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Activity Ideas 17 Jun 25 0 Comments

4 Crowd-Pleasing Games That Actually Work in Formal Settings

By
Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

Engage Formal Groups without Awkward Moments

So, you’ve got a formal setting – people dressed up, perhaps holding a drink, maybe seated in an auditorium – and you’ve been asked to run a few games, energisers, or icebreakers.

Sounds a bit daunting, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re standing before a corporate crowd at a conference, mingling at a cocktail party, or facing a group of unfamiliar faces in a cold, quiet room, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through four of my favourite group activities that work brilliantly in formal settings.

They’re simple, fun, and most importantly, they work—no matter how stiff the room might seem.

Oh, and they require little to no equipment.

Why Play Group Games in Formal Settings?

You might be wondering: can you really run games in a formal setting?

The answer is yes – and you should.

The key is connection.

No matter how formal the setting, a little laughter, energy, and interaction can go a long way.

These games aren’t just about fun (although they are plenty of that.)

They’re about creating shared moments that break tension, spark conversation, and connect people – without anyone feeling awkward or put on the spot.

Group Activities That Actually Work in Formal Settings

Ready to dive in?

Here are four go-to activities that have never failed me in the most formal of environments.

#1 Story of Your Name

This one works whether people are seated, standing, or holding a drink.

It’s as simple as it is powerful.

People are fascinated by names – how they came to be, where they came from, and what stories sit behind them.

For example, my full name is Mark Alan Collard. But the name “Collard” was actually a mistake.

Three generations ago, on an official form, my great-grandfather’s surname “Callard” was misread, and the first ‘A’ was mistaken for an ‘O.’

From that point forward, our family name became Collard – and that’s the name that stuck.

To run this activity, simply share your own name story and then invite others to do the same.

Some will know a full story, others might not—and that’s okay.

I even give permission for folks to be creative and make it up!

The key here is interaction and energy.

This activity always builds energy in a room, and you can never have too much of that, especially in a formal setting.

#2 Mr & Mrs Wright

Another favourite, and perfect if your group is seated or standing.

You can even just play the video directly for your group.

Here’s how it works: you read aloud a short story about Mr & Mrs Wright.

Every time participants hear the word “right,” they lean or step to the right.

Every time they hear “left,” they lean or step to the left.

It’s a surprisingly engaging game, considering its simplicity.

The story takes about 90 seconds, and the movements are subtle enough that they don’t disturb the formality of the setting – but they absolutely energise the room.

#3 Paradigm Shift

This one is great during breaks – like morning tea, when people are milling about.

I ask people to use their pointer finger and trace a clock face above themselves =- 12, 3, 6, 9, and so on, in a clockwise direction.

Then, I have them slowly bring their rotating finger below their chin while continuing the motion.

Here’s the twist: at a certain point, their finger appears to be moving in the opposite direction – anti-clockwise.

The first time people see it, they’re amazed.

It’s a small brain break, a bit of fun – but also a powerful metaphor.

Nothing changed but your perspective.

That’s the kind of deeper connection you can make in a very lighthearted way.

And if you’re struggling to link it to your session’s theme – ask me in the comments. WWMD? What would Mark do?

#4 Gotcha

This is hands-down one of the most fun and energising group activities I’ve ever used – even in very formal settings.

Here’s how it works: ask everyone to hold one hand flat like a tray.

Then, with their other hand, place a finger into the palm of the person next to them.

On your cue, “GO!” Everyone tries to catch the finger in their palm while also pulling their own finger out before it’s caught.

Chaos and shrieks of laughter ensue!

It’s quick, it’s energetic, and it always gets people smiling.

You can repeat it with left hands, right hands, or form different groupings to keep it fresh.

Free eBook:
Top Ten Icebreakers & Group Games

Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.

Bonus: More Games That Work in Professional Settings

If you enjoyed these playful yet professional activities, here are some articles filled with group games and ideas that are perfect for meetings, training rooms, and other formal settings – I think you’ll love them too:

Office Team-Building Activities    Team-Building Activities for Meetings    Two Quick & Easy Icebreakers for Meetings

Final Thoughts

So, what stood out to you most?

Which of these four activities could you imagine using at your next formal event?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Or if you’ve got an upcoming board meeting, seminar, or cocktail event and you’re not sure how to inject some energy – describe the situation and let’s WWMD it together.

Thanks for reading – and as always, have fun out there.

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Original post June 2025, last updated June 2025.

By - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

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