Last week, I wrote a blog post about emotional awareness and how EQ enables you to create better relationships. I created two games that can be played with family and friends during the holidays to better understand emotions and help one another communicate better.
Several people have already tested them and provided feedback, and I thought that they might be helpful for some of you here.
1. Emotional Charades Around the Table
For this season I invite you to play an EQ game with your friends and family. Why not enhance your EQ skills, while creating a deeper connection with the people around you?!
How to Play:
- Write down a list of emotions (e.g., excitement, frustration, surprise, calm) on small slips of paper and place them in a bowl.
- One person draws an emotion and acts it out using only facial expressions and body language—no words or sounds.
- The rest of the group guesses the emotion.
- After the emotion is guessed, the group discusses:
What cues helped them identify the emotion.If the emotion was difficult to portray or recognize, why?
Benefits:
- Encourages observation of nonverbal communication.
- Creates opportunities to laugh and connect while improving emotional awareness.
2. Empathy Rounds
How to Play:
- Take turns sharing a recent personal experience—a high point or a challenge (1–2 minutes per person).
- After someone shares, the person to their left summarizes what they heard, focusing on:The emotions expressed.The key elements of the story.
- The original speaker confirms or clarifies what was heard to ensure understanding.
- Rotate so everyone has a chance to share and listen.
Example Prompt for Sharing: “Share something that made you feel proud recently” or “Talk about a time you felt frustrated this week.”
Benefits:
- Strengthens listening skills and helps the group feel more connected.
- Encourages understanding without judgment or unsolicited advice.
Let me know if you played the games and how it went. Would love to hear some funny stories.
