You

• Number of Participants: 4-20
• Age Level: Any
• Source: Traditional Theatre Game
• Uses: Group cohesion; especially good as an exercise to close a session

Everyone stands in a circle. One person quietly says the word "You" to someone else in the circle; that person then says "You" to someone else, etc. Each time it is said, the delivery of the word, the energy, the volume, and the gestures, must get bigger and bigger.

Finally, the game will come to a point where the person who has received the "You" feels as though he can not get any bigger, and so that person then says "You" a little bit softer and smaller. The volume, energy, and gestures decrease, until finally the word is merely whispered, then mouthed, and then becomes only eye contact. Eventually it gets "lost" in the middle of the circle, and everyone is left making eye contact with each other.

I frequently use this game as a way of ending a workshop or class. It provides a sense of ritual and affirmation, and the participants leave feeling as though they have a connection with each other.