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Sharing Activity

Show & Tell

Share something interesting with the group

Choose an emoji:

No items yet. Share something with the group!

Each person brings an object or photo and explains why it matters. It is one of the better ways for remote teams to see each other as people rather than tiles on a screen.

The object is a device for getting at something else. People will explain a story through an object that they would not simply volunteer.

How to run it

  1. Ask people in advance to find an object or photo that means something to them.
  2. Each person shows it and explains briefly why it matters.
  3. Allow a question or two after each.
  4. Keep to a couple of minutes per person.

Running it well

  • Give advance notice. Sprung on people, most will grab whatever is on their desk and the activity loses its point.
  • Set a theme if the group needs direction, such as something from a place you have lived.
  • Allow questions. The follow-up is usually where the interesting detail comes out.
  • Keep it optional and keep the bar low. Nobody should feel their object needs to be impressive.
  • Limit to a couple of minutes each, or a group of ten fills an hour.

Frequently asked questions

How much notice should I give?
At least a day. Without it people grab whatever is within reach, which produces a much less interesting session than one where they have thought about it.
What if someone has nothing to share?
Keep it optional and allow a photo on a phone as an alternative. The bar should be low enough that anyone can participate without preparation beyond a moment's thought.
How long does it take?
Two to three minutes per person including questions, so a team of eight fills about twenty minutes.