I was asked to deliver a 90-minute session as an introduction to a team day. The participants were a fairly new team of IT trainers and the aims of the session were to encourage openness, help them to get to know each other and have fun. They wanted something creative, energetic and different. Happy half hour was one of 3 activities that I used.

[The exercise] helped to create a visually interesting room, and some intrigue!

I adapted the activity slightly to fit the needs of my group; I said that I would be asking them to make a cocktail of themselves …

My participants started the activity quite cautiously – I think that the exercise can push some people out of their comfort zones a little, which I see as a benefit. Soon the participants really got into the swing of the activity and created some fantastic cocktails.

The teams’ cocktails are now displayed for all to see and act as a visual reminder of the day and the outcomes.

The activity was a great success, allowing participants to reveal information about themselves and learn more about each other. It was fun, creative and energetic but also has potential to allow for more serious outcomes. It is also easy to adapt for different objectives. I’m already thinking of different ways to use the activity and more courses to use it in.

I would definitely recommend this activity to fellow trainers.