Game Show Makeovers

A lot of people resolve to make changes in the new year; to try a new hobby, to get more active, to put more effort into their appearance, etc. It's a time for renewal and reevaluation, reflecting on what works and what doesn't and then adjusting accordingly for the future.

Game shows shouldn't escape the resolution revolution--here are ways that you can refresh your existing game shows:

New Game Skins: Sometimes we all need a bit of a makeover. You can put a fresh "skin" on your game board, revamping the look. This can either be an arbitrary design (maybe you'd like a game show with a more retro or more modern feel, for instance) or you can use your game show to further your company's brand--incorporating your logo and company colors into the game board. (To see more about customizing game boards, go here.)


Try a Different Game Show: Most trainers I speak with use the Categories or Jeopardy-style game in their training most often. This is excellent if they have a lot of information that they want to review quickly with a straightforward question-and-answer format. However, different game show formats suit different purposes. Try Tic-Tac-Toe for brainstorming, Classroom Feud for processes and procedures, or Final answer to utilize different resources (i.e. subject matter experts can be "lifelines").

Transform Your Game Show: You don't have to play a game show the existing way or in the existing format. For instance, we've found that using the Tic-Tac-Toe board as a Hollywood Squares-style game show is incredibly effective for teaching information. Because the "expert" is on the spot--and trainees only have to agree or disagree with *their* answer, it gives attendees with little idea of the content a good introduction and base of knowledge.

Add Variety in Existing Game Play: Game shows are ultimately a flexible tool. Change the rules to suit how you want to play. For instance, one of the best examples of modified game play we've seen deals with the training materials themselves. Contestants in the game show were allowed to look up answers in their training manuals and resource books, because in that case knowing *where* to find the answers when they needed them was as important as knowing them right off the top of their head. Playing the game show this way allowed for participants to develop a deep familiarity with the materials that they carried back on the job.

These aren't the only examples, of course, of how to give your game show a makeover--both visually and through the rules and game play. Game show templates offer enough flexibility for you to play them exactly how you NEED to play them to achieve your training goals.