The Handshake

Purpose. Physical, playful, and always good for a laugh across the room.

When to use. Early in a session, especially with a group that doesn't know each other well yet.

Best for. Any group size, in pairs, in person.

• No materials to gather; just read through the steps once before you run it.

Room setup. Open enough floor space for pairs to spread out and see each other clearly.

Virtual setup. This works best in person. If you must run it virtually, adapt to a synchronized hand gesture shown on camera instead.

Hybrid setup. Give remote participants the same on-camera gesture option while in-room pairs shake hands.

Materials.

1. Split participants into pairs.
2. Explain the challenge: each pair has a couple of minutes to invent the most creative handshake they can, the more unique and memorable, the better.
3. Give pairs time to practice their handshake until it feels natural.
4. If time allows, have pairs rotate to a new partner and repeat, building a new handshake each time.

Learning outcome. Participants leave having created something unique and physical with a partner, and shared a laugh doing it.

• No materials needed
• Debrief questions ready
• Timer set for 10–15 min
• Pairs planned, with rotation if time allows