# PDQ Test

Participants attempt a quick series of quirky, self-assessed physical micro-challenges demonstrated by the facilitator. Volunteers can then show their own benign physical quirks for the group to try.

**Time:** 8 minutes. 8 minutes suggested by UWT to allow 4 facilitator tests, 2 volunteer demonstrations, and a brief wrap-up
**People:** 4 to 24. Whole room facing the facilitator, seated or standing

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Provide a light physical reset and reset group focus through playful micro-challenges.
**Use it when:** Use during a mid-session energy dip or transition when a seated or standing physical break is needed.
**Skip it when:** Skip during solemn discussions, high-stress problem solving, or when participants expect strictly formal business content.

## Materials and tools

- No special materials.

## Before participants arrive

1. Arrange participants so everyone has an unobstructed view of the facilitator.

## Say this to open

We are going to run a short physical challenge called the PDQ Test. I will demonstrate a quick action, and you can try it yourself. Scoring is entirely on the honor system. Only you know if you pass. Everything is optional, so feel free to watch or adapt any movement.

## How to run it

### 1. Introduce the test rules (1 minutes)

Deliver the opening script. Confirm that participants may participate seated or standing and may opt out of any motion without explanation.

### 2. Demonstrate facilitator challenges (3 minutes)

Lead 3 to 4 quick micro-tests in sequence, demonstrating each clearly. For example: snap fingers on the dominant hand, then try the non-dominant hand; whistle through pursed lips; pat your head while rubbing your stomach in circles; pop a cheek with an index finger. Give participants 15 to 20 seconds to try each action.

### 3. Invite volunteer challenges (3 minutes)

Invite 1 or 2 volunteers to demonstrate a benign physical quirk or coordination trick they can perform, such as rolling their tongue, wiggling their ears, or tapping opposing finger patterns. Give the whole room 20 seconds to try each volunteer's challenge. If no one volunteers, offer one final facilitator challenge.

### 4. Wrap up and debrief (1 minutes)

Signal the end of the test. Ask one reflection question and invite two or three quick spoken responses from the group before transitioning to the next agenda item.


## Debrief questions

- Which challenge turned out surprisingly easy or unexpectedly difficult?
- What differences did you notice between attempting an action with your dominant side versus your non-dominant side?

**Finished output:** A completed sequence of playful coordination attempts with whole-group participation or observation.

## Remote

Ask participants to keep webcams on gallery view. Facilitator spotlights their own feed during demonstrations, then spotlights each volunteer who presents a challenge. Participants can use chat to react or celebrate passing.

## Hybrid

Position in-room camera and monitor so remote participants see the facilitator demonstrations clearly. Remote volunteers can be spotlighted on the room display when presenting their challenge.

## Access and participation choices

- Participants can substitute any movement that fits their motor coordination, such as tapping a desk instead of snapping fingers.
- Anyone may decline to try any individual test or simply watch the demonstrations without declaring a reason.

## If the session gets stuck

**A participant feels frustrated because they cannot perform any of the coordination tasks.**

Remind the group that these tests are arbitrary and nonsensical, not measures of actual dexterity or intelligence.

**No volunteer offers a unique test during step three.**

Have a backup challenge ready, such as raising one eyebrow independently or tracing a square in the air with one hand while tracing a circle with the other.


## Terms used here

- PDQ: Pretty Darn Quick; refers to a fast-paced series of short physical prompts.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed in Playmeo collection, where the entry attributes the activity to Mark Collard.

Retained the core Playmeo mechanics: facilitator demonstration of quirky physical tests, self-assessment, dominant and non-dominant hand snapping, whistling, cheek popping, and inviting volunteer tricks. UWT structured the timing to 8 minutes, established four discrete facilitator steps, and added explicit accessibility options and debrief prompts.

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/fun-large-group-games/pdq/)

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/fun-large-group-games/pdq)

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/fun-group-energiser-creates-laughter-engagement-pdq-test/