The Broken Telephone Game: A Fun and Insightful Team Activity for the Workplace

Did you ever play the broken telephone game when you were a child? You probably were told to whisper a message to another, and when finally said by the last person, it was hilariously changed. Although this is played for fun, it is actually a great exercise in the corporate world.

Miscommunication happens more often than we realize in today's workplace. Orders are misheard, e-mails misunderstood, and office gossip gets totally out of hand. Chinese whispers is the perfect activity to demonstrate just how much information gets distorted—and how important clear communication is in the workplace.

So, how do you take the broken telephone game to the office? And what can your employees learn from it? Let's look at how this tradition can be reimagined as a winning corporate team-building activity.

What is the Broken Telephone Game?

The telephone game, or Chinese whispers, is a communication game where a message is relayed down in a line of people by whispering. The last person says the message aloud, showing how much it has been changed from the original message.

As a prank, it is a source of amusement. As a business activity, it is an eye-opener on communication failure, miscommunication, and active listening.

Why You Should Have the Broken Telephone Game Played in the Workplace?

At first, the Chinese whispers game is a mere icebreaker, yet it is more than that. Let us discover why you should have the activity included at your workplace:

1. It Emphasizes the Importance of Crystal-Clear Communication

One of the biggest obstacles to productive working in the office is miscommunication. This exercise illustrates how communication gets twisted whenever it is passed on without filtering.

2. It's a Fun and Interactive Icebreaker

Broken telephone is a great way of creating excitement at a meeting, removing the blues at corporate events, and having employees all laugh together.

3. It Encourages Active Listening

Workers are bound to read through messages or half-listen during a meeting, thinking that they had taken it all in. This game compels all workers to listen attentively to what is going on.

4. It Enhances Teamwork

Good teams communicate. The Chinese whispers game makes workers talk to one another and ensure information is not misinterpreted.

5. It's Simple and Quick to Organize

Unlike other team-building activities that require extensive planning, this game can be played anytime with no special equipment—just people and a willingness to have fun!

How to Play the Broken Telephone Game in an Office Setting

Step 1: Gather Your Team

You’ll need at least five people, but the more participants, the funnier (and more insightful) the game will be.

Step 2: Choose a Starting Message

The message is then whispered from one individual to the next. Attempt using sentences that are funny or job-related.

Sample messages:

• "The new office coffee machine has finally arrived, but is decaf only."
• "Our manager just came out and said casual Fridays will be required!"
• "The sales team hit quota, so tomorrow donuts are free for all."

Step 3: Pass the Message Along

Each player whispers the message to the next, none of them twice.

Step 4: Say the Last Message Out Loud

The last player says the message out loud. Compare it with the first and have the fun of inevitable mistakes!

Step 5: Discuss What Went Awry

Once the chuckles are over, take a minute to discuss the wonderful lesson of the game: messages change when they are not being spoken out loud.

Want to lighten things up? Try pairing this with other Office Fun Games that build soft skills with smiles.

Fun Workplace Versions of the Broken Telephone Game

Want to put a spin on it? Here are some versions:

1. Written Telephone

Instead of whispering, have each player write down the message initially before passing it on. This one highlights how miscommunication takes place in emails and written instructions.

2. Business Buzzword Version

Use business jargon or technical terms in the message. This shows how business-speak can be confusing.

Example:

"We must leverage our synergies for cross-functional alignment."

By the time they have finished, it might be:

"We need to cross our functions in order to achieve synergy."

3. Customer Service Challenge

A player takes on the role of being the "customer" who is placing a request. The request is transmitted through a series of "employees," illustrating how rapidly client requirements can get misconstrued.

4. Office Gossip Version

Start with some office rumor and see what occurs. This version illustrates exactly how much miscommunication can build into a great misunderstanding.

What Can Workers Learn from the Broken Telephone Game?

Although this is an enjoyable game, it also demonstrates very valuable lessons that can be applied in the workplace:

1. Miscommunication Happens Conveniently

The game demonstrates how rapidly even simple messages get twisted when passed on several times.

2. Listening Is As Valuable As Talking

Most communication problems happen because people don't listen actively. This game forces people to listen as much as they speak.

3. Confirmation Avoids Errors

Employees need to check facts twice before taking action on a message. A simple "Can you confirm?" will save time and prevent errors.

4. Keep It Simple

The clearer the message, the less likely it is to get muddled. This applies to emails, meetings, and internal guidelines.

5. Internal Communication Has to Be Open

An environment where staff feel comfortable asking for clarification reduces the likelihood of Chinese whispers generating false information.

Follow it up with a team challenge like the Cup Stacking Game to test coordination beyond words.

Applying the Lessons of the Broken Telephone Game to the Workplace

Once your staff has played the game, this is how you can apply its lessons to real work scenarios:

1. Speak Clearly and Concisely

Do not provide vague directions or unnecessary jargon. Be concise and direct.

2. Invite Questions

Employees must be able to ask questions to clear confusion instead of guesswork.

3. Utilize Written Communication for Significant Messages

Verbal directions are easy to mishear. Follow-up emails or the utilization of project management software is unavoidable.

4. Minimize the Number of Message Hand-offs

Whenever possible, communicate face-to-face and not have to rely on passing messages through numerous people.

5. Develop an Open and Cooperative Environment

The more open and truthful your office environment is, the less employees will assume and act on second-hand information.

Last Thoughts: A Fun and Handy Team Activity

The telephone game is not something that should be relegated to the world of childhood nostalgia—it's a highly effective tool for demonstrating the power of good communication in the business world. With proper use, businesses can make it a playful and engaging team-building activity and have a fun but effective way of improving communication skills and teaching teamwork and cooperation.

So, the next time your team gathers for a meeting or company retreat, why not kick things off with a round of the Chinese whispering game? You’ll be surprised at how much laughter—and learning—it brings to the office!

Looking for more office bonding games? Check out our take on the Human Knot Activity for physical problem-solving fun.