This exercise is ideal for teams with new additions to them. Sometimes it takes a while for teams to get used to their new members and the same is true for the new addition. Joining an already existing team of people can be intimidating. This exercise helps bringing all team members, old and new together by providing them with a shared experience.
Ask the delegates a question related to the content of the course that generates a number of options. Write these suggested options on a flipchart and number them from 1 to N. Next, state that you want to demonstrate your telepathic skills.
You want delegates to choose their preferred option and you are going to guess their choice using your telepathic skills! At this point you will have everyone’s attention as this sounds like a magic trick and people are often keen to participate in them.
Next, you ask for a volunteer to come forward to assist in the exercise. You turn your back to delegates and they are supposed to select their preferred option among themselves silently. They should then let the volunteer know about their option. Your back is to them, so you are unable to see their communication with each other or with the volunteer.
Next, you ask delegates to remain silent as you are going to use your telepathic powers. You ask them to mentally think about the choice and have the number in their mind so you can pick up their “brain signals” as you go through the next phase.
You start by putting your finger on number 1, then slowly move it to 2, then 3 and so on until you suddenly stop on a number and state that this is their choice.
Amazingly, you have made the correct choice and everyone is shocked!
This trick works every time, but how? See the setup instructions to find out how to carry out the magic trick.