# Buzz

Participants stand in a circle and count upward in sequence, replacing any number containing the digit seven or any multiple of seven with the word Buzz. When a mistake occurs, the count resets to one.

**Time:** 10 minutes. UWT suggested plan fitting the 5 to 15 minute source band.
**People:** 4 to 24. Single circle for 4 to 12 participants. For larger groups up to 24, split into two parallel circles of roughly equal size (such as 6 and 7 for 13, 8 and 9 for 17, or 11 and 12 for 23).

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Test collective concentration and verbal pacing under a shared pattern-interruption rule.
**Use it when:** Use as a quick warm-up or attention-reset activity before focused group work.
**Skip it when:** Skip when participants experience high math anxiety or when the group cannot engage in verbal turn-taking comfortably.

## Materials and tools

- Whiteboard or flip chart with marker to record high scores (optional)
- Scrap paper and pen for the scorekeeper
- Display screen (for remote or hybrid)
- Room microphone (for hybrid)
- Video meeting platform with chat window (for remote or hybrid)

## Before participants arrive

1. Clear enough floor space for participants to stand or sit in an unobstructed circle.
2. Decide whether to track high scores or play purely for time.

## Say this to open

We are going to count upward as a team, one person at a time, aiming for our highest streak. But there is a twist: whenever your number includes the digit seven, or is a multiple of seven, you do not say the number. Instead, you say BUZZ. For example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, BUZZ, 8. If someone hesitates too long, says the number, or misses the rule, the count resets to one starting with the next person.

## How to run it

### 1. Explain rules and run a trial (2 minutes)

Arrange the group in a circle (or parallel circles for groups of 13 or more). Explain the replacement rule: say BUZZ on any number containing a 7 (such as 17 or 27) and any multiple of 7 (such as 14, 21, or 28). Give a neutral sequential example: 12, 13, BUZZ (replacing 14), 15, 16, BUZZ (replacing 17), 18. Run a slow practice round through 14 so everyone hears the rhythm.

### 2. Run initial streak attempts (3 minutes)

Begin the official count with one participant saying '1'. Count moves clockwise. If someone says a forbidden number, misses a buzz, or stalls, stop the count. Note the streak reached. The person to their left restarts the count immediately at 1.

### 3. Set a group target and make the final run (3 minutes)

Pause and review the highest number reached. Challenge the room to beat that score or set a target (such as 30 or 50). Run the count with steady tempo until time expires or the target is reached.

### 4. Debrief listening and pacing (2 minutes)

Gather the group to reflect. Ask two debrief questions. Hear brief observations from two or three volunteers.


## Debrief questions

- Where did the flow tend to break down most frequently, and why?
- What strategies helped you track upcoming numbers while staying present for the current turn?

**Finished output:** A team high score reached during the counting rounds.

## Remote

Display an established speaking order in the chat window or shared screen. Participants un-mute and call their number or 'BUZZ' following that fixed sequence. If someone drops out or lags, the facilitator calls a reset to 1 at the next active name.

## Hybrid

Establish a single combined speaking order that alternates between room members and remote video tiles. Display the order on a screen visible to all. The room microphone must be positioned so remote participants hear the current number clearly.

## Access and participation choices

- Participants can hold up a prepared BUZZ card silently instead of speaking aloud.
- Anyone may opt out of the circle to act as the scorekeeper or spotter without giving a reason.

## If the session gets stuck

**Debate arises over whether a number is a multiple of seven.**

Facilitator acts as the neutral arbiter immediately to keep momentum, calling a reset if the call was missed.

**One person feels singled out after making repeated mistakes.**

Remind the room that restarts are part of the game design; keep the restart prompt quick, light, and focused on the next turn.


## Terms used here

- Multiple of seven: Any integer obtained by multiplying seven by a whole number, such as 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and so on.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed in Playmeo collection, where the entry is credited to Mark Collard. Buzz is a traditional public-domain counting game.

Retained the circle counting format and the core rule to substitute the word BUZZ for numbers with digit 7 or multiples of 7 from Playmeo. Added explicit group partitioning instructions, complete material listings for remote and hybrid settings, sequential round steps, and debriefing questions.

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

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

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/mental-focus-game-for-building-group-attention-laughter-buzz/