Sweet Stories

Everyone in the group is handed a sweet (such as Skittles, M&Ms etc) they are then required to share a story about themselves based on a colour code linked to their sweet colour.

Materials required:

A large bag of M&Ms, Skittles, Smarties or other coloured sweets

How to Run:

1. Have each person in the group take one sweet or candy piece.
2. Instruct them not to eat it just yet.
3. Explain that they will need to take it in turns to share with the group a story based on the following colour code:

• Blue = a time when you felt very proud
• Green = someone you respect and why
• Yellow = a reason why you want to be here, what are you are hoping to achieve?
• Brown = an embarrassing moment
• Orange = a time when you failed, and what you took away from the experience?
• Red = a funny thing that happened to you
• Purple = a time when you felt scared

4. Once they have told their story, they can then eat the sweet.

Variation for Large Groups:

Divide larger groups (more than 12) into smaller sub-teams (3-5 members) and get them to share their stories with each other. Allow enough time to share their stories from one or more colours. Once everyone has had an opportunity to share their story, have them select the best story to share with the rest of the group.

Debrief Questions:

• Why is it important for us to know more about each other?
• Was it easy or difficult to share information about yourself with others?
• How can we use this information to others?

Tips for Success:

• Give individuals a few minutes to reflect on the question and to think of something before sharing.
• Change the questions to suit your organisation, workplace or project.
• Change the stories from ‘the most’ to whatever you feel will allow the group to feel at ease and eliminate pressure.
• Specify a set time limit for each story (e.g. 60 seconds max) so no one talks for too long and you lose the interest of the group.
• Print the story colour code, so your group can easily match their coloured sweet to the story they need to share.