The Phone Checker

Half the room is somewhere else, glancing at screens under the table. It's rarely defiance, it's competing demands winning the moment. Reset presence with a light ritual instead of a lecture.

Say this — right now

Let's do a quick phone stack - everyone put phones in center, first to grab pays for coffee.

Word for word is fine. The room won't know.

Work the move

01Make phone stack into a game
02Schedule explicit "check your phone" breaks
03Address importance of presence at start
04Increase activity engagement level

Next time —

Establish device-free zones/times upfront

Still in your hand

The Dominator

One person monopolizing discussion

The Silent One

Participant hasn't spoken

The Naysayer

Constant negative pushback

Plan your next workshop

AI-powered planning, 350+ exercises, and live facilitation tools — all in one platform.

How the cards work

Recognize the moment

Each card is triggered by a specific challenge you're watching unfold in the room — a silence, a dominator, a stalled decision.

Pull the move

Each card gives you an exact phrase to say, plus detailed tips and a prevention strategy for next time.

Take action

Use the quick response on the spot, or choose an alternative that fits your room. Back on track in seconds.