# Show and Tell Participants present a physical object or photo that represents their perspective on a shared topic. The facilitator captures verbatim phrases and sketches each item on a visible whiteboard to map underlying themes. **Time:** 30 minutes. UWT plan extends the source 5 to 15 minute band to 30 minutes to give up to 12 participants roughly 90 seconds each to speak plus facilitator board recording, synthesis, and debrief. **People:** 4 to 12. Whole group plenary with individual turns ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Surface individual associations, assumptions, and feelings about a shared topic through metaphor and artifact presentation. **Use it when:** Use at the kickoff of a project, during an organizational transition, or when exploring team dynamics where indirect storytelling reveals perspectives faster than direct debate. **Skip it when:** Skip when participants need to resolve an urgent transactional blocker, when there was no time to prepare artifacts, or when participants refuse open-ended qualitative sharing. ## Materials and tools - One physical object or digital photo brought by each participant - One large whiteboard or flipchart - Dry-erase markers in 2 colors ## Before participants arrive 1. Send a prompt 1 to 3 days in advance asking participants to select an item or photo representing the chosen topic. 2. Set up the room in a circle or horseshoe facing a clear whiteboard. 3. Write the meeting topic and activity name at the top of the whiteboard. ## Say this to open Welcome. We have our topic written on the board: [Insert Topic]. Today we are using Show and Tell. When it is your turn, introduce your object and tell us in about 90 seconds why it represents this topic for you. While you speak, I will note key words and a quick sketch on the board. You can also pass or share a purely verbal example if you prefer. ## How to run it ### 1. Frame and invite the first speaker (3 minutes) State the meeting topic and ground rules. Remind everyone that each turn is strictly 90 seconds and listeners hold comments until the end. Explain that participants may present an object, show a phone photo, or describe an item from memory. Ask for a volunteer to present first. ### 2. Present objects and record metaphors (20 minutes) Call on volunteers or move sequentially around the group. Each participant reveals their item and shares their reason. Limit each share to 90 seconds. While the person speaks, draw a simple icon of the item on the whiteboard and write down verbatim emotional descriptors, associations, or concerns beside it. Stop each turn at 90 seconds to preserve time for all 12 participants. ### 3. Cluster and review themes (4 minutes) Read aloud the captured words and sketches on the whiteboard. Circle repeating terms and group related ideas into visible themes such as excitement, confusion, friction, or alignment. ### 4. Debrief (3 minutes) Facilitate a brief group reflection. Take 2 to 3 responses from the room addressing visible patterns and what they imply for the group's upcoming work. ## Debrief questions - Looking at the board, which words or images appear more than once? - What surprises you about the different ways people interpreted our topic? - What underlying concern or hope should we address first as we plan our next steps? **Finished output:** A visual whiteboard record showing sketches of participant artifacts paired with verbatim keywords, themes, and emotional descriptors about the topic. ## Remote Participants hold their physical object up to the camera or upload a photo to an online whiteboard frame. The facilitator sketches digital icons or pastes stock icons alongside the speaker's exact words on the digital board. Use the chat box for speakers to drop keywords if audio is weak. ## Hybrid In-person participants hold their object up facing the room camera so remote participants can see it clearly. Remote participants share their camera view or drop an image into the shared digital canvas. Project the shared digital canvas in the room so all participants see the running record of items and notes simultaneously. ## Access and participation choices - Participants can describe a mental image or past memory instead of bringing a physical item. - Participants may pass entirely or ask a peer to hold up an item without sharing personal narrative. - Facilitator drawing is deliberately simple icons; anyone may opt out of having their item drawn. ## If the session gets stuck **A participant forgot to bring an artifact.** Ask them to look through their pockets, backpack, or phone photo roll, or simply choose an object in the room like a clock, pen, or doorway. **A speaker talks far past their allotted 90 seconds.** Gently cut in at 90 seconds: 'Thank you. I have captured that your key theme is [read recorded phrase]. Let us capture the next item.' ## Terms used here - Artifact: Any physical item, everyday object, or photograph chosen to symbolize an idea. ## Sources and adaptation Observed on Gamestorming.com and in Relationship Makers Handbook (pages 356-357). Retained the Gamestorming mechanic of bringing an artifact, keeping it hidden until presenting, and having the facilitator sketch the item and record emotional themes on a visible whiteboard. Expanded the source 5 to 15 minute band to 30 minutes to make room for up to 12 participants at 90 seconds each, plus facilitator whiteboard recording, synthesis, and debrief. [Gamestorming](http://gamestorming.com/knowledge-game-show-and-tell/) [Gamestorming](https://gamestorming.com/knowledge-game-show-and-tell) [Gamestorming](https://gamestorming.com/knowledge-game-show-and-tell/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/show-and-tell/