Benefits

Talking Drums creates a powerful team spirit and has the following benefits:

• Breaks through barriers of age, gender, culture, language, and race
• Every individual is equally important, whether management or employee – can help break down hierarchical barriers
• Stimulates and awakens all the senses – ideal for energising weary conference attendees
• No limit on numbers, effective for any number of participants from 6 – 2,000 or more
• Can be used as a metaphor to tie in with event specific messages, themes and learning points
• Flexible – all activities can be geared to specific events, so that events are bespoke rather than "off the shelf"
• The event can take place anywhere… business premises, conference centres, external venues etc.
• Increases awareness of others - participants positively listen and respond to each other
• Enhances focus, clarity of thinking and receptiveness to outside influences
• Individuals feel the power and benefit of a group and can take a leading or supportive role
• The result is immediate - participants experience the positive and inspiring effect instantly, building confidence and team cohesiveness
• Highlights the importance of dynamics within a group
• Inspirational, entertaining, highly motivating, and stress relieving
• Highlights the place of individuality within a group - there is no right or wrong way to participate - whilst at the same time emphasising the power and significance of a team
• Participants feel exhilarated by the energy of the group
• Initial scepticism is quickly dissipated and replaced by enthusiasm – great metaphor for embracing change and being open to new ideas
• No previous experience of playing drums is required

Synergy – sessions build an immediate synergy within a group that can normally take a long time to develop. They are non-competitive, and with everyone making music in union and unison barriers are quickly broken down, and in a short time a bonding connection is created. The fun shared experience helps to develop a cohesive group in which everyone is at the same time equal and essential in creating the rhythm. Making music in a group is a perfect metaphor for working as a team.

Easy – anyone can make a sound with a drum or percussion instrument, and, with facilitation, everyone can play a simple rhythm, (for example "We Will Rock You" or the "Football Clap" performed at football matches around the country), so with relatively little effort and time a group of completely inexperienced players can sound like a powerful tribal drum group.

Rhythm – making music empowers a team to do things they never would have thought possible, bringing unity to a group whilst bringing out its humanity. Rhythm is the foundation of language and communication – the world moves in rhythm, and it is at the core of all life. Rhythm is inherent in everyone, yet people rarely have the chance to express it individually or collectively. Talking Drums gives individuals a powerful, enthralling and highly energising opportunity to do just that.

Concentration – music helps tune in the mind, enabling full concentration and attention. As an ice breaker at the start of a conference Talking Drums enables delegates to forget their current concerns and anxieties, enhancing their ability to focus on the ensuing programme. A quick burst of activity and rhythm between speakers or presentations can help individuals to re-focus, whilst at the same time invigorating and enthusing them, creating a more positive attitude towards the content of the conference or event. After meals or breaks during the day Talking Drums activities are perfect for bringing everyone back together and stimulating them ready for the next presentation.

Enjoyment – making music in a group is highly enjoyable, entertaining, and perfect for generating a positive team spirit, enhancing confidence, camaraderie and self-esteem. Talking Drums is not just impressive – it enables groups and individuals to impress themselves with their collective creativity and intrinsic ability.