Pictionary is a classic party game that can be easily adapted for team-building and communication in the workplace.
Playing guessing games together helps coworkers get to know each other better and builds trust.
Pictionary specifically promotes creativity, communication, and collaboration.
This can also be a great team-building activity when used within the following instantly available training course material.
This guide will provide tips on how to play Pictionary with your work team and get the most out of the experience.
What is Pictionary?
Pictionary is a guessing game where players draw pictures and have their teammates guess what the drawing represents. One person draws while the rest of the team tries to guess the word or phrase.
Who is Pictionary Good For?
Pictionary works well for any size team. It helps coworkers learn about each other’s communication styles.
Quieter team members get a chance to shine when it’s their turn to draw.
More outspoken teammates can practice patience and listening when guessing.
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What You Need to Play
To play Pictionary, you need:
- Drawing supplies – whiteboard, flipchart, paper, markers
- A timer or stopwatch
- Word lists or phrase cards
How to Play Pictionary
- Divide the team into two groups. Have the groups sit or stand across from each other.
- Choose which group will go first.
- Have the first person from Team 1 draw a card and look at the word/phrase without showing their team.
- When ready, the player starts drawing on the board. Their team tries to guess the word.
- Teams get 60 seconds max to guess correctly.
- If the word is guessed, that team gets 1 point. Play passes to Team 2.
- If the word isn’t guessed in the time limit, no points are awarded and it’s Team 2’s turn.
- The game continues until all players have had a turn or a set time limit is reached. The team with the most points wins!
Tips for Pictionary Success
- Think simple – Don’t try to draw elaborate pictures. Focus on basic shapes and symbols.
- Act out words – Use gestures and body language to get your idea across.
- Break down phrases – Draw each word in a phrase separately.
- Watch the timer – Keep an eye on the time left so you don’t run out.
Where to begin: Easy picture to draw and drawing list ideas.
How to Win at Pictionary
To up your chances of winning:
- Study your teammates’ drawing styles so you can guess better.
- Discuss strategies with your team beforehand.
- Designate one person to shout out guesses so you don’t duplicate.
- Pay close attention when the other team is drawing. Look for clues.
- Stay positive and have fun! The goal is bonding.
Conclusion
Playing Pictionary is a simple, engaging way to bring your work team together.
The game sparks creativity, laughter, and friendly competition. We hear this from customers that have ordered our full set of courses.
Use these tips to make Pictionary a success at your next team event.
The connections built will transfer back to the workplace.
Pictionary Variations
Celebrity Pictionary – Players can only draw famous people, movies, etc.
Team Pictionary – Players partner up to draw and guess together.
Pictionary Telephone – Teams whisper a phrase to draw instead of using cards.
Online Pictionary – Use digital whiteboards to play remotely.
Category Pictionary – All words fit within a certain category.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
