Communication is Key
Great communication is the most important tool in your kit when in an escape room. Without it, a fun and successful escape room experience can quickly shift in the opposite direction. Here are some helpful tips that can make anyone a great communicator.
Active Listening
If you encounter a conflict or miscommunication with your teammates, it’s important to practice active listening. This is accomplished by listening to the other person in an effort to understand, not in an effort to reply. Think about what they’re saying to you first, and make sure you understand where they are coming from. It can be easy to fire back with a quick response before carefully considering what’s being said; fight that urge and make sure they get a chance to fully speak their mind. For example, if your teammate starts to tell you they have a key in their possession, make sure they finish explaining what they have first. Your first reaction may be: “We don’t have any locks that need keys, so forget about that.” Instead, try this: “I’m not sure if that key will help us open anything, but go on. Do you think it could help us in another way?” See the difference?
Agree To Disagree
It can be easy to think that your way is the best way when solving a puzzle. Make sure that you are listening to your teammate’s ideas first, and avoid getting tunnel vision. If your idea hasn’t produced results, it’s time to pivot. Let someone else take the wheel, and give them your full support, even if you don’t agree with the path they’ve chosen. Always remember, success is found as a team, and communication is the key!