# Come To Me Pairs take turns stealthily approaching each other across an open room. One partner listens with eyes closed while the other tries to reach them undetected within sixty seconds. **Time:** 15 minutes. Playmeo lists this as a short multi-round partner game; 15 minutes provides time for setup, two full rounds per pair, and a structured debrief. **People:** 4 to 24. Pairs spread out across a large room, with an optional observer or timekeeper role for an odd participant. ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Observe auditory cues and movement control under focused sensory constraints. **Use it when:** Use during active workshops in a large, clutter-free room to shift physical energy and practice attentive listening. **Skip it when:** Skip in cramped rooms, spaces with trip hazards, or when participants cannot safely navigate or remain stationary in an open area. ## Materials and tools - One stopwatch or countdown timer for the room facilitator - Optional blindfolds or eye masks (one per pair, optional for participants who prefer them over closing eyes) ## Before participants arrive 1. Clear a large open space free of loose wires, bags, chairs, or floor obstacles. 2. Check that walking surfaces are dry and non-slippery. 3. Ensure pairs have roughly 8 to 10 meters of clear linear walking room. ## Say this to open Find a partner and stand facing each other. In each round, one person stays stationary with eyes closed while the other moves about 10 meters away. When the listener calls 'Come to me', the traveler tries to approach quietly and tag the listener gently on the shoulder before 60 seconds are up. The listener gets five chances to point directly at where they think the traveler is moving. ## How to run it ### 1. Form pairs and position (3 minutes) Participants form pairs. If there is an odd number, one person acts as assistant timekeeper or co-facilitator. Partner A remains stationary. Partner B walks in plain sight approximately 8 to 10 meters away from Partner A, facing them. ### 2. Run round one (4 minutes) Partner A closes eyes or looks down. Partner A calls out, 'Come to me.' The facilitator starts a 60-second timer. Partner B tries to approach and tap Partner A on the shoulder undetected. Partner A can point up to 5 times toward Partner B. If Partner A points directly at Partner B, the traveler freezes and the turn ends. The turn also ends if Partner B touches the shoulder or if time expires. ### 3. Swap roles and run round two (4 minutes) Partners switch roles so Partner B is the listener and Partner A becomes the traveler. Partner A walks back 8 to 10 meters. Partner B closes their eyes and calls 'Come to me.' The facilitator runs a second 60-second timer using the same detection and tagging rules. ### 4. Debrief listening and pacing (4 minutes) Gather the full room. Take 3 to 4 quick observations from volunteers focusing on sensory signals, sound control, and hesitation. ## Debrief questions - What subtle sounds gave away the traveler's position most easily? - How did having only five guesses affect when the listener chose to point? - What physical adjustments did travelers make to minimize floor or clothing noise? **Finished output:** Completion of two stealth-approach turns per pair with personal reflections on listening and movement awareness. ## Remote This physical exercise relies entirely on in-person acoustics and spatial movement. It cannot be run genuinely online. For a remote team, substitute a sound-identification exercise: one person closes eyes or turns off video while others take turns producing unmuted home-office sounds (typing, turning pages, sipping water) for the listener to identify. ## Hybrid Hybrid delivery is not recommended. Remote participants cannot participate fairly in the room's physical acoustics and spatial navigation. If attempted, run the physical activity only among in-room pairs, while remote members observe via camera or participate in the audio-guessing alternative in a separate digital breakout room. ## Access and participation choices - Closing eyes or using a blindfold is strictly optional; participants who feel unsafe or dizzy with closed eyes may face an empty wall or look straight down at their shoes. - Participants who do not wish to be touched on the shoulder can ask their partner to tap the floor with a shoe or say 'Arrived' when reaching arm's length. - Anyone may opt out of moving stealthily and serve as round timekeeper or safety spotter without explanation. ## If the session gets stuck **The room is too noisy for listeners to hear individual footfalls.** Stagger pair attempts so only half the room moves at one time, or instruct remaining participants to remain quiet while pairs take turns. **A listener keeps eyes open or peeks during the approach.** Remind participants that this is an awareness drill rather than a competitive test; offer a blindfold or encourage turning fully away from the approach lane. ## Terms used here - Detection: A correct point by the listener directly at the traveler's current physical position before the traveler makes contact. ## Sources and adaptation Observed on Playmeo, which attributes the activity to Mark Collard. Retained the exact core mechanic from Playmeo (one partner stands blindfolded or eyes closed, calls 'Come to me', traveler approaches from 10 meters within 60 seconds, listener has 5 points to detect). UWT added explicit group sizing, a structured 15-minute facilitation schedule, neutral scripts, physical touch boundary options, and safety adjustments. [Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/trust-building-games/come-to-me) [Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/trust-building-games/come-to-me/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/trust-building-activity-develops-awareness-skills-come-to-me/