Memory Race
Team Building Activity: Memory Race
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Team Building Activity: Memory Race
Objective
Build coordination, collaboration, communication, and memory in a short, high‑energy relay. One partner memorizes a short story; the other writes it from memory based on verbal recall.
Materials
- Printed short story (200–250 words)
- Blank paper (one per team)
- Pens or pencils
- Tape or stand to display the story
Preparation
- Select a clear, readable story ~200–250 words.
- Post the story at one end of the room.
- Place blank sheets and pens at the other end.
- Ensure a clear path so pairs can move safely without collisions.
Step‑by‑step instructions
- Form teams: Divide into pairs.
- Position materials: Story on one side; blank paper and pens on the other.
- Memorize: Partner A goes to the story and memorizes as much as possible.
- Relay: Partner A returns and relays what they remember—no notes.
- Write: Partner B listens and writes the story as told.
- Repeat or switch: Switch roles or run a second pass to improve accuracy.
- Scoring: Timebox to ~10 minutes. Score for accuracy; fastest accurate team wins.
- Key‑phrase checklist (recommended): Create a 12–15 item list of names, facts, and events. +1 per correct; 0 for wrong/missing; half‑points for near‑misses.
- Percent accuracy: Divide correct key phrases by total. Use time as a tiebreaker.
- Penalties (optional): −1 for invented details; −1 for major omissions.
Safety tips
- Keep the path clear; no running.
- Manage noise so partners can hear each other.
- Space pairs to avoid crowding at the posted story.
Facilitator tips
- Coach memory strategies: chunking, keywords, and story mapping.
- Decide upfront if Partner B may ask clarifying questions.
- Use a visible timer and give warnings at 3 and 1 minute.
- Watch for shutdowns; encourage calm resets and clear phrasing.
Debrief & discussion
- How tough was the memorize → relay → write chain?
- Which memory and communication tactics helped most?
- How did you handle mistakes or gaps?
- Where did collaboration make the difference?
- How can these skills help at work?
Variations
Silent Story Builder
Participants act a three‑sentence story down a line in silence; the last person narrates. Highlights non‑verbal clarity and meaning loss.
Relay Drawing Game
Partner A views a simple image and describes it; Partner B draws. Switch roles. Trains precision and active listening.
Estimated time breakdown
| Activity part | Duration |
|---|---|
| Instructions & setup | 3 minutes |
| Story memorization & relay | 8–10 minutes |
| Debrief & discussion | 5 minutes |
Optional: sample short story (≈220 words)
Use this if you don’t have a story ready
The morning the power went out, the café kept its doors open. Amal lit a row of small candles along the counter and moved the espresso machine aside. People stepped in out of habit, then paused at the dimness, unsure whether to stay. Kareem, who usually grabbed a latte and ran, took a seat by the window where the city’s noise felt softer. With no music and no laptops humming, voices rose and slowed. A courier shared a map of side streets that stayed shaded at noon. A teacher traded a book for a croissant. Two neighbors noticed they had the same old keychain from a festival years ago. Amal brewed cardamom tea on a camping stove and passed mugs down the line. When a gust of hot wind pushed through the door, someone propped it with a potted basil plant that scented the room. By early afternoon the power returned with a click and a bright hum. The espresso machine blinked awake; a few people cheered. Kareem stood, then hesitated. He folded his paper cup and slipped the basil a bit closer to the sun. On the chalkboard by the till, Amal wrote, “Power’s back—conversation stays.” A small line formed, not rushed this time, and the café held the kind of quiet that makes people listen.
You may copy, print, and use this text in your workshops.
Related training material packages
- Communicating with Clarity & Impact – structure, listening, and message design. View package →
- Building High‑Performing Teams – roles, coordination, cohesion. View package →
- Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making – memory aids, chunking, teamwork under time. View package →
Free assessment tools & quizzes
- Listening Style Quiz – sharpen encoding/decoding. Take quiz →
- How Good a Listener Are You? – quick self‑check. Start self‑assessment →
- Explore more tools: Free self‑assessment library →
FAQ
How long should the story be?
About 200–250 words keeps the challenge tough but workable in one round.
Can Partner B ask questions?
Your call. Allow brief clarifiers for accuracy, or keep it strict for difficulty. Decide upfront.
What’s the fairest way to score?
Use a key‑phrase checklist built from the story (12–15 items). Count exact or close matches; use time only as a tiebreaker.
Any accessibility tweaks?
Read the story aloud, print larger text, or shorten to ~150 words. Space pairs so everyone can hear.
Remote option?
Yes—post the story in a breakout room for Partner A only. Partner B types the recall in a shared doc while on mute unless clarifiers are allowed.
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