.
  • Wearing a visible pendant.
  • Wearing something denim.
  • Wearing a scarf.
  • Wearing a green item of clothing.
  • Wearing colored contact lenses.
  • Wearing a jacket with patches.
  • Wearing a pin or badge.
  • Carrying a crossbody bag.
  • Wearing a T-shirt with text.
  • Wearing clothes in two contrasting colors.

Variations to make the activity more meaningful:

  • Contextual relevance: Adapt the descriptions to align with the theme of the event. For example, in a sustainability workshop, the descriptions might be: “Wearing something recycled” or “Wearing second-hand clothing.”
  • Emotional connection: Ask participants to share something personal related to the description, such as “Wearing something gifted by a friend.”
  • Creative categories: Group descriptions into categories like colors, accessories, or skills to
Materials
  • List of descriptions.
  • Spacious area or digital tool for virtual participation.
Online platforms
Purpose

The purpose of Connecting People is to encourage quick and dynamic interactions that help participants get to know each other better, develop observation and communication skills, and create a friendly and collaborative environment.

Type of activity
Collective ReflectionParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Learning
Level of participation
Information
Target audience
Students, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Organizational and business management, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
10-15 minutes.
Ideal number of participants
10-30 people.
Topics related to this activity
Active LearningActive ListeningActive ObservationCollaborative GameCollective LearningConexión humanaExperiential LearningGamificationGroup EnergizerGroup IdentityGroup RecognitionGroup StrengtheningHuman ConnectionIcebreaker ActivityInclusive ParticipationKnowledge GenerationTeam Building
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