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Blind line-up

Blind line-up - communication skills

Blind Line-Up

This hands-on group activity challenges participants to communicate, collaborate, and solve a simple problem — all without relying on verbal language. It’s a great energizer for sessions on communication, leadership, or teamwork. Participants quickly learn how much we rely on tone, eye contact, and body language — and how difficult it is to work together when those channels are removed.

What You’ll Need

  • A blindfold for each participant (or scarves, neckerchiefs, etc.)
  • Enough open space for participants to move around safely

How to Run the Activity

  1. Explain that participants will be asked to line up in a specific order — for example, by height, birthday month, or shoe size — without speaking.
  2. Once they understand the task, blindfold everyone and lead them to the starting area.
  3. On your signal, the group must silently communicate and arrange themselves in the correct order.
  4. Give a time limit (e.g., 5–7 minutes). When time is up, have participants remove their blindfolds and check how accurate their line-up was.

Suggested Line-Up Criteria

  • By height (without touching)
  • By birth month
  • Alphabetical order by first name
  • Number of siblings

Debrief & Discussion

  • How did you feel during the activity?
  • What strategies did your group try to use?
  • What made communication challenging?
  • Did anyone naturally step into a leadership role?
  • What parallels can you draw to your work or team environment?

Trainer Tips

  • Use for 8–20 participants. For larger groups, split into two teams and compare outcomes.
  • Stress the importance of physical safety — choose an open area with no obstructions.
  • Set clear rules upfront: no talking, no objects passed, no technology.
  • After debriefing, consider repeating the exercise with different criteria to see improvement.

Similar Activities and Variations

1. Silent Birthday Line-Up

Ask participants to arrange themselves by birthday — from January to December — without speaking. They keep their eyes open but must use gestures and expressions only. A quick, fun variation that reinforces non-verbal coordination.

2. Human Knot

Have a group stand in a circle, reach across to grab two random hands, then try to untangle themselves without letting go. This physical problem-solving challenge tests teamwork, communication, and patience under pressure.

More Trainer Resources

Explore more free communication and group activities, or check out our Communication Skills Training Kit — complete with slides, handouts, and trainer guides for professional workshop delivery.

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