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Team Building Activity: Human Mannequins

Team Building Activity: Human Mannequins

Category: Team Building Time: ~10 minutes Focus: Icebreaker • Creativity • Self‑expression

Overview

A quick, fun icebreaker where participants pose as department‑store mannequins—expressing personality and mood through frozen poses. It encourages self‑expression, creativity, and light‑hearted connection as the team gets to know each other.

Materials

  • None required
  • Optional: camera or smartphones for photos

Setup & directions

  1. Frame the activity: Invite the group to become mannequins in a department store display.
  2. Choose a pose: Each person picks a pose that represents their personality or current mood.
  3. Hold the pose: Give 2–3 minutes to find and hold the pose. Optional: capture photos.
  4. Share: Briefly ask each person to explain their pose in 10–20 seconds.

Safety precautions

  • Use a clear, obstacle‑free space with enough room between people.
  • Encourage stable stances; avoid off‑balance or strain‑heavy poses.
  • Remind participants to respect personal space and comfort levels.

Debrief & reflection

  • What did your pose say about your personality or mood?
  • How did it feel to express yourself without words?
  • What did you notice about how others expressed themselves?
  • How might this shift your appreciation for team diversity?
  • What parallels can you draw to teamwork dynamics?

Alternative or similar activities

1) Emotion Statues

Pose to represent emotions (joy, frustration, excitement) while others guess. Builds empathy and observation skills.

2) Team Tableaux

Small groups create frozen scenes (e.g., product launch, busy office morning). Others guess the scenario. Promotes collaboration and imagination.

Trainer tips

  • Keep tone relaxed and playful; celebrate variety of poses.
  • Reinforce that authenticity—not perfection—is the goal.
  • Invite photos (with consent) to capture highlights.
  • Connect uniqueness in poses to team strengths during debrief.

Virtual adaptations

  • On video calls, invite participants to “freeze” on cue for a few seconds.
  • Use chat or reactions to guess emotions or share feedback.
  • Building High‑Performing Teams – teamwork, collaboration, cohesion. View package →
  • Creativity & Collaboration Workshops – explore creative thinking and shared creation.
  • Emotional Intelligence & Team Dynamics – deepen empathy and awareness in teams.

Free assessment tools & quizzes

FAQ

How many people works best?

Any size group. With large teams, split into smaller circles and rotate photo/sharing time.

Do we need props or costumes?

No. Props are optional; keep it simple and safe.

Can photos be shared?

Yes—with consent. Share internally or add to a recap deck.

How long does it take?

About 10 minutes; add a few minutes if you want deeper sharing.

Remote option?

Use a video‑call freeze‑pose. Invite quick chat reactions or guesses.

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