The “Repeat After Me” activity is a simple yet powerful free team building activity that helps improve effective communication skills, listening skills, and synchronization among team members.
Overview of Repeat After Me
The Repeat After Me activity involves team members standing in a circle and repeating phrases out loud after a designated leader.
The leader starts by saying a simple phrase, which is then echoed by the rest of the team.
This continues with the leader saying progressively more complex phrases for the team to repeat.
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Key Features
- Improves listening skills and focus.
- Encourages nonverbal communication.
- Tests how well the team can synchronize with each other.
- Fun and energizing activity that breaks the ice.
Benefits
- Enhances communication skills – By attentively listening and immediately repeating phrases, communication skills like active listening, articulation, and focus are improved.
- Builds team cohesion – Moving and vocalizing in unison helps build team chemistry, synchronization, and bonding.
- Boosts morale and energy – The lighthearted nature releases tension and lifts spirits. Laughter is common.
Steps to Implement Repeat After Me
- Gather team in a circle.
- Select a leader to initiate the activity.
- Leader begins saying simple phrases for the team to repeat. For example: “I like pizza” or “It’s a sunny day.”
- Increase phrase complexity gradually. For example: “This activity is energizing our team.”
- Switch leaders periodically.
- Wrap up activity after 10-15 minutes.
Best Practices
- Keep first phrases short and simple.
- Speak clearly and loudly. Enunciate words.
- Increase phrase length and complexity slowly.
- Inject humor and playfulness into phrases.
- Maintain eye contact while repeating phrases.
- Switch leaders every 2-3 minutes.
- Eliminate background noise and distractions.
- Participate fully with enthusiasm and energy.
- Laugh and have fun with it.
- End on a positive note by repeating an inspirational phrase.
Summary
The “Repeat After Me” activity provides an engaging way to improve listening, communication, and team synchronization.
By collectively focusing on and vocalizing phrases, team chemistry and morale are enhanced. We hear this from customers that regularly use of our training courses.
Use this guide to successfully lead your team through this entertaining exercise.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A. is the founder of Oak Innovation, authoring and providing premium and free training packages to businesses and corporate trainers worldwide. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Masters In Health Promotion from University College Cork. Catherine holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway and is completing a second Master’s in Trauma Studies from University College Cork in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and the Wave Trauma Centre in Northern Ireland. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
