feedback · Feedback, Team Building · 15–20 min · 5-40 people · medium energy

Mingle - Structured Feedback

This activity provides a structured way for participants to give and receive one-way feedback using pre-defined sentence stems. It promotes vulnerability and builds trust through ritualized communication.

When to use Mingle - Structured Feedback

Use when the group needs to practice giving and receiving feedback in a safe and structured environment.

What it solves

Difficulty in providing constructive feedback and fear of negative reactions.

How to run Mingle - Structured Feedback, step by step

  1. Explain the purpose and structure of the activity, emphasizing the one-way communication rule. (5 minutes)
  2. Provide sentence stems for both the giver and receiver of feedback (e.g., 'The inner beauty I see in you is...' / 'Thank you for noticing.'). Write these on newsprint. (2 minutes)
  3. Rehearse the sentence stems with the whole group. (3 minutes)
  4. Define the physical boundaries for the mingle. (1 minute)
  5. Start the mingle and instruct participants to find a partner and take turns giving and receiving feedback. (5 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Newsprint or whiteboard
  • Markers

Facilitator tips

  • Create a safe and supportive environment.
  • Emphasize the importance of non-verbal communication.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants engaging in conversations instead of following the structure.
  • Remind participants of the one-way communication rule.

Variations

  • Use different sentence stems that are more relevant to the group's context.

Running it online or hybrid

Requires careful setup and potentially smaller groups in breakout rooms to ensure safety and structure.

What it produces

Increased comfort and skill in giving and receiving feedback.

Origin

Adapted from Training for Change — source

Build a session around Mingle - Structured Feedback

METODIC places Mingle - Structured Feedback inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Mingle - Structured Feedback · Try METODIC free