First-Using

Moderator: Roland Baeslach (baeslro@keybank.com)
Sometimes a funny story or game can be used to make a point, illustrate/provide an example, break a mood (lighten up a conversation).
The funny story, or game distracts the mind, and opens it up to learn something. You could tell someone the facts either verbally, or in a powerpoint, but that can be ignored or not sink in. The funny story or game is used and the point is made quite clearly.

Techniques That We've Used

The first one: Chicken and Pig Cartoon/Joke
Using a random # generator (electronic dice) for timing discussions (1-6 minutes). Or using the dice to randomly pick the high/low value for sizing ()
Use a smoke ring gun (zerotoys.com) when someone on the team is 'blowing smoke'
Other props?
Using stories or examples that make a point (dilbert, implementingscrum.com)
Using fun games -
(The XP Game) that teach agile or xp/scrum topics. (three teams games).
Using icebreakers to build team spirit or to get a team to know/find out about each other. (build a personal 'crest', two truths and a lie)

Things to watch out for:
Jokes aren't always funning for everyone. Avoid those that put a person in a bad light (male/female, religion, politics).
Sometimes people don't like being called they are a 'pig'