I was the kid next door‘s imaginary friend.
Emo Philips (*1956)
American comedian
In the begin of a workshop or seminar participants don’t know each other. Depending on their nature, they even might be too shy to talk to each other. So, time to break the ice!
Invisible Friend is a starter game: Participants have to find a certain members of the group, interview and present him or her. By trying to discover their “invisible friend”, they automatically talk to a good part of the group and familiarize each other.
Objective of Invisible Friend
Participants get to know each other and to present each other. As workshop leader you can observe who is shy and needs more encouragement as well as how they present, deal with cards etc.
Resources
Big cardboard circle/clouds.
Time
20—45 mins (depending on the number of participants) plus 5 mins preparation.
Task
Write the name of each participant on the back of the cards and let each participant pick one. Now, they have to find their ‘invisible friend’, i.e. ask around which person belongs to the name of the card. Interview them and write their findings on the card. After all the interviews are conducted, the participants present their friend to the group.
You glue the cards on the wall or hang them on a clothesline for later reference.
Phase
A great starter game (Forming).