Marshmallow eating contest
Marshmallow eating contest - communication skills
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Marshmallow Eating Contest
This lighthearted activity is a humorous way to show how communication breaks down when our usual tools — like clear speech — are taken away. It’s ideal for energizing participants during longer sessions while also illustrating how hard it is to communicate clearly under pressure or when physical barriers are present.
Purpose
To highlight how miscommunication can occur when clarity is compromised and how important listening, patience, and adaptability are in communication.
What You’ll Need
- A bag of marshmallows (large size works best)
- Timer (optional)
- Trash bin or napkins for cleanup
How to Run the Activity
- Ask for 2–4 volunteers and invite them to the front of the room.
- Each participant puts two marshmallows in their mouth — they must not chew or swallow them.
- Once ready, give them a phrase or sentence to say out loud to the audience (e.g., “My team always supports me” or “Listening is a superpower”).
- The rest of the group must guess what each person is saying.
- If needed, let them add one more marshmallow to increase difficulty.
Debrief & Discussion
- What made it difficult to understand the speaker?
- How did the speaker try to get the message across?
- What does this say about how we normally communicate at work?
- How do barriers (physical, emotional, cultural) affect our ability to connect?
Trainer Tips
- This activity works best with small groups or as a fun break in a longer training.
- Be mindful of allergies or choking hazards — you can substitute with a soft object (e.g., cotton balls in cheeks) or simulate the challenge without actual food.
- Use it to introduce deeper topics like communication clarity, feedback loops, or assumptions.
Similar Activities
1. Draw What I Say
One person describes a simple image (like a house or a shape) while another draws it based on the description — no peeking. Great for showing how easily meaning is lost in verbal-only instructions.
2. Back-to-Back Drawing
Pairs sit back-to-back. One gives directions to recreate a drawing that only they can see. Focuses on precision, listening, and clear articulation.
Explore More Communication Activities
Looking for more team-building and communication games? Browse our free training games collection or explore the Communication Skills Training Kit for ready-to-use slides, handouts, and trainer notes.
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